Description
Judy is the debut album by the British singer and songwriter Judy MacKenzie, released on Key Records in 1970.
21-year-old British gal’s full-blown classic of late-‘60s AM folk and electric pop-rock. Some of the songs have dreamy psychedelic moods to them while others rock and swing with a hot James Brown horn section. Judy handles both approaches with equal agility while the Key label’s rough-edged garage approach provides an extra boost. She can belt out high-energy soul movers («What Does it Mean To You?», «Body And Soul») or a lively blues rocker («One Man») with conviction just as easily [as] she can allow her delicate breathy vocals to entrance the listener into smoky torch songs («What Is Love», «It’s Up To You»), enchanted folk murmurings («Soapbox Songs», «That’s How it Is») or a surreal acappella number («Standing Alone»). Judy authored most of the songs, plus there are a couple written by Nigel Robeson who also arranged the album and contributes guitar, piano and organ. Positively groovin’, amen and amen! [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
This is the 1970 debut album from a singer who at the time was one of the most popular Christian singers in the UK. The ’70s hadn’t really started at this point so a lot of the sounds and arrangements are still anchored in the ’60s and the pop music of the day. The groovy horn parts and arrangements on «What Does It Mean To You», «Body And Soul» or «New Song» work effectively in a style that wouldn’t be out of place on a Dusty Springfield record of the era. Then there is the folky arrangements on «It’s Not As Though» or the gorgeous «Sally Brown» which point in the direction of Judy’s second album. I rather like the bluesy-ness of «One Man» and the simplicity of «Standing Alone» where you get to appreciate the versatility and beauty of Judy’s appealing voice. This is obviously an album very much of its time but in an era of choral, organ and hymn releases you cannot underestimate how adventurous this debut album sounded. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, January 2009]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “New Song”
A2. “Soapbox Song”
A3. “What Does It Mean To You?”
A4. “That’s How It Is”
A5. “Body And Soul”
A6. “It’s Not As Though”
Side Two
B1. “Sally Brown”
B2. “Peter”
B3. “What Is Love”
B4. “One Man”
B5. “Standing Alone”
B6. “It’s Up To You”
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