On this day May 12, 1986, Joan Armatrading released her twelfth studio album Sleight of Hand, further solidifying her position as one of the most distinctive singer songwriters of the era. Known for her rich voice and thoughtful songwriting, Armatrading blended pop, rock and jazz influences across an album that showcased both her musical maturity and personal introspection.
Sleight of Hand reached number 70 on the Billboard charts and featured Armatrading taking on a more hands-on approach in the studio. She produced the album herself and recorded it in her own home studio, highlighting her independence and creative control. Tracks such as Reach Out and Angel Man continued her tradition of exploring emotional themes with lyrical depth and melodic sophistication.
Though it did not reach the commercial heights of some of her earlier work, the album was praised for its artistic integrity and personal sound. Sleight of Hand remains a standout in Joan Armatrading’s discography and reflects her continued evolution as an artist in the mid 1980s.
Fun fact: Sleight of Hand was the first album Joan Armatrading recorded in her own home studio, which she built to gain full creative freedom over her music.
Sleight of Hand reached number 70 on the Billboard charts and featured Armatrading taking on a more hands-on approach in the studio. She produced the album herself and recorded it in her own home studio, highlighting her independence and creative control. Tracks such as Reach Out and Angel Man continued her tradition of exploring emotional themes with lyrical depth and melodic sophistication.
Though it did not reach the commercial heights of some of her earlier work, the album was praised for its artistic integrity and personal sound. Sleight of Hand remains a standout in Joan Armatrading’s discography and reflects her continued evolution as an artist in the mid 1980s.
Fun fact: Sleight of Hand was the first album Joan Armatrading recorded in her own home studio, which she built to gain full creative freedom over her music.
