While 1995's Relish proved Joan Osborne was a smart and idiosyncratic lyricist with a big, strong and soulful voice, the unexpected success of the album (and the single "One Of Us") proved to be as much of a burden as a blessing. Touring kept Osborne out on the road for the next few years, and troubles with her record company prevented her follow-up, Righteous Love, from arriving in stores until 2000, after which it died quickly on the vine (though the album deserved a better fate). As {$Osb...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

Joan Osborne's "One of Us" was her one and only hit back in 1995, and it gave her near-mythical status though it misrepresented her talent as a singer. Osborne is a soul singer and a blues singer. She has performed with everyone from the Funk Brothers to the Grateful Dead. She's also released very few recordings. And seeing her name on anything gets the listener's hopes up. In this case, they are dashed, as One of Us is a compilation of tracks from her debut album, Relish, and 20...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18

"Relish" can be a sharp, bittersweet condiment; it can also suggest a determined gusto to live to the fullest. Combined, these two images provide a good taste of Joan Osborne's major-label debut (the live Soul Show was self-released in 1992). Grounded in blues, soul and gospel, the Kentucky native wields her gritty voice with personality and forceful presence, kind of Melissa Etheridge meets Sophie B. Hawkins with a splash of Jann Arden. Osborne's passion for life oozes from the grooves. ...   [ read more ]

CD $13.25