annie lennox has shown she can be quite a rock singer, too. things like In This Town, Would I Like To You, Sexcrime, Wide Eyed Girl, Belinda, Heartbeat Heartbeat. she's incredibly diverse as a singer.

oh, and missionary man!!!!
[Edited 5/13/05 21:43pm]

joan jett
patti smith
debbie harry
ronnie spector
tina turner
courtney love
darcy (darby? d'arcy? - the lead singer of the distillers)
janis joplin
siouxsie sioux
ann wilson
chrissie hynde


i could list more, but these are women whose voices i think of when i think of 'rock' - there are other pop female vocalists i admire, but these ladies weren't/aren't afraid to let it get a little loud and ugly, and that's rock'n'roll.

Grace Slick

Grace Slick

Anxiety said:

Here's why:

Comebacks should have no guidelines. Like many of their 70s brethren, Blondie released a comeback album in the 90s, 1999's No Exit. Although that album showed flashes of brilliance, it was inconsistent and did not break new ground for the band. Rumors of a new album flourished from early 2001 on, but as time passed, hope dissipated for the return of one of the most influential and entertaining bands of the 70s. It appeared as if the well had run dry. That is why The Curse of Blondie comes as such a shocking and welcome surprise.

Released late in 2003, The Curse of Blondie sees the band reach familiar creative heights. A thoroughly enjoyable and effortlessly melodic album, Blondie delivers their most eclectic and interesting record yet.

Opening things up is the quirky "Shakedown," complete with a raunchy, comical rap and some bizarre lyrics. But while a bit unnerving lyrically, the music cuts much deeper than similarly off-kilter tracks from No Exit. Next is the lead single, "Good Boys," a dance floor smash that rivals the grooves of any of Blondie's disco hits, with competing guitar and vocal melodies intertwining beautifully and memorably. This is easily among their greatest singles released.

Following the gloriously catchy "Good Boys" comes the equally successful "Undone," a roaring smash with passionate lyrics and a soaring melody. This is what pop-rock should be. The highlight of the album follows, the raucous and emotionally charged "Golden Rod." "Golden Rod" is a classic Blondie song: mysterious and enchanting, powerful and melodic. Perhaps a triumph over former drug addiction, the symbolism is nothing short of guttural. It will make your hair stand on end.

After the emotional high of "Golden Rod," Blondie wisely eases down with the light-hearted, lush "Rules for Living" and "Background Melody." But as soon as the listener starts to grow comfortable, Blondie turns up the weirdness several notches with the Eastern-tinged "Magic." "I am looking for the magic in the places I remember it to be" chants Debbie. Mission accomplished on this song and the entire album.

"End to End" reveals that Blondie can still produce an anthemic rocker, while "Hello Joe" is an intimate, almost clandestine treat. What follows is another highlight of not only the album, but of Blondie's entire career. The aptly named "The Tingler" is nothing short of a masterpiece. As near to the sonic equivalent to a whimsical tornado as possible, "The Tingler" touches countless nerves with its teasing synth flourishes.

Having again a musical zenith with "The Tingler", Blondie returns with the more traditional rocker "The Last One in the World" before unleashing another epic opus, the super-mysterious "Diamond Bridge." Built on a seductive, sly guitar hook, "Diamond Bridge" slowly builds in its paranoia and intensity. Whether it be aging, death or some other subject, the song stands as yet another Blondie classic.

Rather than ease down again, the album takes another turn toward the bizarre, with "Desire Brings Me Back" resulting in what is likely the most unconventional song in the band's repertoire. Tribal beats and a truly psychotic procession of nearly cacophonous horns coupled with Debbie's mystic lyrics make this a jarring treat. The horn line fades and leads into the closing ballad, "Songs of Love." Never has a Blondie ballad been as tender as this confession of love and loyalty. It is a classy, soothing closer to an amazingly diverse album.

Those familiar with Blondie's albums will cheer this return to form: not so much in sound but in ethos. The Curse of Blondie is the first album Debbie has released in 2 decades that truly looks forward. Wonderfully executed, it is perhaps their best album and a welcome addition to Blondie's rich catalog.

Rolling Stone needs you.

- Lucinda Williams (country-rock)

Riverpoet31 said:

Lucinda is fucking amazing.... I definitely would list her among the best rock vocalists, period.

heartbeatocean said:

I love when she dissed Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones for touring.....She asked to be shot if she is an old hag still up on stage...