Joan Armatrading has announced her new album ‘How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean’.
The legendary British singer/songwriter will release her 13th studio LP on November 22, and the record is entirely written, produced, programmed and engineered by Joan herself.
First single ‘I’m Not Moving’ has lyrics that Joan was immediately compelled to write after witnessing some confrontational public behaviour by a young person.
Speaking about the track, she said: “He was like ‘I’m going to kill everybody! I’m not moving! You can get the police! You can’t move me!’ All the lyrics just flowed, in one, and I knew it had to have an aggression, because that’s how he was. I did a version of it that was a little bit milder, but you could tell that wasn’t it.”
‘I’m Not Moving’ is accompanied by a new video that brings Joan’s sentiment to life, with two people taking their own stands and refusing to budge… with a Hitchcock style cameo from her.
Joan – who has been photographed by Joel Anderson for the album’s artwork and promotional images – says the record’s title is a reflection on modern day society and is akin to “asking a question that you can’t answer”.
She said: “You can apply it to just about anything, ‘How did this happen and what does it now mean?’ We are in such a weird place at the moment, and you do think, how did this happen? Some of the things we’re going through, and some of the things we can say and can’t say, and can and can’t do – how on earth do we get to this place, and what does it now mean? Where are we going to go now? It applies to all kinds of things. It’s like asking a question that you can’t answer.”
The album is the latest embellishment in a catalogue that opened in 1972 with ‘Whatever’s For Us’. That LP launched the distinguished career that has led to MBE and CBE decorations, Ivor Novello and BASCA Gold Badge Awards for songwriting, BRIT and Grammy nominations, countless honorary degrees and far more.
Among modern artists who have cited Joan as an influence are Little Simz, Laura Mvula and Arlo Parks.
Joan insists the 12 tracks on the LP have observational lyrics and represent her perception of romance and relationships.
She said: “It’s observational, and yes, very direct. If there was something on there that was about me, I’d say, but there isn’t one.
‘How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean’ tracklisting:
’25 Kisses’
‘Someone Else’
‘Irresistible’
‘I’m Not Moving’
‘Say It Tomorrow’
‘Back And Forth’
‘Come Back To Me (If Only In Dreams)’
‘Here’s What I Know’
‘Redemption Love’
‘How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean’
‘Now What’
‘I Gave You My Keys’