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Pat Benatar - Innamorata Audio CD

A fair review of the Pat Benatar "Innamorata" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Pat Benatar reviews here, or go back to the Pat Benatar tabs.

Pat Benatar Band: Pat Benatar
Title: Innamorata
Rating:
Release Date: 1997-06-03
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Guitar Intro 2: Only You 3: River of Love 4: I Don't Want to Be Your Friend 5: Strawberry Wine 6: Purgatory 7: Papa's Roses 8: At This Time 9: Dirty Little Secrets 10: Angry 11: In These Times 12: Innamorata 13: Gina's Song

Overlooked
Honest. Pat Benatar's 'Innamorata' was released about 12 years ago and is one of the better disks I have in my collection.

The title is Italian and translates into 'sweetheart' or 'soulmate', but I can't say that all of these songs would fit into that category. Pat can still sing angry when she has to.

I will say that it is some of Benatar's strongest work. Yeah, I like(d) the '80s stuff and it was fun and seemingly it helped define the decade for female artists, but it had a certain shelf-life - not that there aren't songs I still listen to.

But 'Innamorata' was her first disk not on a major label and she and husband/producer Neil Giraldo had more freedom to write and record what they wanted - and it works. The songs are strong, the production is too and Benatar's voice has never been stronger. I think independence agreed with them.

I'm a huge fan of the songs here, especially "In These Times", "Only You", "Strawberry Wine", "I Don't Want to be Your Friend" and "At this Time". Don't get me wrong, the rest of the stuff is fine too, but these listed are the ones that got space on the iPod. Since that device holds a finite number of songs, I had to pick and choose carefully.

Like many of my reviews, the album underperformed at radio and sales levels. I always seem to pick and root for the underdog, but I've never really been a fan of stuff that is too mainstream. One issue with being a known name on an independent label is that most people assume it is a last grasp effort and if the product were any good, a major would still have you signed. Phooey.

I would suggest you at least sample some of her 'Innamorata' work on iTunes, amazon or the like. You might be surprised.


Pat back at her best
As many singers get older their voice deteriorates. I'm kicking myself I hadn't bought this album sooner. Not Pat Benatar, if anything she's gained more control and the song Papa's roses demonstrates what a superb voice she has. Songs like Angry are on par with big hits like Invincible. Definitly a better album than Gravity's Rainbow and the more recent Go.


Pat's Passion


Neil Giraldo (guitarist/husband/producer) & Pat both manage to draw together a focused record based in folk, latin, rock, & soul textures. I'll start off by saying that if you are a fan of the eclectic Pat, Pat who did albums such as "Tropico", "Seven the Hard Way", & even "True Love", this record is for you. "Innamorata" is a winner & finds Pat secure in her lyrics & voice.

Thematically, this is probably the most unified album Pat has done in quite sometime. Many of the songs deal with relationships, going through the phases of intense affection & then dissatisfaction. But, unlike the meandeing anger of "Innamorata's" follow-up 2003's "Go!", there is an world weary experience to the songs here. As if Pat put her own relationship struggles into these songs, which brings them across as genuine & passionate, rather than tired & done.

Soundwise, many of the songs are based within mid-tempo or ballad settings ("Papa's Roses"), or can pick up the pace & surprise a listener by rocking out ("Strawberry Wine", "River of Love"). Many of these mix in the folk & latin textures I spoke of very well, keeping them subtle, but close enough to the surface of the song to add flavor.

Vocally, Pat proves again why her monicker as just a "rock singer" pigeonholes her talent. This woman's voice is full of passion & conviction, sporting a control (over pitch) rarely seen.

Overall, a much more solid effort than 1993's "Gravity's Rainbow" & (as stated) 2003's misfire "Go!". Neil & Pat sound fresh here & manage to maintain why they have crafted such timeless music since 1979.

Highly recommended! .


One of Pat's BEST
Yes that is right 4. I got my first Pat Benatar album at the age of 4. The album was "Get Nervous" when I got older, I purchased the albums prior. Needless to say, I own all of her albums and "Innamorata" is one of my favorites. It has been a constant in my CD player since its release. Pat's vocals are as other reviewers have mentioned in tip top form. She can sing any genre of music and still sounds great!! I for one enjoyed her "True Love" album. Yes, as one reviewer mentioned she would sound good singing country as well. She sang on CMT's crossroads a few years back with Martina McBride and they sang each others songs. I would buy Pat's album even if she went country. She has the type of voice that is good as I mentioned for any genre of music. Anyway. . . . . If you haven't purchased "Innamorata" yet. Do so. You will not be disappointed!!!! .


This album is fantastic
This album is fantastic. I'm just putting in a review to add a 5 star rating.


You can see a complete list of all Pat Benatar discography, or go back to the Pat Benatar tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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