Album Review: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Soul Of A Woman

The initial intention for Soul Of A Woman was to create a string-laden, symphonic album; something that would capture one side of Sharon Jones' artistry but wouldn't easily fit into her dynamite live shows.

When it was established that Jones' cancer had returned and that she might not have much time left, she and her band took a different direction, penning some stripped-down, rootsy songs to create a balanced portrait of a radiant performing artist.

Consequently, you'd be very much mistaken if you thought that a title like Matter Of Time was a reference to morbid despair, understandable given Jones' personal circumstances. It is, in fact, a stunningly positive rallying cry that proclaims the fight for social injustice will inevitably win. Together, Matter Of Time and Sail On! are articulate, shining visions that, like Jones' extraordinary onstage dynamism, will burn on long in the memory. So too will the morale-boosting Come And Be A Winner, which is delivered with the steadfast conviction of a wiser big sister. Soul Of A Woman is a poignant, worthy final chapter in a story of resilience and inspiration.