Yester Rock (2012- re-issue)

A Georgia born singer with powerhouse, southern bluesy hard rock pipes- Joanna Dean originally released her debut album “Misbehavin’” in 1988 on Polydor Records. Her voice resonates with a mix of Kim Carnes, Janis Joplin and Bonnie Tyler to these ears- climbing to the higher reaches on up tempo bar boogie worthy numbers like “Ready For Saturday Night” and “I Miss The Money”. When she has a moment to shine in power ballad territory with “Once Is Enough”, all facets of her personality come through- tenderness and toughness – as the guest guitar solo from Larry Crane dips deeper into classic southern rock jam propulsion.

The second half of the album has more of a California hard rock sheen, where the choruses are commercially viable and pumped up higher in the mix- “Dirty Fingers” and “She’s Been Hearing About Me” are the two clearest examples. The album closes with her interpretation of The Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter”- another chance for the quartet as musicians to flex a little bit of their musical knowledge with some killer blues harp from Fingers Taylor. 

This record is another that probably got lost in the shuffle while Poison and Bon Jovi sold to millions of teenagers across the globe- but if you want a chance to hear a female singer that can belt out southern hard rock like very few in this business, then Joanna Dean is your ideal woman to carry these songs home. A second chance to make a mighty impression, “Misbehavin’” receives resounding cheers from this journalist.

www.yesterrock.com

Rating: 4.5 / 6

Composedby Matt Coe