Janet Robin
Everything Has Changed
Guitar Goddess Magazine Album Review Jan. 2010
On L.A. singer/songwriter Janet Robin’s newest release, “Everything Has Changed,” she touches
on a wide array of emotions including; self-defiance, pride, vulnerability, love, and missed chances.
At the heart of “Everything” is Ms. Robin’s songwriting and guitar playing. Playing a wide range of
guitars and playing styles, Ms. Robin’s musicianship is the centerpiece of the album.
The opening “View From Above” is a soaring but controlled proclamation of pride and taking things
head on, come what may. “Wanna see me rise, wanna see me fall, I can tell you right now I can
handle it all.” But Ms. Robin’s guitar playing is not the only strong musical performance on this
album. Drummer Jerry Roe plays a tight and consistent beat that drives “Bow And Arrow,” a tune
about a missed chance at love.
On the short, bluesy ballad, “Bruise Easily,”
Ms. Robin explores the fear of taking chances
and being hurt. This track is a highlight of the
album featuring only Ms. Robin’s voice and her
sensational acoustic guitar work. The title track,
“Everything Has Changed,” is not the best song
on here musically, but lyrically, Ms. Robin hits
cut to the bone about the reality of lovers falling
in and out of love and just who’s fault it is.
The moody and fun “Everyone Falls In Love In
Prague” is my favorite track. It’s my favorite
because Ms. Robin’s classical guitar playing
transports us to “Old Times Square” and she
creates a powerful visual image. This type
of imagery seems lacking in much of today’s
music. This track is a nice departure from the
mood and feel of the rest of the record.
Overall “Everything Has Changed” is an
extremely strong collection of songs that are
made even better by Ms. Robin’s musicianship
and eagerness to open us up to her emotions;
emotions that hit us all at some point or another.
At times, one is left wanting Ms. Robin to open
her voice up a bit and really let us have it vocally,
as she does with her playing. But this is an
extremely strong offering all the way through
and is worth picking up.
Album review in Guitar Goddess Magazine
