Simple but likeable

Your Little Secret
Melissa Etheridge
Island through Polygram
Reviewed by Jen Power Your Little Secret is singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge's fifth album. The music is straight forward rock and roll. Her fans expect Etheridge to provide her familiar blend of classic rock rhythms and melodic lead guitar, and this album is no exception. In 1995, Etheridge sang "Piece of My Heart" during Janis Joplin's posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her voice is starkly reminiscent of the harsh and raspy strains of Joplin, from whom she gains much inspiration. It is the strength and depth of her voice which drive otherwise bland, predictable lyrics. Love is the predominant theme carrying through 10 simple but likeable tracks. Etheridge lends her famous face to many campaigns in the US, including animal rights, pro-choice and AIDS charities. As a high profile defender of lesbian rights, she calls increasing lesbian visibility "the quiet revolution". Unfortunately, politics is left way behind in Etheridge's music. If you like classic commercial rock and roll, you'll like this album. If you buy it, try to get the limited edition two CD set with an extra four-track live CD.

From GLW issue 220