Barbara Keith - Barbara Keith [1972] (CD)

All Music Guide

Although her band the Stone Coyotes would give Barbara Keith a second career, she was largely overlooked by the public when this album was released in 1972. She has always been an influence on other musicians, however, with her songs being covered by artists such as Barbara Streisand, Delaney Bonnie, Valerie Carter, and Neal Casal. This album showcases her versions of many of those songs, and they easily hold their own. With a voice and writing style steeped in folk, blues, and country, her songs have an earthy, timeless quality. Along with the nine originals, there is an excellent take on "All Along the Watchtower." Though there have been countless versions of this song by countless artists, Keith manages to make it sound funky and vital, thanks in no small part to the skilled musicians featured. If you can track it down, this a valuable addition to any collection of singer/songwriter albums.

- Rob Caldwell, All Music Guide