Recording information: 1979.

Not released in the U.S. until 2007, the live recording STEPPIN' OUT captures Joan Armatrading on her 1979 world tour, poised between the critical success of her beautiful folk album SHOW SOME EMOTION and her considerably more rocking ME MYSELF I, which had yet to be released. The live set blends both approaches, and Armatrading's, powerful, nuanced vocals sound perfectly at home on percolating folk-rock numbers ("Mama Mercy"), bluesy torch songs ("Tall in the Saddle"), new wave rockers ("How Cruel"), and transcendent waltzes ("Love Song").

Dirty Linen (p.71) - "Armatrading's voice was in fine form -- powerful and emotive. Her guitar playing was rich, and the recording was superb."