Janis Ian [1978]

by William RuhlmannJanis Ian may have intended to signal a creative rebirth by using her own name as this album's title, the second time in her career she did so, but although the record was a more direct, low-key effort than its predecessor, Miracle Row, it didn't indicate any new directions. "Hotels & One-Night Stands" found the singer once again reflecting on life in the music business, while "Do You Wanna Dance?" used dancing as a metaphor for a desired romance for the umpteenth time. More extended metaphors, such as "The Bridge," were even less effective. With its piano textures and tasteful string arrangements, Janis Ian retained the artist's pretty sound, but much of the time the singer came off less confessional than merely self-involved.