In 1995, seven Grammy nominations hinted that Joan Osborne had a gift to take her above and beyond a decade plagued with bubblegum pop fluff. Now, although Osborne has not had a major hit since "One Of Us," she proves that she really doesn't need it -- the music speaks for itself.

On "How Sweet It Is," Osborne showcases an ability to handle a wide array of cover songs, which makes one wonder why she didn't stay in the public light longer then some of today's pop has-beens that can't seem to sing their way out of a wet paper bag.

Some of the stand out tracks include: "Think" (originally performed by Aretha Franklin in 1980's "The Blues Brothers"). This version, a more laid back version of the hyped up original is done with an elegance and beauty, taking the song and adding her own page to a chapter written by one of soul's greatest. In "Smiling Faces Sometimes," Osborne is joined by Issac Hayes, and the result is a magic blend of her majestic voice over Hayes unmistakable growl. The most surprising track is a laid back version of Edwin Starr's "War" -- the original met with such intensity and demeanor, whereas this version spotlights the actual 'meaning of the words' over a healthy bed of down home jazz. Osborne also makes a mark tackling Jimi Hendrix's "Axis: As Bold As Love" and The Band's "The Weight" (which a few years back was also covered by blues artist Shannon Curfman).

Overall this is a wonderful CD, one that takes you back to the past, with a nice hint of the present. Joan Osborne may not have reached the super star status of some of today's pop icons, but by the sounds of this CD, it doesn't matter -- she's got the world by her hands, and is certainly tasting "How Sweet It Is."

-- Brian Cohen ("Are You Blues" Founder)

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