The Washington Blade 
November 23, 2001 
Jamie Anderson--"Listen" 
by Kara Fox 

    Newcomers to Jamie Anderson's music may be surprised at her frankness and ability to instill humor into her lyrics, but the initiated know that these are her trademarks. Anderson's newest release, "Listen," welcomes the uninitiated into her style with ease. 

    Touring since the '80s, Anderson is infamous for her stage shows, during which she treats audiences to baton twirling and belly dancing. 

    Many of the cuts on "Listen" were recorded live, with few overdubs. The authenticity adds to Anderson's music. The feel of the CD draws listeners in, as they become Anderson's intimates. The electric slide guitar on the opening track, "(I Wanna) Drive," gives the song a blues-rock feel as Anderson sings about love. "Maybe You Miss Me" is about lost love, while the title track is Anderson's lesson about infidelity and how to make a relationship work 

    The rest of the CD really captures Anderson's flavor, with a refreshing optimism. Take, for example, Anderson's lusty tribute to potato chips: "I'm hungry with desire, oh my wanting lips/ I breathe heavy thinking of luscious potato chips/ Give me hot barbeque, crinkle or even plain/ I love to bite them, what pleasure I'll gain/ Potato Chips." (The song is the aptly titled, "Potato Chips.") "I Miss The Dog" is a Spanish-flavored country ditty. "When we broke up all I did was cry/ I miss the warmth and the soulful eyes/ My heart aches right to the core/ But it's not you I'm pining for/ I miss the dog more than I miss you," Anderson sings to an accordion and mandolin. 

    Anderson also shows her serious side with "Forever Family," a song dealing with different types of families, including a lesbian couple. "Fourteen" tackles the serious issue of gun violence and "A Love This True" is Anderson's plea to legalize same-sex marriages. 

    "Listen" is a full dose of Anderson, taking listeners on a journey from country, to harmony to rocking blues. "Listen" is a refreshing escape from the typical women's music genre and is definitely worth a listen.
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