Ellen Foley has performed on Broadway, taught voice in New York City, starred for two years on the sitcom Night Court, appeared in a half-dozen films, and supported such artists as Ian Hunter, The Clash, Blue Oyster Cult, and Joe Jackson. Her first claim to fame was as the female vocalist on Meatloaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights.”
She has now returned with her fifth solo studio album titled Fighting Words. Many of the lyrics are personal, but the music moves in a number of directions—pop, soul, and rock. Foley has always brought a charisma and energy to her music and her new release retains those traits.
The lyrics move in several directions. “Leave Him Janie” and “This Won’t Last Forever” have political overtones and fit the protest philosophy spelled out by the title. “I’m Just Happy To Be Here,” with guest vocalist Karla DeVito, is her take on the COVID world. She returns to her late 1970s and early 1980s rock roots with “Are You Good Enough” and the previously mentioned “Leave Him Janie.” They demonstrate why she recorded with The Clash and Ian Hunter.
The album contains two covers. She gives a soulful take on Wilson Pickett’s “I Found A Love.” A highlight of the album is her dramatic rendition of Meatloaf’s “Heaven Can Wait.” She manages to match the bombastic nature of the original.
Foley’s albums have always been strong and well thought out. Fighting Words is a bit more eclectic than her previous solo albums as it strays from the hard driving rock and roll sound that dominated her previous releases.
Foley has not released many solo albums as her other interests tend to dominate her schedule. Now over 40 years into her career, she has issued an entertaining album comprised of songs that have meaning to her.