How Sweet It Is

Released in 2002, How Sweet It Is represents a pivotal moment in Joan Osborne's career where she fully embraced her role as a premier soul interpreter. Following the massive success of her debut and the experimental follow-up Relish, this album saw her diving deep into the Great American Soul Songbook. Produced by John Holbrook and Osborne herself, the record features a stellar backing band that includes members of the Funk Brothers and Isaac Hayes' band, lending it an unimpeachable rhythmic foundation. The tracklist is a curated journey through Motown, Stax, and beyond, notably including a gender-flipped take on 'These Arms of Mine' and a surprisingly effective roots-rock reimagining of Jimi Hendrix's 'Axis: Bold as Love.' Critically, it was praised for its lack of artifice and Osborne's ability to tackle iconic material without falling into karaoke-style imitation. It solidified her reputation as an artist more interested in the lineage of American music than contemporary pop trends.