A prevailing theme that can be pinpointed in Joan's work, whether in her guitar playing or songwriting, is fierce independence. "I've always been on my own; I'll do it myself," crops up again and again in … the lyrics of her songs. (p. 30)

Patricia Ann Brody, "Joan Armatrading: Breaking through as a Guitarist-Singer," in Guitar Player (© 1978 by GPI Publications; Cupertino, CA; reprinted by permission), Vol. 12, No. 4, April, 1978, pp. 30, 92, 94, 96-7.