Marianne Faithfull – Broken English (1979)

Not an actual debut, but a re-invention.  Marianne had had a small ‘pop’ career in the late 60’s (famous as Mick jagger’s girlfriend) but then a mix of heavy drugs and poor management and by the mid-Seventies she was washed up and actually homeless, her possessions in a few carrier bags sleeping on friends floors.  But, with what might have been one last throw of the dice, she recorded this brilliant album.  Uncompromising in it’s language and viciousness, she rips through eight songs fusing rock, punk and new wave – with a fabulous band and her wonderful raspy and emotive voice.  It was an instant Masterpiece, famous as a comeback but also for the language and attitude of a sexually mature woman who is sure of herself and not afraid to attack past lovers (though none are mentioned).  She followed this with a superb career including classical opera and gentler albums and a few rockers as well.  I have seen her live a couple of times where she smokes and drinks through the show to calm her nerves.  Best tracks on this are the title track and ‘Why D’you Do It’ and the wonderful ‘Ballad of Lucy Jordan’, which she did not write but which seems to encapsulate my idea of Marianne.  A great singer, interpreter and character.