This recording would have to be included in a short list of essential Janis Ian recordings. Ian's low key impassioned singing and exquisite guitar playing add to a sense of drama to the proceedings. For those who felt she couldn't match the music of her CBS years, the recording will change their minds. The regular CD release is good, but the gold CD is a sonic treat. The music has more of a live presence-you can actually hear the decaying notes of the guitar and piano. The songwriting collaborations are good, but the standout songs are the songs written by Ian alone.

Breaking Silence is Ian's return to recording after a 12 year hiatus, apparently. The main attraction of this album is the songwriting - just astonishing! Ian seems to have chosen to record with only two musicians, flaunting her role as a "legendary songwriter" to the music industry by featuring the songs rather than the production. By the way, this is recorded and mixed analog 16 track, with gorgeous hi fidelity - I bought it originally on the recommendation of my hi fi store, who use it to test equipment.

There's no secret as to why this album gives me strength. Janis faces the world head on, willing to take whatever consequences her speaking out bring. Highlighting the album are two songs about abuse "His hands" and the title track. I was in an auditorium when Holly Near sang this song, and there was an audible gasp as she sang the words "never hit me when they're sober, never marked my face" She goes on to tackle the legacy of the holocaust with the haunting "Tattoo". Also included is the beautiful ballad "Through the Years" (so much better than the hit by the same name). Who writes ballads more beautiful than Janis? Some of the songs are nostalgic, some are 'in your face' and some just plain erotic. A recording worth hearing over & over. Janis hits the mark again.