How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean is the latest embellishment in a catalog that opened in 1972 with Whatever's For Us. That album launched the distinguished career that has led to MBE and CBE decorations, Ivor Novello and BASCA Gold Badge Awards for songwriting, BRIT and Grammy nominations, countless honorary degrees and far more. As usual in her recent history, the new record is a triumph of self-sufficiency, entirely written, produced, programed and engineered by Joan herself. The 12-track set will rapidly be recognized by Armatrading's legions of devotees and new fans alike as a songwriting and recording masterclass. On a bed of melodies and arrangements that are by turns immediate and subtle, it weaves a lyrical tapestry that touches on both individual and universal themes with her trademark dexterity and easy charm, not to mention two showstopping instrumentals.
Release date:
January 10, 2025
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Jay Som Belong (White)
Polyvinyl Records
October 10, 2025 -
Jerskin Fendrix Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire [2xLP]
Untitled (Recs)
October 10, 2025 -
Creem Circus Get. Switched. On!
Creep Records
September 19, 2025 -
Olivia Rodrigo Live From Glastonbury _ A BBC Recording (Light Blue/Cobalt) [2xLP]
Geffen
December 5, 2025 -
Feeder Comfort In Sound 2025 (Transparent Blue Curacao)
Bmg
September 12, 2025 -
Raekwon THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES OCEAN CRANFIRE
Corey Woods p/k/a "Raekwon"
September 19, 2025 -
Ludovico Einaudi & Leo Einaudi Einaudi V Einaudi
Decca UK
October 24, 2025 -
Carter Faith Cherry Valley [2xLP]
Mca Nashville
October 3, 2025 -
TAPE TRASH EDEN (Evergreen Opaque)
Tiny Engines
October 31, 2025 -
Jack Garratt Pillars (Marbled Grass)
Cooking Vinyl
September 12, 2025 -
Rhys Fulber Memory Impulse Autonomy
Artoffact Records
September 12, 2025 -
Alison Wonderland GHost World (Glow-In-The-Dark)
Casablanca/Republic Records
October 3, 2025 -
Cardi B AM I THE DRAMA? (Apple)
Atlantic
September 19, 2025 -
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Perimenopop
Republic Records
September 12, 2025