A
A few extraordinary female singer-songwriters from the 1970s helped form music as we know it today, and continue to inspire so many with their soulful melodies(旋律).
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s influence goes beyond her own generation. Her earnest songwriting continues to be a source of inspiration for many, who acknowledge her position as a pioneer of female expression in music.
The 1971 album Blue showed Joni’s truthful self, telling the stories of her experiences in life and in love. Blue was later chosen by the New York Times as one of the 25 albums that represented “turning points and the highest points in 20th-century popular music”.
Carole King
Carole King wrote or co-wrote over 118 hits between 1955 and 1999, making her the most successful female songwriter in the second half of the 20th century. However, King initially found herself less recognized than her husband and writing partner at the time, Gerry Goffin.
As the 1970s arrived, so did Carole King in full bloom. Now pursuing a solo career, 1971 saw the release (发行)of her album Tapestry. The album was highly significant, not only commercially but symbolically.
Joan Armatrading
Still in the 1970s but putting in the work on this side of the pond, Joan Armatrading became the first black British female artist to achieve international praise.
Joan’s place as a female pioneer in music continued as she became the first UK female artist to be nominated (提名)for a Grammy in the blues category, going on to receive two further nominations. An artist who is confident with who she is and what she wants to create, Armatrading famously keeps her private life to herself and lets her music do the talking.
1. What is the album Blue about?
A. Female wisdom.
B. Female creativity.
C. Joni’s musical dream.
D. Joni’s life experiences.
2. When was King’s album Tapestry available to the public?
A. In 1955. B. In 1999.
C. In 1970. D. In 1971.
3. Which of the following best describes Joan Armatrading?
A. Brave. B. Self-confident.
C. Odd. D. Unsociable.
【答案】1. D2. D3. B
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇应用文。文章主要讲述了20世纪70年代几位杰出的女歌手和作曲家。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据Joni Mitchell下面第二段部分的介绍“The 1971 album Blue showed Joni’s truthful self, telling the stories of her experiences in life and in love.(这张1971年的Blue专辑展示了Joni真实的自我，讲述了她在生活和爱情中的经历)”可知，Blue这张专辑是关于Joni的生活经历的。故选D。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据Carole King下面第二段部分的介绍“1971 saw the release (发行) of her album Tapestry.(她的专辑Tapestry在1971年发行)”可知，公众可以在1971年购买她的专辑Tapestry。故选D。
【3题详解】
推理判断题。根据Joan Armatrading下面的介绍“An artist who is confident with who she is and what she wants to create, Armatrading famously keeps her private life to herself and lets her music do the talking.(一个对自己和自己想要创造的东西充满自信的艺术家,众所周知，Armatrading从不公布她的私人生活，只让她的音乐来说话)”可知，Armatrading是一个很自信的人。故选B。
