Sandra Bishop

"Tap Root Manuscript" is the sixth studio album by Neil Diamond, released in 1970. It was one of the most experimental albums he ever recorded, featuring prominent African sounds and instruments. The album ended up being a commercial success, with a string of top 40 hits. This album predates many Western artists' interest in world music by more than a decade, from Peter Gabriel's 1980's solo albums, to My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (David Byrne with Brian Eno) in 1981, to the Graceland album recorded by Paul Simon in 1986. It was one of the most novel experimental recording projects of its time, and the Uni label initially was not sure whether it would be commercially viable.

"Hooked!" showcases Woodward's engaging, expressive vocals and witty, insightful songwriting on such memorable originals as "He Got Away," "Purple Heart," and "Slow Recovery." Another highlight is "Another Woman," especially written for Lucy by admirer Nellie McKay, who lends her harmony vocals to the track. Woodward's gifts as an interpreter of outside material are showcased on her readings of such vintage tunes as the obscure Peggy Lee number "Sans Souci," Hoagy Carmichael's 1930s pop standard "Stardust" and "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)," originally sung by Louis Prima in Disney's The Jungle Book.