LADY OF ‘SPAIN’

Jean Rosenbluth’s ridiculously snide review of Oleta Adams’ new album (Record Rack, Nov. 5) prompts me to ask the question: Has she bothered to give a few listens to the new release by Tears for Fears, “Raoul and the Kings of Spain”? Featuring Oleta Adams on the gorgeous “Me and My Big Ideas,” this album is a beauty. Perhaps if reviewers such as Rosenbluth weren’t so preoccupied with the “star” trip, they could be appreciating art for a change.

FREDRIC COOPER

Torrance

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Just two years ago, Robert Hilburn was calling Oleta Adams one of the brightest voices in pop music, and Dennis Hunt was comparing her to legends like Sarah Vaughan. Now, with “critic” Jean Rosenbluth, she rates a minuscule paragraph. What did she do to deserve such short shrift?

Rather than critique the music itself, Rosenbluth launches instead into a snide, cruel attack on Adams’ humble origins as a performer. Hot producers may change, and music critics may be fickle, but the vocal power and purity of Oleta Adams will always remain the same.

GREGG MITCHELL

Los Angeles