Album Review: It's Your Turn To Cry Just Listen To Your Heart by Joy Ford
Alright, let’s talk about this little gem from 1974. Joy Ford’s It’s Your Turn To Cry Just Listen To Your Heart is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. You think it’s just another country record, but then—bam—it hits you right in the feels. Produced by Jake Payne and released under Country International Records, this album has a raw charm that feels like sitting on a porch somewhere in the U.S., sipping sweet tea and thinking about life.
First off, let’s chat about the title track, “It’s Your Turn To Cry.” Man, this song sticks with you. It’s got that classic country storytelling vibe, where every word feels like it’s coming straight from someone’s diary. The lyrics are simple yet punchy, kinda like when your buddy tells you, “Hey, I’ve been through worse, and now it’s your turn.” There’s no overthinking here—just honest emotion set to twangy guitars and a steady rhythm. I kept humming it for days after listening. Not because it’s catchy in a poppy way, but because it’s real. Like, uncomfortably real.
Then there’s “Just Listen To Your Heart,” which flips the mood a bit. If the first track punches you in the gut, this one wraps its arms around you and whispers, “You’ll be okay.” It’s softer, slower, and packed with that warm, fuzzy feeling only folk-country blends can pull off. The melody lingers long after the last note fades, and honestly? It made me want to call my mom. That’s how deep it goes.
What I love most about this album is how unpolished it feels. These aren’t perfect studio recordings; they’re more like snapshots of Joy Ford pouring her soul into each song. And yeah, maybe the production isn’t as slick as what we’re used to today, but that’s part of its magic. It’s genuine, like an old photograph you find in your grandparents’ attic.
So, if you’re into music that tells stories without trying too hard to impress, give this album a spin. Sure, it’s from 1974, but some things never go out of style—like heartache, hope, and good ol’ country tunes. Oh, and fun fact? Listening to this album makes you wonder why more people don’t know about Joy Ford. Maybe she was just ahead of her time—or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing all along. Either way, hats off to her (and Jake Payne).
Now excuse me while I grab my guitar and try to write something half as heartfelt.
