If you’re in the mood for romance, or need inspiration to get into the mood, vocalist Julia Fordham is calling to you. The Language of Love (Red River Entertainment, 2017) injects a jazzy element to some favorite pop songs, including a power ballad by Blondie and a song of denial by 10cc.

The musicians are Grant Mitchell, piano and keyboards; David Piltch, upright bass; Herman Matthews, drums and vocal beatbox on “Happy Ever After”; Ramon Yslas, percussion; Ramon Stagnaro, guitar; Harry Kim, trumpet; Colin Ryan, guitar on “Moon River”; and Judith Owen and Sista Jean McClain, background vocals on “Happy Ever After,” “Like You Used to Do,” “Fragile” and “Who’s That Girl.” Mitchell is the producer. He also co-wrote three songs with Fordham.

Fordham goes bossa nova on the cover of the Eurhythmics’ “Who’s That Girl.” Fordham’s voice and style are like a cross between Tierney Sutton and Sarah Vaughan.

“Happy Ever After,” a Fordham original, may at a glance seem to be a love song. But upon closer inspection, is a question about the state of the world. Without mentioning the words “war” and “oppression,” her lyrics convey the idea that human suffering is in the way of world happiness. The background singers aid in the empathy for those who endure strife in Africa and Syria.

Fordham grew up singing and writing folks music since she was 14 in Portsmouth, England. She later discovered jazz and began mixing it with other styles. Her song, “Love Moves,” was featured in The Butcher’s Wife, which stars Demi Moore. She has since migrated to Los Angeles.

Of the title and song selection, Fordham says, “As the Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, has already covered every traditional jazz song to perfection, we tried to find a new angle, and hopefully put a fresh twist on some of our favorite songs.” She says the title seems to conjure up a romantic image and the seductive feeling of the album. “The words are the opening lyrics of ‘Who’s That Girl’ and are mentioned in the bridge of ‘Call Me.’”

The enclosed booklet has photos of Fordham, and lyrics to all nine songs.

The digital version of the album includes two bonus tracks: “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “Moon River (with strings).” Videos were also produced for “Call Me,” “Who’s That Girl,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “At Seventeen.”