Music review: Swing Out Sister – 鈥楢lmost Persuaded鈥�
If you happen to be craving some smooth and sophisticated sounds to indulge in during the lazy evenings of summer, the latest effort from Swing Out Sister is a great place to start.
The lush creations of jazz and pop produced by the suave English group provide the perfect soundtrack for a romantic dinner on the deck or a relaxing retreat on your backyard patio.
To be honest, I never expected to be reviewing a new album from Swing Out Sister. I had no idea the band was still together and recording, so it was with much skepticism that I gave 鈥淎lmost Persuaded鈥� a curious listen.
The last time I heard lead singer Corinne Drewery鈥檚 alluring voice was on the band鈥檚 debut release way back in 1987. 鈥淚t鈥檚 Better to Travel鈥� was a charming collection of sensual pop arrangements that featured the huge hit 鈥淏reakout.鈥� Light punches of cool jazz transformed the infectious number into an elegant guilty pleasure.
Thirty-one years later, Swing Out Sister has once again captured my attention with a new album that matches the band鈥檚 glory days with a stunning set of timeless tracks that will make you wonder where the band has been for the last three decades.
鈥淒on鈥檛 Give the Game Away鈥� opens the album with a mysterious vibe that gracefully sets the mood for the rest of the 11 tracks that follow.
鈥淗appier Than Sunshine鈥� is an uplifting number that gently floats along with the assistance of soothing keyboards, slick bass grooves and Drewery鈥檚 fetching vocals delivering a dreamy musical hug that leaves a lasting impression.
Horns add a touch of Motown and soul influence on 鈥淯ntil Tomorrow Forgets,鈥� led once again by Drewery鈥檚 intoxicating vocals.
鈥淎ll in a Heartbeat鈥� is a soaring love song that is destined to be the band鈥檚 next hit and is featured on the album with two versions.
鈥淪omething Deep鈥� closes out the album in a meditative state of mind with traces of R&B, reminiscent of classic Sade.
With Swing Out Sister鈥檚 first studio release since 鈥淏eautiful Mess鈥� in 2008, the band seems ready to 鈥淏reakout鈥� once again.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.