Swing Out Sister : Beautiful Mess
U.S. pressing of this album from the British Pop/Jazz duo including two bonus tracks--"Something Every Day (Late Night Studio Take)" and a brand new version of their all time classic "Breakout". Swing Out Sister rose to fame along with Sade, Carmel, Matt Bianco and other like minded Jazz-influenced acts. Although their commercial peak came early in their career, they've continued to release albums that exude all the charm of their hits yet are filled with more maturity and emotional depth. Beautiful Mess is another step forward for the band. Swing Out Sister continue to make music for the soul, delivered through Drewery's beautifully heartfelt tones. As it has matured, her voice has if anything become even better, capable of tugging the heartstrings with little more than a simple lilt, still instantly recognisable. The Burt Bacharach horns on the title track will appeal to '80s fans, and “I'd Be Happy” sounds like a Kaleidoscope World outtake with its use of vibes and string arrangements. Interestingly, they delve into R&B on this album, particularly on “State of Mind,” a neo-soul track which sounds like a jazzier Jill Scott tune. The duo also extends their sound into Brazilian territory with “Butterfly Lullaby,” an instrumental featuring a sexy samba beat.
A standout track, “Out There” is a wispy ballad featuring pretty chord changes, whispery backing vocals, and Drewery's clear, dreamy voice. However, Swing Out Sister hardly ignores their original pop and dance fans: “Secret Love (You're Invisible)” contains a catchy beat layered with Drewery's cheery vocals and scratchy guitar licks. The first single, “Something Every Day,” is classic Swing Out Sister: a midtempo but driving beat, Drewery's '60s-era vocals couched in girl-group background voices, and jazz-like chord changes. Connell's piano work on this track is especially effective.
Song List: | 1. | Something Every Day | | | 2. | Time Tracks You Down | | | 3. | Butterfly | | | 4. | My State of Mind | | | 5. | I'd Be Happy | | | 6. | Butterfly Lullaby | | | 7. | Secret Love (You're Invisible) | | | 8. | All I Say, All I Do | | | 9. | Out There | | | 10. | Beautiful Mess | | | 11. | Butterfly [Little Wizard Mix] | | | 12. | Something Every Day [Little Wizard Mix] | |
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