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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The world doesn't need a new Beautiful South album, but here's Gaze anyway. Paul Heaton's motley crew are now nearly three years on from their previous album Painting It Red. Their last major hit (and decent tune), "Perfect Ten", came back in 1998. Not much has changed in the songs (although they're noticeably not as dark as they were in 2000), but new addition Alison Wheeler has a beautifully haunting voice that puts all of the Pop Idol contenders to shame. Openers "Pretty Things" and "Just a Few Things That I Ain't" possess simple, shuffling arrangements of balsa-thin longevity and "Sailing Solo" takes navigational and exploration metaphors in human relationships to dull, Arctic Circle extremes.
Songwriter Heaton finally hits his stride with track four, the instant Beautiful South classic "Life Vs. the Lifeless" ("That's why cynics deep sea dive / Just to watch someone healthy lose breath"). "Let Go with the Flow" is understated but lyric heavy--something that has become a trademark over the years, but which needs addressing here. An editor is badly needed, something that's particularly evident on "101 Per Cent Man". Ideas and phrases are drowned in a biblical flood of words. The best is saved for both the album's end and Wheeler herself, who delivers a stunningly warm and evocative vocal on "Half of Him"--a stirring, sitting-out-under-the-stars, campfire song to which her voice is completely suited. If she'd been given more songs here, the album would have been much stronger. As it stands, this is fine for fans, but others could find it lacking. --Cortman Virtue
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This isn't the same type af album as the previous two, yet becuase of that it offers something different.
I also agree that 'Loneliness' should not have been hidden away.
The album grows on you, till in the end you can't get the thing out of your mind. Thee are some superb tracks on the album, really outstanding stuff. 'Let Go With the Flow' which is the next single is a realy old style song, the sort of single the South would have out out in the early 1990's. It's really catchy if a little corny.
The sinnging is more eveningly spread out which helps the album, we've thankfully returned to Paul and Dave singing together on tracks.
This album is a grower, you will not be dissopointed. It's another quality collection of superb sings from The South.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Well you can tell Paul Heaton is settled down and happy at last!The last two albums, Gaze and Painting it Red whilst superb were still alcohol ridden and melancholic. Thank God for love as Gaze is their finest since 0898. With a country bias they have never been so melodic, they have perfected their harmonies and the lyrics? Well lets just say they dont get better. New female singer Alison Wheeler swifty puts her mark on the album with the stunning "Get Here" - a contender for their next single and a sure fire top 10.
This album has mass appeal and may shut up the many anti-BS people out there - its the sort of album you'd put on to impress a first date, you'd buy your Mum it for Christmas and its a winner. Their back and by God their good.
This album has mass appeal and may shut up the many anti-BS people out there - its the sort of album you'd put on to impress a first date, you'd buy your Mum it for Christmas and its a winner. Their back and by God their good.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I cannot believe the Amazon reviewers description of Gaze. Granted, there are some very poppy tunes on it but that applies to most albums. The current trend for boyband fluff is ruining the music market. At last, this is a REAL ALBUM with REAL MUSIC from a REAL BAND and written by REAL WRITERS. Where TBS really score is on songs such as Life VS The Lifeless which is commercial based but hauntingly beautiful. Spit it all Out is a return to such classics as Let Love Speak Up itself, Prettiest Eyes, Look What I found in My Beer and on and on. Alison Wheelers voice is beautiful but a little less harsh that Jacqui Abbott and the album suffers for this, however not a lot. She does a great job. Heaton Rotheray pepper their songs with wonderful lines, as always. "Lips dont miss the wish for a kiss" is but one from the amazing Spit it all Out. I know that South fans argue about which is the best album and this ranks up there along with 0898, Blue is the colour, Welcome, Quench and Paint it Red. I cant call it except to say that there is nothing else in the car at the moment and neither has there been since October when Gaze was released. I like it more every day. I even bought a second one for the house. I rest my case. Gaze is wonderful and the South roll on. May it last forever.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Gaze, The Beautiful South - 101% of an album
Once again the Beautiful South have put out a great album jam packed with jaunty foot taping tunes with some deep and serious lyrics. Read more
Published on 15 Nov 2009 by Victor
Some fantastic rythms, but ruined by some boring ballads
I had never heard a Beautiful South song prior to buying this album, but on a random impulse and the 5 pound price tag I bought it and I couldn't be more thankful. Read more
Published on 28 Oct 2006 by RTR! (Read The Review!)
Sophisticated Bludgeon Over The Head
The first time I listened to this album I wasn't bowled over. It wasn't bad, just not very memorable. Read more
Published on 8 May 2006 by GiantMidget
Back on Form
Ive been a fan of the band from the start or to be more accurate a fan of Heatons voice and lyrics.
After Painting it Red i was a little apprehensive about this release. Read more
After Painting it Red i was a little apprehensive about this release. Read more
Published on 21 Feb 2005 by Nick
"The Monday morning mourners club..."
Fabulous album, the Beautiful South really are coming back with their old style, I love it! After seeing them in Manchester on the Gaze tour I rushed out to buy this album and... Read more
Published on 22 Oct 2004 by Darren Melling
brilliant
This is the 1st album they have released with new singer Alison. I saw them live in Bristol and like a lot of people,was sceptical that she would be able to fill the slot left by... Read more
Published on 31 July 2004 by Steve Carew
Continuing the trend for amazing music
Following Painting it Red was always going to be a hard job. A collection of 19/20 (depending on the version you bought! Read more
Published on 16 July 2004 by Jess
will everyone stop moaning
having been a beautiful south fan for what seems like ages and having listened to all but one album (which i plan on listening to- painting it red) it's great to see paul and the... Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2004 by "ahappygoth"
The Beautiful South are smoother and fresher than ever
An excellent album from the Beautiful South. This scores over their previous work in terms of consistency - there are no really terrible tracks here - and punchiness - the tracks... Read more
Published on 9 Mar 2004 by "mf205"
Skin Deep
When I first got my hands of Miaow, back in mid-ninetys, it was almost a religious experience. I was stunned by the beauty and melancholy that characterized the album. Read more
Published on 21 Nov 2003 by Leif Lindstrom
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