Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Welcome back, 15 Nov 2006
Back in the late 'Nineties, when the Spice Girls ruled the airwaves, All Saints were the tougher, cooler, more credible alternative. I was only ever a casual fan, but became more interested when they teamed up with William Orbit (fresh from his sterling work on Madonna's 'Ray Of Light' album) and produced the two terrific singles 'Pure Shores' and 'Black Coffee' (I remember wishing at the time they'd followed Madge's lead and made a whole album with him). However, it was soon after this that the band, who had been dogged by rumours of catfights and grudges within the group since their first album, finally imploded. The individual members went on to have brief (VERY brief in Mel Blatt's case) solo careers but they never matched the success they'd enjoyed together. End of story... or so it seemed.
Six years later and they've suddenly re-emerged with a new album, 'Studio 1'. The intervening years have seen all the girls become mothers, which no doubt helped to mellow them and put things in perspective, and they've overcome their differences and reunited. I really didn't know what to expect, but 'Studio 1' turns out to be an impressive return and perhaps their most consistent work to date.
The single 'Rock Steady', which opens the album, is a fairly good indication of the group's new sound, which has added some reggae influences to their usual blend of pop, soul and r'n'b. It actually sounds not unlike their spiritual successors the Sugababes (which I mean as a compliment), and it's the most obviously chart-friendly track, but after a few listens other quality moments emerge. Despite the overall flavour, there is some surprisingly varied material here. Standouts include the sparky 'Chick Fit', the sweet summer groove of 'In It To Win It', the 'Seventies r'n'b of 'Headlock' which is reminiscent of Sly and the Family Stone, and top funk workout 'Flashback'. Best of all, however, is the haunting, gospel-tinged epic 'Fundamental' which closes the album and definitely deserves to be a future single. Shaznay has once again taken on the main writing duties, but Mel, Nick and Nat all contribute their own tracks. The band seems to be paying tribute to a number of their early influences, which results in a sound that's both retro and bang up to date. There aren't any duds as such, but some of the songs on the first half of the album sound a bit similar and indistinct; the second half is definitely the strongest.
So, a great return. But is it worth getting the limited edition? Well, for the extra few quid you get a DVD which features a twenty-minute interview, the excellent video to 'Rock Steady' and a pretty good bonus audio track, 'Sexy'. If you're a big fan, you'll probably have gone for this version already, but casual listeners probably won't miss the DVD unless they particularly want the 'Rock Steady' video.
I don't know how long the band's current friendly relations will last - they could be scratching each other's eyes out already for all I know - but I hope they can hold off the hostilities for a while because this is a very accomplished and promising return, and I'd love to hear what they do next.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
welcome back, 1 Dec 2006
welcome back to all saints and lets hope its for good this time
excellent album and good to see they still got it after five years
not to sure why many people have slated this album as i think its perfectly fine and desevered a much higher chart position then it got
easy to listen to and all songs where written by the girls themselves
i was so happy when i heard the band had got back together and could not wait to hear their new sound if this album is anythng to go by cant wait to see what the future sound of the girls will be
ace album and a great buy
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Continuation Ever!!, 14 Nov 2006
5 years later and the girls prove they have still got what it takes. this album has to be the album of the year by far witha variety of different music styles and tracks like 'chick fit' 'headlock' 'flashback' just to name a few you will be singing along in no time.
The DVDs interview last fors approx 25 mins and is bound to make you smile and laugh, with clips from the girls in to studio to unseen photoshoot clips. Also contains the amazing video to 'Rock Steady' and contains an exlcusive catchy track 'sexy' definately worth the money.
what you waiting for go buy it!!!
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