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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Miss Bextor is back with some suprises From the Hip!, 26 Oct 2003
Sophie-Ellis Bextor has once again revitalized the dancefloor with her new album, "Shoot From The Hip". Where "Read My Lips" explored the dynamic soundscapes of pop, her new album introduces some unexpected guitar work while never losing that infectious beat. While other divas have opted to create a more sparse groove, Sophie raises the bar by never letting you take a rest from the rhythm. The addition of a mystery cover song (trust me...it's brilliant) makes this a perfect followup!MAKING MUSIC: Starts out unexpectedly with manic electro-grooves, then launches into some very satisfying beats. I couldn't think of a better way to start out an album than with a song about abstract thinking when writing music! MIXED UP WORLD: This is the new single, and it works very well as the second track. Human League style intro falls into a fantastic vocal harmony. Sophie reveals her inhibitions of living in a world gone mad, all the while keeping you dancing. I WON'T CHANGE YOU: How can any song where Sophie lets you know that "She won't change you, but she'll change her underwear" be nothing short of brilliant! NOWHERE WITHOUT YOU: A softer moment while retaining the beat. The use of backing guitar is a nice touch. The blend between electronic and analog sounds is very soothing and catchy. ANOTHER DAY: A very excellent blend of 80's electro-pop, rhythm guitar, and symphonic violins layers this song about the strength of a lasting friendship. PARTY IN MY HEAD: One of the standout tracks, this song sounds like a long-lost James number, with instantly catchy jangle-guitar and hummable hooks. Just when you think this CD should be winding down, Sophie lets you know that we're just getting started! LOVE IT IS LOVE: With a fantastic 70's blaxploitation beat, revving engine sounds, and sultry disco overtones, this song sets a relentless dancefloor pace. (Complete with short guitar solo.) At one point in the song, the music seems to go into slow-motion, then breaks right back into 70's disco! YOU GET YOURS: A rough-and-tumble stab at a lover's revenge? Or an aggressive courtship between two former lovers? Sophie hints at both, while moving from slow to fast beats with an almost manic edge. THE WALLS KEEP SAYING YOUR NAME: Sparse piano, violins, and the sound of thunder brings to life an almost disturbing song about being haunted by a past lover. I WON'T DANCE WITH YOU: A sonic barrage of electrobank beats mixed with catchy rhythm changes make this an excellent song celebrating the strength of women. I AM NOT GOOD AT NOT GETTING WHAT I WANT: And I thought the Pet Shop Boys had long song titles! This song is layered with 50's jangle guitar and a great electro slow-beat. Complete with do-wop backing vocals. HELLO HELLO: Perfect end song featuring haunting guitars and breathless vocals. HIDDEN TRACK: I'm not telling you what it is........it's a cover of a VERY popular song. You WILL BE very surprised. This will be the song everyone is talking about.
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~ Sophie Ellis-Bextor
~ Sophie Ellis Bextor
~ Sophie Ellis-Bextor
~ Rachel Stevens
~ Spiller
