aaamusic | On 05, Dec 2014

British singer songwriter Lisa Stansfield was adored for her first solo album Affection. Since then she’s won endless awards and sold over twenty million soul and R&B albums worldwide.

Edsel recently reissued all five of Lisa’s Arista albums: Affection (1989), Real Love (1991), So Natural (1993), Lisa Stansfield (1997) and Face Up (2001). Each is published with the remastered album, scarce tracks, remixes, videos, live appearances and a recorded interview. Also, each booklet has 28 pages of lyrics, photographs, memorabilia and new sleeve notes.

Added to the album reissues is a new remix compilation, People Hold On…The Remix Anthology, a 3CD set with 33 scarce and previously unheard full length numbers. Together the 18 discs in 6 releases (13CDs and 5DVDs) become a definitive box set entitled The Collection 1989-2003 .

This collection enables fans to look again, with warmth and affection, at the timeless and infectious classic hits that secured Lisa Stansfield‘s reputation as a stunning and seductive icon. Her songs remain fresh, catchy and lively together with those raw, gutsy and distinctive vocals. But here there’s the chance to discover the charm, energy and exuberance of her less well known numbers.

Lisa’s interview with Mark Goodier is delightful. She’s very open and direct, candidly answering questions in a broad Rochdale accent that takes you back to her Lancashire roots. She smoulders gently, but often explodes unpredictably with huge, joyful, cackling laughs. Lisa says that singing is a beautiful feeling and it’s curious to compare her earthiness here with the sensuous, dynamic and captivating personality we see in live performances.

Anthony Weightman