SWING OUT SISTER – Almost Persuaded
aaamusic | On 15, Aug 2018
The dreamy and soulful British trio Swing Out Sister rose to international fame in 1987 and are fondly remembered, in particular, for the joyfulness of ‘Breakout’. Their debut album It’s Better To Travel, a huge hit at home, turned gold in the USA, creating two Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist.
Almost Persuaded, their tenth studio album, is the result of Moveable Feast, a Pledge Music crowd funding project developed over several years. As usual, it features the graceful and amiable vocalist Corinne Drewery and the songwriting talents of keyboardist and bassist Andy Connell.
Opening with the sparkling and intriguing ‘Don’t Give the Game Away’, one is immediately reminded that, from quite early in their careers, the music of Swing Out Sister couldn’t easily be compared with anything else.
Corinne speaks in intimate detail about breezy ‘Happier than Sunshine’. She says it was inspired by “that feeling that you wish could last forever. You can’t buy it…you can’t own it…you won’t find it if you look for it…it has to find you. It can come in many packages… a favourite tune…a surprise invitation…a smile from a stranger…a lick from a furry friend…an unconditional act of kindness…knowing you are sharing something special that warms you to your very soul. Think of this song as a great big hug and pass it on”.
There’s a laid back charm and mystery to ‘Which Wrong Is Right?’, whilst ‘All In A Heartbeat’ is an elegant song which explores losing a loved one and ‘Until Tomorrow Forgets’ evolves into a fine melody that’s light and reflective.
The classy ‘Something Deep in Your Heart’ is delightfully infectious and ‘I Wish I Knew’ is a melody that Corinne first sung to her Mum as a young girl trying to get out of going to school. ‘Almost Persuaded’, taken from the title, is an emotional song with insight.
Swing Out Sister, with its gorgeous jazzy nuanced dance, is legendary. The band became well known for confident and ecstatic music with a cinematic feel, once considered cutting edge, and their latest songs still have the same chic, exotic and romantic feel. Listen to those bitter-sweet lyrics and find optimism that glistens in the heart of the songs.
