Paul Heaton, minus the B.S.
mepowered | New York, NY United States | 01/03/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you've always suspected that Paul Heaton WAS The Beautiful South, here's your proof. I have been waiting 13 long years for a solo effort from him (and let me make clear: I am NOT a Beautiful South fan; I am a Paul Heaton fan) so I guess this album is a wish come true.Paul Heaton has always been outstanding on two levels: his lyrics and his vocals. He is half-present on this album.The cynicism is there (and welcomed) as always ("the difference between the junkie and me...I always failed successfully"). Rumor has it, Heaton's off the sauce, and I was afraid it would affect his typically brilliant lyrics (is that selfish of me?). Fortunately it hasn't. Melodies are damn catchy as well.Sadly, Heaton seems to have forgotten that he can sing. I first listened through the cd, skipping from one song to the next, straining to hear SOMETHING -- some trace of his powerful, ethereal vocals (ala "Lean on Me" / "Let Love Speak Up Itself"). No evidence of it on this record, though, which I found very disappointing. Over the course of his career, Paul lost his faith in God. Did God take his gift away? Hmmm.Frankly, I think Paul missed his window. He should have immediately gone solo following the Housemartins' breakup, but instead wasted much time fooling around with the Beautiful South (whose first 3 albums were fantastic -- "Welcome to The Beautiful South", "Choke" & "0898" -- BUY THEM -- but the albums following them were sort of flat). But I'm being harsh. I still adore Paul -- he could sing the Zimbabwe national anthem and I would buy it. Overall, not a bad album. An obvious must for any Housemartins/BS fan, but not my favorite of all of his efforts. Go ahead and buy it, but while you've got the credit card out, purchase a copy of the Housemartins' "London 0 Hull 4" album as well, and listen to "I'll Be Your Shelter" 'til your ears bleed."
The beautiful voice of The Beautiful South
H. Semones | Denver, CO United States | 09/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the voice behind The Housemartins and The Beautiful South and his first solo album. Heaton's charm and his talent are the lyrics he writes that are so full of bitter humour as he dissects various relationships. His voice hasn't the range he had during his younger years, but it's still very moving to hear."