Search - Swing Out Sister :: It's Better to Travel

Living in a twilight world with SOS

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 03/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sade was not the only one infusing jazz in her brand of pop. Another British group, Swing Out Sister, led by smooth-voiced Corrine Drewery, she of the Louise Brookes hairdo, was doing the same, only their sound was more peppy, using horns to enhance a backbeat of drums and mostly bass keyboards. The result is a kind of snazzy, lush, dreamy brand of UK jazz pop, the soundtrack for some jet-setters in a cocktail lounge on some ocean-liner.The single "Breakout" uses airy Pet Shop Boys-type synths, funky keyboards, percussion, string synths, and a fresh horn ensemble in the chorus and bridge. In the NAD mix, also included here, the funky keyboards have been removed in the intro, repeated instrumental fills and loops, instrumentals of the string synths, the removal of airy synths in the bridge, and all the other stuff one's come to expect from remixes.Its fellow single "Twilight World," sports pronounced snazzy horns and more string synths than "Breakout." "Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts, you're living in a twilight world" sings Corrine, surrounded by a flurry of horns and strings that the Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield would ache to use. And there's a nice vibe instrumental used here. Yes, one does get tired of lonely crowds, friendly faces, and for some privacy. As for the remix, there are different keyboards, a harmonica, there's an obnoxious monologue from some jerk talking about a girl demanding some sort of contract and advances, to which he says, "she'd have to get a body transplant to get an advance from me." That better not be about Corrine."After Hours" is a thoughtful, reflective airy synth ballad with a sax (or sax-like synth), describing a lonely night, "spent with no one at all," sharing "another common distance to no-one at all." A moody tempo sets in the last minute or so with the accompaniment of a lounging bass and piano."Surrender" is another single, not as upbeat as "Breakout" though it features the same instrumentation, plus some backup singers, while Corrine sings repeatedly about waiting for love to take revenge.Words whether they be lies or broken promises, will leave one unguarded, or "Fooled By A Smile." A more brisk number with the synth and brass package still kicking."Communion" is a moody synth- and drum-heavy ballad, and is what is needed with someone when life's a crime. The strings kick in the last half of the song. However, there are parts where Corrine's voice is nearly drowned out by the instruments. There is an instrumental of this track included. I can pick out some sax undiscernible in the vocal version.Speaking of instrumentals, "Theme" is another moody piece wavering between airy synths mixed with guitar-like sounds and a loud otherworldy modern orchestral piece with a barely discernible chorus.I'd heard "Breakout" when it first came out, and only years later, bothered to pick up this album and two others by Swing Out Sister, Get In Touch With Yourself and Kaleidoscope World. An interesting mix of dreamy jazz-pop and moody synth ballads, with great vocals by Corrine Drewery herself."

Music to bring civilization out of a coma

Glenn | 02/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What was that???? Was that music???? But it does not sound like all that other music!!!! Wake up .... Can your stereo take it???? Why it's music to move this culture to a new level. If your ears are not burned out from ten years of Huey Lewis and the News then take a listen. Musicans are more important than you might think. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!"

Fooled By a Hit !

M. Rose | Miami, Fl. | 12/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people only remember Swing Out Sister's pop hit "Breakout" from this album. Audiences who embraced that single were not ready for the smooth sophisticated sounds which truely defines Swing Out Sister. Their successful blend of jazz, r&b, and pop makes this CD a classic. Corrine's uniqe vocals are refreshing, and adds an extra sparkle to this gem. This group ranks up there along with the timeless sounds of Sade, and Basia."