Beautiful Night
A mid to slow tempo start to the album and the lead single from the same. 'Beautiful Night' is a bittersweet love song, which appears to relect on a relationship that is about to end, though Knight has said that it is about celebrating the life of a loved one that has passed away. The video clip is as simple and understated as the track itself and both are indeed beautiful. This was an instant hit with me and remains a firm favourite.
Breakout
An eighties-inspired uptempo party track about getting your party on. On first listen, I have to admit that I did not like this song but it is a grower and, Knight being an artist that I try not to miss live, hearing her perform this on stage converted me. This was the first song of the set and had everyone out of their seats, never to sit back down.
In Your Shoes
This was the second single from the album (third if you include the two week free download release of Every Step) and the single version features Chipmunk. I don't think that the album version lacks anything for not having the young rapper on here and this is another grower. The song uses a sample that Beverley always wanted to do something with and the song encourages the listener to get up and go for it without worrying what Beverley, or anyone else for that matter, is doing. On tour, she had the audience singing along to this one and, looking around, I didn't see anyone not making the effort! The video is a great tribute to Top Of The Pops too.
100%
The title track of the album and another personal favourite. Knight says that she named the album 100% as she always gives 100% to everything, whatever it is and, with this album being the first from her own Hurricane Records label, this has never been more true. Knight has also said that she is putting 100% into her personal relationship and it is this that would appear to be the subject matter here. James Bond-esque during the choruses, someone should really mention Bev's name for the next theme tune.
Every Step
A mid tempo bouncy track with a summer vibe. This talks about Beverley's career and how if she had to do everything all over again, she wouldn't change anything: 'If I had to walk this world again, I'd take every step as me'. A head-nodder!
Soul Survivor with Chaka Khan
Announced as the next single from the album and due out in a couple of weeks, this is another song that documents Beverley's (and the one and only Chaka Khan's) career and celebrates its longevity. It's an uptempo song with verses that sound stripped in comparison to the choruses. Elements of the song are comparable to the Rolling Stones, elements are gospel and the whole thing works. There are songs that I would have picked for release ahead of this but I do like this song. How can you not like Chaka Khan? She has still most definitely got it.
Turned To Stone
This sounds as though it is going to be an all out ballad when the piano introduction begins but the drum beat that drops in time for the first verse gives a hint that the chorus is going to have a little bit of oomph and it sure does. The subject matter is a failed relationship and how the former partner has 'Turned To Stone'. Beverley's voice is particularly brilliant on this and when she sings about facing the world on her own, the afore mentioned oomph means that we know that she is going to be all right.
Bare
This time the piano introduction does single a ballad and a ballad that has positive review after positive review. If you like 'Gold' from 'Who I Am', you are going to love this. This is a song to her current partner that states that her love for him leaves her bare. Another metaphor for the 100% commitment that she has for her boyfriend, James.
Square Peg
We all know the saying about a square peg and a round hole, this is what the lyrics deal with here. The sample will have you scratching your head as to where it has come from and I won't spare you the annoyance that this caused me for quite some time! Gospel backing vocals help the song build through the second verse and the song, once again, is about Beverley's inner strength and even though she doesn't fit in, she is uncompromising and does what she feels is right.
Gold Chain
Make no mistake, I love this song. The beat is great, heavy on the bass and sung with spirit. I have heard the sound being compared to Anastasia but I would shy away from this. In saying that, I am at a loss as to compare this to anyone: In my eyes a good thing! The lyrics are to a partner that wants Beverley as a status symbol rather than as a lover and how this simply won't fly. She states that she is after somebody real rather than superficial and expects the same.
Moneyback
I love mid nighties Rn'B and this is the sound that Moneyback has. Sounding old school rather than old, there is an upbeat sound to a song that deals with the breakdown of a relationship and the bridge is defiant in both voice and lyric.
Painted Pony
A music box (fairground ride?) melody plays through this slow song where the square peg Beverley likens herself to a painted pony on a carousel that will keep on going round and round like the energizer bunny. Negative people are unable to stop her or slow her down. This is not a filler by any stretch of the imagination but there are better songs on the album.
Too Much Heaven
Just like 'Time Is On My Side' from 'Music City Soul', this is a cover version that could have been left off the album. I love the verses but something doesn't click in the choruses of this Bee Gees song for me. It's not terrible it's just not one of my favourites. Beverley does get away with it though. Just.
Six albums on (not counting her greatest hits package 'Voice') and Beverley Knight has done it again. Another good album and another cracking tour to go with it. Beverley says that 'Everything has to be 100% on point or it gets left behind' so you can appreciate that this is something special. As well as Chaka Khan on 'Soul Survivor' and Robin Gibb on 'Too Much Heaven', there are behind the scenes collaborations with Jam & Lewis (producers who have worked with Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Usher etc.); Guy Chambers (her old writing pal that used to write with Robbie Williams); Jimmy Hogarth (writes with Duffy and Adele) and Amanda Ghost (co-wrote James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful' and Beyonce and Shakira's 'Beautiful Liar'. Live she will knock your socks off and on the stereo she will have you in tears, laughing, up dancing and covered in goosebumps. AllTheyWantIsMusic loves Beverley Knight!
Beverley Knight's Official Website: www.beverleyknight.com
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