Come As You Are
A hum-dinger of an album opener. Organs add an old school vibe to an almost rocky sound for Wolverhampton's own. No doubt the result of writing the album with Robbie Williams' (former?) mate, Guy Chambers. It was the lead single with a killer bridge and a futuristic video. I've seen Beverley live a couple of times and this usually features in her encore, the place always goes off and if she is playing near you, go see her!
Not Too Late For Love
Beverley reels it in for the second track, which features drums and guitars just as 'Come As You Are' and seems to be setting the tone for the album. It doesn't come across as a love song so much as a song about hope and better days on the way.
First Time
Pianos get a look in on the third track on Affirmation and the song is a calmer affair than the two first tracks. This does not make the song any less powerful. It's about falling in love, being tongue-tied and losing common sense around somebody that it feels as though every time you see them is the 'First Time'. Beverley's voice is on top form (as always).
Straight Jacket
Guitars and low strings feature heavily on this track about a partner with no ambition or design to move forward, which Knight likens to being in a straight jacket. The song builds to a powerful climax where Bev's characteristic strong vocals are showcased and the song ends abruptly to excellent effect, mirroring the ultimate end of the doomed relationship.
Keep This Fire Burning
Another staple on Beverley's set list and a firm favourite with fans. This was released as a single but the video was a disappointment. Not to detract from the song, the hook is brilliant! It is more soulful in orientation compared to the previous tracks and, being a lover of 'Prodigal Sista', this is nothing but a good thing.
No One Ever Loves In Vain
Could possibly be described as a rock ballad. The lyrics concern the death of a loved one and how the love that you lost was not in vain, despite the pain. At the time, Beverley lost a good friend to Aids, which is no doubt the inspiration behind this track.
Affirmation
The title track concerns 'intuition I could not ignore' coming 'to help me in my time of danger'. A superb lyricist, Knight documents her escape from a bad situation but it comes back to the it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all school of thought. You have to take the rough with the smooth but recognise what is bad and set it right. All this from a pop song? She's good.
Supersonic
A faster track that discusses a love for sex. A lot of it. I have head Beverley in interviews state that after she lost her friend, she turned to sex to get her through and I would hazard a guess that this is where this song comes from. Is there a nod to the Stevie Nicks sample used in Bootylicious towards the end? Answers on a postcard, please.
Tea & Sympathy
This song is about helping a friend through a relationship that is not the best for them over a nice cuppa (Beverley is a UK artist after all) and sympathy; which seems to be a euphamism for sex. A mid tempo track with violins, guitars, drums and piano that works.
Below My Radar
Acoustic guitars dominate this beautiful song with almost whispered vocals, in direct contrast to 'Come As You Are' and 'Keep This Fire Burning'. She appears to be talking about a partner with issues that take them out on her and, although she is there to help them through them, she can only be 'pushed so much until she is too tender to touch'. The end of the hook is my favourite part of the song with the guitars giving way to strings for the very end of the track.
Under The Same Sun
Another song that leans more towards Soul than Rock and discusses he pressure of everyday life and how that everybody is pretty much in the same boat. No matter how alone life makes us feel, we all live under the same sun.
Till I See Ya
Another one of the speedier songs on the album, this song talks about being in a relationship that is on a break. (Is Beverley a Friends fan?!) The strings in the chorus are just great.
Salvador feat. Al Di Mecia
This is my favourite track on the whole album and the most powerful by far. It discusses the attitude that society has towards people who are HIV positive and how we should not judge the fate of others as we 'never know which way the wind may blow'. You may need tissues handy for this one, it has brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
Remember Me
Once Beverley opens the floodgates, she doesn't stop. This is a song to her friend that passed away and it is just Beverley and a piano. Packed with emotion, the song recalls the good times that they had and the heart-breaking moment when he died. You cannot fail to be affected by the song and its honesty.
Bonus Track (Fatal Factor)
Hidden bonus track is an upbeat number and an out and out soul record in a similar vain to 'Made It Back'. It talks about the attraction of Bad Boys, which is the 'Fatal Factor'.
Whilst 'Prodigal Sista' remains my favourite Beverley Knight album, 'Affirmation' still impresses. It came at an emotional time for Knight, emotion which she channelled into the project and which really affects the listener. Salvador will have you thinking, mark my words. How many artists achieve this? There are no gimmicks, just pure talent by a UK artist that delivers time after time after time. Buy, buy, buy!
Beverley Knight's Official Website: www.beverleyknight.com
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