Every Time You See Me Smile
In interview, Beverley said that, in a time where a lot of music was over-produced, she wanted to strip everything back and record an organic record. The first song from the album introduces us to the live instrumentation that we can expect throughout. It is a lively number filled with brass, piano, guitars and drums and full of positivity.
Ain't That A Lot Of Love
A phat bass rift, drums and later a piano start of this track. It is quite simply brilliant. You can tell that this is a natural recording and all of the emotion that goes into the studio session comes across. This song is for dancing.
After You
The second single from the album is a beautiful song that deals with the fallout from a relationship. The song got polished for its release and it is that version that I prefer but this is still good. There's the same combination of guitars and drums with Beverley adding a soulful touch to it.
No Man's Land
The lead single from the album and not a very obvious choice for this. It is a slow song in which Beverley's voice is the star of the show. This is no bad thing and the result is a beautiful ballad that needs a few listens before you really get it. It's a song that will have you thinking.
The Queen Of Starting Over
A piano introduction with a brass follow up, this is an up-tempo song about making your own destiny and if something doesn't work out, you need to start over.
Black Butta
This is a fantastic tune that Beverley nearly always includes in her live set list. Full of guitar twangs that I like, this track oozes soul, which is apt since the subject at hand is Beverley herself. That said, there's something about this that reminds me of the Rolling Stones. It is great.
Saviour
Soulful groove with a great guitar rift. I love this track too. The only thing missing is a urgh after the word Saviour. I have heard her sing this live and it is every bit as good on the album as it is in the flesh. You'll like this.
Time Is On My Side
This is a cover of that song out of Jeepers Creepers and is the one song that occasionally gets skipped. Not my favourite.
Why Me, Why You, Why Now
This starts off upbeat with some confusing lyrics but the confusion is lost by the time the chorus hits. It's big, brassy and most enjoyable.
Tell Me I'm Wrong
The organs on the track immediately make it a winner for me. It's a mid tempo song with some great harmonies and a beautiful chorus. Beverley's vocals are soft all through the track, which is about her realising that she is falling in love when her head tells her that this is not what she wants to happen. This is what she wants to be wrong about.
Trade It Up
Has a similar sound to Saviour but as soon as the vocals come in, the similarities end. It is a good song but can get lost after 'Tell Me...' and coming before:
Rock Steady
Most artists would not dream of covering Aretha, citing the reason that they could not improve on her work. Step up Beverley. Not only does she do the song justice, she makes it her own and she does it with ease. I love the guitars in this (think Blaxploitation) and would put my neck on the line to say that it outshines Aretha's version. Just.
Uptight
The first of three listed bonus tracks is the worst of the three but that does not mean that it is a bad song. The other two are just blinders! It is the chorus that makes this song. It's yet another goodie.
Back To You
Over time this has become my favourite song on the album, it's a slow song with a nice message and the way that it was recorded, it sounds real. Much of the album sounds as though it was recorded in one take and you can tell that this song has not been tampered with. It's simplicity is its beauty.
After You (Radio Edit)
The single edit of the third track on the album does give the song a new lease of life. It sounds a little faster and a lot more soulful that the original version and builds to an impressive bridge. A great song.
This album was a departure from what Knight had done before and, as she says herself, this was the kind of album that she always wanted to record. It is, as she wanted it to be, stripped and there is no room for mistakes here. Everything is exposed, which goes to show exactly how talented Knight is whilst connecting with the listener on a deeper level. The songs are bold, beautiful and the album deserves a place in your collection. Beverley is one of the most consistent artists, not only in UK but around the world.
Beverley Knight's Official Website: www.beverleyknight.com
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