Music review: Swing Out Sister – ëƵAlmost PersuadedëƵ
If you happen to be craving some smooth and sophisticated sounds to indulge in during the lazy evenings of summer, the latest effort from Swing Out Sister is a great place to start.
The lush creations of jazz and pop produced by the suave English group provide the perfect soundtrack for a romantic dinner on the deck or a relaxing retreat on your backyard patio.
To be honest, I never expected to be reviewing a new album from Swing Out Sister. I had no idea the band was still together and recording, so it was with much skepticism that I gave ëƵAlmost PersuadedëƵ a curious listen.
The last time I heard lead singer Corinne DreweryëƵs alluring voice was on the bandëƵs debut release way back in 1987. ëƵItëƵs Better to TravelëƵ was a charming collection of sensual pop arrangements that featured the huge hit ëƵBreakout.ëƵ Light punches of cool jazz transformed the infectious number into an elegant guilty pleasure.
Thirty-one years later, Swing Out Sister has once again captured my attention with a new album that matches the bandëƵs glory days with a stunning set of timeless tracks that will make you wonder where the band has been for the last three decades.
ëƵDonëƵt Give the Game AwayëƵ opens the album with a mysterious vibe that gracefully sets the mood for the rest of the 11 tracks that follow.
ëƵHappier Than SunshineëƵ is an uplifting number that gently floats along with the assistance of soothing keyboards, slick bass grooves and DreweryëƵs fetching vocals delivering a dreamy musical hug that leaves a lasting impression.
Horns add a touch of Motown and soul influence on ëƵUntil Tomorrow Forgets,ëƵ led once again by DreweryëƵs intoxicating vocals.
ëƵAll in a HeartbeatëƵ is a soaring love song that is destined to be the bandëƵs next hit and is featured on the album with two versions.
ëƵSomething DeepëƵ closes out the album in a meditative state of mind with traces of R&B, reminiscent of classic Sade.
With Swing Out SisterëƵs first studio release since ëƵBeautiful MessëƵ in 2008, the band seems ready to ëƵBreakoutëƵ once again.
Clint Rhodes is the ëƵ-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

