Customer Reviews

It's Better to Travel

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

When I first bought this CD, I did so because I liked the two hit singles "Breakout" and "Twilight World". Well, was I ever in for a treat. All of the original songs are good from "Breakout" to the excellent instrumental finale "It's Better to Travel". I could do without the extended and somewhat altered dance mix versions that they stuck at the end although the instrumental version of "Communion" isn't bad. Good upbeat music for the car. I'm surprised that "Fooled by a Smile" was never released as a single as this is probably the most catchy and soon became my favorite. This one's a real keeper!!

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!!!!!!

I was in the 8th grade in 1988 when I first heard the CD...I was in the car with my family and boyfriend on the way to San Francisco one cold December night to walk around during the Christmas Holiday when I first heard "Twighlight World" and the song stuck w/me for life. I went to the nearest mall and bought the tape...lol....then I lost it and 8 years later I bought the CD, now I am at it again and purchasing yet another CD from the ones lost in the past, at 31yrs old and married I STILL get tingles whenever I hear this CD, it brings back great memories and loves in my life. I love EVERY song on this CD and the lead has such a sultry and lush voice and she's in the ranks with Sade. I HAD to comment because this is a favorite CD of mine and will be for LIFE!

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.

Swing Out Sister are probably the only British R&B musicians in the world. They were influenced by the late Marvin Gaye and other artists who recorded for the Detroit-based Motown label. If you listen to SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD from 1997's SHAPES AND PATTERNS and AM I THE SAME GIRL? from 1992,you could hear the MG sound. The first hit from this album is BREAKOUT which has great saxophones. TWILIGHT WORLD,the only other hit(at least in the USA) is pretty cool. Many of these songs were written by SOS members Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell. Drewery is the lead vocalist and Connell is the keyboardist.

Yeah, it came out nearly 15 years ago, and the English group has been super-popular in Japan (rather than the U.S.), but the album still has replayability in the new millennium. Some may think this music isn't their cup of tea, but to tell the truth, everyone will like at least one song on this album. They kinda touch upon several genres, from pop to jazz. "It's Better To Travel" broke Swing Out Sister into the U.S. They're the group that you would hear on the radio and think "Man, that's a catchy song. I wonder who made that." And you would never realize that all those catchy songs you've heard were made by S.O.S.. And it all started with "It's Better To Travel." In fact, one of the greatest songs of all-time (and I may get flack for this) is "Twilight World." I don't think there's anyone who grew up in the 80's who didn't like that song. The horns and violins are captivating, and Corrine Drewery's english accent makes the song even more interesting. My favorite ones are hard "Breakout", "Twilight World", "After Hours", "Fooled By A Smile", and "Surrender". All equally melodic songs that you never get tired of. Corrine Drewery and Andy Connell truly didn't know how to make a bad song...

This is one my choices for 'Desert Island' Cd collection.
You need this one in your collection of '80's greats.
It has it all, great vocals, lyrics, and the best music.

Swing Out Sister's jazz-inspired diva pop has always been on the fringes of the American mainstream (with their breakout hit being...yes...the most fun, poppy thing they've ever done). I've always been a fan of the more mellow, melodic side of diva music, and Corrine Drewery is the perfect complement to the Whitney Houstons and Mariah Careys of the world. It's Better to Travel doesn't disappoint. It actually covers a fair amount of ground (cf. Fooled By a Smile to Communion) and doesn't have a single unpleasant track. It even has a moment of sheer goofiness...play the Twilight World remix and you'll see what I mean.

More like a languid cruise than a whirlwind European tour, but still a pleasant trip.

Oddly, I'm just discovering this CD, and at first spin, the sound strikes me as an updated Friends of Distinction -- y'know, that smooth pop group from the early '70's whose hits "Grazin' in the Grass" and "Love or Let Me Be Lonely" still rightfully ride the oldies-but-goodies waves -- coupled with hints of the more recent sultry jazziness of Sade. Sure, the lyrics on this disc are not exactly memorable, but with this effervescent, upbeat, mostly easy-on-the-ears, melodic groove, what's not to like? I'm ridin' with it just fine...