Customer Reviews

Shapes & Patterns

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The lyrical realm of Swing Out Sister is a place where perfect love exists, as does perfect heartbreak...and the very best of the group's recorded work reflects these opposing inspirations. From the brassy exuberance of their debut album through the sonic subtleties of "Shapes and Patterns," S.O.S. has given listeners a virtual roller coaster ride through emotional highs and lows. It's not a coincidence that this album's graphics depict a boardwalk and carnival rides; those images are both lyrically and aurally present in the recording itself.

If it sounds like I'm spouting ephemera or high-flown language, consider the album itself. Song for song it is undeniably the perfect combination of SOS' favorite sentiments; optimism, romance, emotional thrillseeking, and conversely, loss, separation and melancholy. It is not an album you'd want to take as an example for your own thoughts and deeds, unless it mirrors what's already inside your head and heart.

As someone who occasionally falls into that last category, I can say that this album is very dear to me. Many of the songs have come to represent times of my life, good or bad, when I turned to music for enjoyment or solace. At first I was impressed by the glossy sound and seamless production, but that's pretty much the standard for SOS to date.

What was simply aural wallpaper slowly became a set of memorable, utterly tuneful songs that had to be turned UP, and appreciated to the fullest. "Somewhere In The World" heralds the Pop experience to come, clear and resonant like a bell. "Here And Now" slows the tempo a bit, and Corinne offers a seldom-heard vote of confidence for the Present. "We Could Make It Happen" was the dynamic first single from the album, an uptempo, Latin-inflected tune practically made for the dancefloor.

The "Shapes and Patterns" theme that follows is a wonderful bit of '60s vocal nostalgia, an artful and airy (wordless) pastiche. The slightly bittersweet tone is later echoed by "Something Out of This World," "You Already Know," and "Now You're Not Here." The murky atmospherics of "Icy Cold as Winter" seem to signal that the sunny idealism of the carnival has come to a close, but then the dark tones are softened, and the song becomes a final ode to longing and wistful memories.

My personal favorites include the revised version of "Better Make It Better," which is probably the most sing-able "self-help" song I've ever heard. I also recommend SOS' cover of the 5th Dimension chestnut, "Stoned Soul Picnic." It was a perfect choice for a 'revival', and makes plain the group's reverance for their vocal predecessors as well as their homage to classic Pop-Soul songwriters like Laura Nyro.

The elements of '60s inspired optimism are overall a fitting complement to SOS' mastery of contemporary Popcraft. Whether you are the type of person to look back with fondness, or to look forward with hopes and dreams, this CD could well be the soundtrack to your experiences. It has been for me.

-Mic

A Masterpiece! I love this album, and every song on it. I could play it over, and over again, and never get tired of it. I have always liked Swing Out Sister, since "Breakout" in '87, "Am I the Same Girl" in '92, along with others. But, liked turned into love afer I heard this album. This is by far the best album, and best music I have ever listened to in my life! I don't know what category you put it in-but it's Jazzy R+B to me. "Here and Now" is my favorite song of all time! That is seriously a life changing song. "Somewhere in the world", "We could make it happen", "You already Know", "Always", "Something out of this world" are amazing too. Actually, every song is perfect. If I had to choose one album to listen to for the rest of my life, this would be the one.
I remember when I was in a music store several years ago, and I heard this song they were playing, and I just loved it. So I asked someone who worked there if that was Swing Out Sister, because it sounded like them. They said it was, and that the name of the song was "somewhere in the world". So, I said "unreal", that sounds so great", and bought it. I thought that song might be the only one I would like, but I loved them all so much, I listened to it non-stop the whole day and night, and I think every minute of the next day too. I just couldn't put it down. It was that mesmerizing, and addicting for me. I love their style-uplifting, motivating, inspiring, and dreamy, with a "these dreams can come true" attitude. Corinne Drewery has a terrific voice-I love it. She has a great range too-she naturally has a little deeper voice, but hits, and holds the high notes perfect as well-like in "We can make it Happen", and "Something out of this world". And you are like "oh my gosh, how does she hit those high notes so perfect?" She is so versatile, and gifted. Very much "pick me up" music-fun, inspiring, and soothing. Thank you Swing out Sister-for such an amazing album!

A GREAT CD! After you listen to this wonderful montage of music you'll be asking yourself this question: what are the folks at Mercury Records thinking about? To me, Mercury not being able to market SOS is like Nike not being able to market Pete Sampras.

From beginning to end "Shapes & Patterns" is filled with rythm, melody, harmony and a lot of soul. Cuts like "Somewhere In The World" and "We Can Make It Happen" are songs that could easily fill the void in today's "lite" format. "Now You're Not Here" was the biggest song in Japan, but never released as a single in the US. Songs like "Always" and "Stoned Soul Picnic" are filled with such spirit you'll find yourself singing and clapping along.

Those of us who are SOS fans just can't get enough of them. If you really sit down and listen to this CD, you'll find yourself wanting to buy the rest of their collection - a very good investment indeed!

What an outstanding album. Every song has hit potential. This is one of the few albums I own (700+) that I can truly say that I enjoy every track. Definitely a soundtrack for the soul.

How often do you get to hear a collection of songs that grab you from the very first track, and continue to grab you with each and every subsequent track? Much in the vein of Kaleidascope World, every song has some hook to it that is incredibly delightful. In particular, "Here and Now", sounds amazingly like it could have been written and conducted by Burt Bacharach at the height of his career, yet still sounds fresh and hip. "Stoned Soul Picnic" manages to virtually recreate the sound and feel of the 5th Dimension, but lays it over a grittier, more danceable rhythm section groove that makes the song come alive again. The lead singer's vocals, sort of an Astrid Gilberto meets Motown, are incredible as she darts in and out of the mix of the various songs, often giving up on lyrics to joyfully scat and become another instrument in the lush orchestral arrangements. An incredible treat!

With the nineties nearly over, its safe to say Shapes and Patterns is the best pop cd of the decade. If you like air candy, gorgeous melodies, multi-track harmony vocals, and first rate musicianship, then SOS is your band. These songs will stay in your head long after the music is over. Producing pop music for adults, SOS, like Crowded House, are a class act. "Somewhere in the World," "We can Make it Happen," and "Better Make it Better" are instantly hummable. The 5th dimension cover, "Stone Souled Picnic" grooves, but "Always" outshines them all. If you love pop music, you can do no better than Shapes and Patterns. Buy this cd.

This is the best album Swing Out Sister has put out. I love every track on this album. The opener "Somewhere in the World" is a fun uplifting song that will put a smile on your face. "Here and Now" is my favorite on the album, it has a great vocal by lead singer Corinne Drewery with many different and pleasant chord changes. The song reminds me of something Dusty Springfield or Billy Davis Jr would of recorded in 1968. "Better Make it Better" is better than the original from The Living Return. It has more of a full orchestra sound, than the original and is more traditional to SOS. The cover tune "Stoned Soul Picnic" is very well done and is close to the original by the 5th Dimension.

After listening to this album, I am reminded of how great the music was back in the late 60's. It would be wonderful to see Swing Out Sister collaborate with The Original 5th Dimension. They've already worked with Jimmy Webb on their Kalidescope World album. I think a Swing Out Sister/Paul Staveley O'Duffy produced album by The Original 5th Dimension would be awesome.

One of my favorite SOS cds ever! Corrine Drewery has such a beautiful voice! I love the jazzy, 60's, pop kind of sound.

Swing Out Sister may be one of the most consistent pop acts you'll come around. Vocalist Corinne Drewery and keyboardist Andy Connell's music is always well arranged, densely layered and rhythmic enough to make you dance (or at least tap your feet). Add "Shapes and Patterns" from 1997 to the honor roll.

Again, the vibe is a combination of Motown and Burt Bacharach -- all with a contemporary pop production style. Again, Drewery and Connell are backed by other top-of-the-crop performers -- including jazz-soul fixtures like guitarist Tim Cansfield, percussionist Luis Jardim and the unmistakeable trumpet/fluegelhorn player Jerry Hey.

And again, Drewery's dry, simple vocals shine -- here contrasting well with the gospellish power of her backing vocalists (especially on "We Could Make It Happen," the cover "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Always.")

There's even a bit of innocent trippiness in some of the CD tracks, such as "Something Out Of This World" and "You Already Know," jazz-flavored ballads whose backing tracks seem to float into the sky but never get too far out to enjoy. They're perfect for the girlish side of Drewery's voice. (A bit of "You Already Know" is sampled in the "Shapes and Patterns" mini-song bridges earlier in the album and in the finale).

There's a twist to this SOS set. As songwriters, Drewery and Connell seem to have taken and passed some courses at the Bacharach/John Barry school of killer chord changes. Dig the midtempo "Always" or the moving love ballad "Now You're Not Here," used as the theme for a Japanese TV serial. Each chord shift keeps you involved in the song after even hundreds of plays.

"Now You're Not Here" is the album's highlight -- a moody slow-burner that is among the best songs SOS has ever composed. SOS manages to mix the Bacharach sound with psychedelic soul and a touch of hip-hop (note the sampled sound of the opening bars) into classy pop you love but never seem to hear anymore. And at the end, there's the trademark scatting of Drewery, whose plaintive vocals during the whole song provide an elegant tour-de-force.

More quality music from an act that's been "about" quality throughout the bulk of its career. Excellent.

No doubt. Was ignored because of American radio's juvenile and myopic focus on grunge and divas. This is complex, yet accessible music for grown-ups; wonderfully tuneful retro jazz/pop reminiscent of the Fifth Dimension/Jimmy Webb, Burt Bacharach, Petula Clark, et al., yet is fresh and modern because SOS writes original and distinctive tunes full of memorable hooks. It is kind of like how the Beatles were heavily influenced by rockers such as Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers, yet synthesized these influences to make something fresh and exciting.

S&P continues where Kaleidoscope World left off but is suffused with a bit of the funky jazz of The Living Return. Unlike KW, this album does not wallow in romantic heartbreak. S&P has a more positive lyrical slant and is more sophisticated, with songs being blended together seamlessly to create a unique, indescribable atmosphere and feeling of pure musical joy. The first three songs are as blissfully joyous as anything SOS (or just about anyone else) has ever made. The album mellows out as it goes along, becoming more gentle and reflective. It finally runs out of gas at the end, with "Icy Cold Winter" being rather blah. But 12 out of 13 winners is most commendable.

Corinne Drewery may have a fragile voice as her detractors always note, but she is soulful. Her soaring singing and scatting conveys much joy. Actually, the fragility of her voice helps her to convey heartbreak so effectively like on the Japanese hit "Now That You're Gone". (Why do the Japanese have better musical taste than we do?) The arrangements are outstanding and the production is lush and beautiful! Each song has a unique sound to fit the lyrical mood. One thing that seldom gets mentioned about SOS is that they use percussion masterfully. Their uptempo songs always have a wonderful rhythmic thrust. Almost all the songs have not just one, but often several musical hooks which stick in one's head all day along. This abundance of hooks, along with the beautiful production values, enable the songs to remain interesting to hear even after several listens.

Lastly, "Better Make It Better" is a fantastic song, done much better here than on "The Living Return" (SOS "made it better").