Album Review

Lisa Stansfield – Seven

• 10th Feb 2014

Lisa Stansfield has been focusing on her film career in recent times, appearing in various tv, stage and film roles. Indeed her last album was The Moment back in 2004. But now after a ten year break from the studio she returns with Seven, her seventh album. Written and produced with her long time songwrting partner (and husband) Ian Devaney, and recorded between Los Angeles and Manchester, this album marks a return to Stansfield’s soul roots, and it sounds as if she has never been away.

The ten tracks here are all of a high quality. Standouts include the first single and opening track Can’t Dance, a pop classic in the making. The disco influenced song showcases Stansfield’s great vocal range perfectly, the melodic and rhythmic backing working well as she demonstrates that she has lost none of her emotional delivery or vocal power. Why starts softly and slowly with a repeated bass line backing deep vocals before bursting into life in some style. Picket Fence is a nice upbeat track with an old school soul feel. And if you’re looking for a perfect Northern soul track with an upbeat tempo, great vocals and soulful horns, then listen to Carry On

There are also several good love songs on the album. So Be It has a tone of defiance while Stupid Heart shows a humorous lyrical touch in a pop song that could easily be redone as a country tearjerker. And the lovely ballad Conversation sees Stansfield’s slow vocals simply dripping with emotion as she declares her love.

Over her career Lisa Stansfield has sold close to twenty million records, with many top ten singles and a string of international awards to her name. She clearly has nothing to prove as a recording artist. Yet it is great to see her making music once again and producing something of the quality of Seven. Welcome back Lisa!

Venue: Seven
Support Band: Monkeynatra