Alison Moyet Album: “Alf”

Alison Moyet's solo career began with this album after leaving Yazoo (Yaz in USA). And what a solo debut it is! Nine fabulous tracks that haven't lost their strength over the years. Alison's emotive and ruminative voice has a depth many other female singers lack. Though the production by Jolley/Swain tends to be a bit slick, Alison 'Alf' Moyet saves the album from mediocrity with her soulfulness. Alf's songwriting-skills are impressive and her songs emit power. 'Love Resurrection' makes you spin around the room, while 'All Cried Out' makes you want to belt the song in full volume. The latter being the best song on the album. 'Where Hides Sleep' brings out the restlessness in you, as does 'Money Mile'. A praising review, but why only 4 stars you may ask. Simply because Moyet's albums 'Hoodoo', 'Essex' and 'Singles' are a bit better.

It's a testament to the strength of Alison Moyet's first solo album that, all these years later, her music is still measured by it (which is a bit unfair, given the quality of her two best and, bizarrely, unavailable albums, "Hoodoo" and "Essex". But I digress...). "Alf" firmly established Alison Moyet as a great soul diva. Indeed few singers can come close to her ability to convey emotion without resorting to histrionics. Following the demise of the influential Yaz, the public's great expectations were met big time with "Alf", which is accomplished, assured and irresistable. Only three tracks were released as A-sides ("Love Resurrection", "All Cried Out" and "Invisible") but there were at least two further potential smash hits here in the shape of the groovy "Honey For The Bees" (subsequently covered by American soul star, Patti Austin) and the gorgeous ballad, "For You Only". The closing track, "Where Hides Sleep", raises goosebumps with its ethereal harmonies weaving and waltzing over a swaying rhythm track. The rootsy "Steal Me Blind" is probably closer to what people expected of Alison and the lyric reflects her comments in a contemporary interview where she mentioned that some of her friends treated her like a bank.

Producers Tony Swain and Steve Jolly left their mark on this album and, overall, the synth-based sound is probably closer to the Yaz sound than Alison might have liked. Certainly this fan was expecting something a bit rawer than "Alf" (Alison finally delivered on this with her masterpiece, "Hoodoo"). Still, with so many great songs, it's impossible to fault this collection. Maybe some day Sony will please us all by re-mastering this album and including the rare B-sides "Baby I Do", "Hitch Hike" and "Don't Burn Down The Bridges". For now, this is a mid-price must-have. Treat yourself.

Alison sings like no one else. What a recording. She is emotive, funky, and sassy all at once. Honey for the Bees is wonderful . Would like to hear more from her

Has been a long time since I heard Alison, but am enjoying every minute of it. The album arrived promptly as usual.

All the things you think late at night when no one can hear you!!! An excellent outlet to scream at the top of your lungs and drive!!!