Bananarama Album: “Pop Life [Bonus Tracks]”

Bananarama have never been known as an 'albums' band, most of their previous releases consisted of a few singles, with the rest acting as filler. Pop Life is a refreshing change. Recognising that the market in the 1990's was moving away from the Stock Aitken Waterman sound, the girls employed Youth (of Killing Joke)and recorded this gem. Stand out tracks, notably Preacher Man, What Colour R The Skies Where U Live, and Long Train Running focus on strong harmonies and melodies. Never known as especially powerful singers, the singing on Pop Life is stronger than previous albums (probably due in part to the addition of Jacquie O'Sulivan).

Pop Life is by far their best effort! Highly recommeneded

If you were into the conventional style of the 1980's Bananarama, then you might not like this at all. Almost gone are the Hi-NRG Stock/Aitken/Waterman productions, pushed aside to two unoriginal second-rate songs. In their place is a set of indy-edged recordings showing a much more grown-up, stylish and, let's face it, socially acceptable writing style - it is almost possible now to hold your head up in a club and come out as Bananarama fan!

However, despite a glowing recommendation, I would have to advise patience - I found the songs took their time to grow on me, perhaps due to an attachment to the Venus-type singles. But stick with it, and you will play it agian and again. You probably won't find an album so utterly different to an artist's earlier recordings.

When I first heard this album, I was disappointed. Hoping for another "I Heard a Rumour" or "Cruel Summer," I found that none of the songs on this album measured up. However, after listening further, I grew to like it more. I don't consider it a masterpiece, but it's not bad either. The biggest drawback to this album is that there's no killer single. If you can get past that, then you might enjoy some of the songs here.

The album starts off with "Preacher Man," a percolating dance number. It's pretty good, but lacks the punch of their radio hits--and the lyrics are kind of trite. Next is the spunky, husky remake of "Long Train Running." This is a good, thumping dance song, but it lacks warmth and personality. The charismatic "Only Your Love" follows, with a great groove and pretty good hook.

The next two songs are more subdued. "What Colour R the Skies Where U Live" is an airy, dreamy ballad. Perhaps the best song on the album, though, is the haunting "Is Your Love Strong Enough." This song features a dark, shuffling groove and layered, hypnotic vocals.

"Tripping on Your Love," a "psychedelic" dance song, starts off the second side of the album. It's attractive, but not one of my favorites. Probably the worst song on the album comes next: "Ain't No Cure," produced by Stock, Aitken, and Waterman, is cute at times but on the whole clich?d.

The next three songs are less accessible and run longer. They probably could have been shortened a bit. "Outta Sight" is a kind of funky jam, "Megalomaniac" an extended dance excursion, and "I Can't Let You Go" a wistful love song with a chugging, rubbery groove.

Unfortunately, I got the cassette version of this album, which includes only ten tracks, so I can't comment on the remaining two tracks.

One other drawback about this album is that the women sound rather anonymous most of the time--it would have been nice to hear more emotion and individuality from the singers. Nonetheless, this album is a decent slice of pop that will appeal to certain listeners if not all.

All the songs on this album are great!!! There are all strong songs with good vocals. "Pop Life" reminds me of an Ace of Base album. Get this album if you don't already have it.

Althought Stock-Aiken-Waterman productions are catchy, I was never a big fan of the sound, regardless of the artist recorded (I liked it best with Donna Summer). I think this is Banarama's finest set, but maybe not for fans of their signature sound. Well-crafted pop that takes itself neither too seriously nor too lightly.