Disco de All Saints: “All Saints”

All Saints, largely considered a pop paradox of two talented musicians and two pretty blonde sisters-come-media-whores who couldn't sing for peanuts, were the epitome of the late nineties UK R'n'B/pop. And 'never ever' did they get it more right. Smooth harmonies, silky melodies, and the right balance between booty-shakers and cool R'n'B slowjams.

Their debut album, the somewhat uninspiringly titled 'All Saints', showcases why these four girls were the hottest thing on the 'credible' side of pop in 1998. Whilst the Spice Girls were off romping around in their platforms, the cargo-wearing, laidback girls Shaznay Lewis, Mel Blatt, and Nicole and Natalie Appleton managed to achieve the same sort of success but do it with a bit more dignity than their popstar counterparts. From the smooth yearning 'Never Ever' to the bump-and-groove 'I Know Where It's At', the album is a largely quality release. They offer two delicious covers, a rap-infused reworking of 'Lady Marmalade' and a gorgeous version of Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Under The Bridge', and positively shine on the dirty 'Bootie Call' and Spice Girls disco spin 'If You Want To Party (I Found Lovin')'.

Admittedly there are a few weak spots. 'Trapped', 'Beg' and 'Heaven' are nice enough songs, but not up to the standard of the singles. However, considering the mileage the girls got out of the seven (!) singles they managed to release from this record, that's only a minor misstep in a very listenable album.

Cool, fresh and just as funky six years on.

Maybe Not In America But In Europe They Do. I got this 4 years ago and still listen to it today. The Best "Lady Marmalade" Version Way Better Than The 4 Whores Mya, Christina Aguilera, Pink and Lil Kim. Never Ever Is Also Good And I Love "I Know Where It's At" They Have The Best Voices. I wish they were more here like they are in UK. But I still love them.

The All Saints are one of London's best groups. The harmonies are tight and the lyrics are on point. What do I mean by "nasty"? For example Bootie Call, War Of Nerves, & Lady Marmalade are the freaky songs on the album. The others are either fast paced or sentimental ballads. Cop this album today!

I'm surprised by the lack of reviews- and good ones- for this album, seeing as other pop records by Dido and Craig David get billions of reviews. Anyway this record is much better than you would think, I'm not usually a big fan of pop music, my brother got this CD back in 1997, after leaving it behind when he left for university I sampled it and was pleasently surprised by the music actually.

The All Saints are very local for me - Nicole Appleton used to live in my road, but unfortunately has since moved away from Belsize Park-

Although they have been compared to the spice girls, that comparison is out of order- they're actually a lot more like Oasis being part of the mid-nineties cool Britannia movement . Firstly, the spicegirls are from the North of England, not London. The Spice girls are well ugly, whereas the All Saints are very fit. And finally the All Saints music is alright, the spice girls music is not alright.

About the music, as I said I was pleasently surprised.Being a piano player with perfect pitch,at college at the moment, I usually listen to 'serious music' -modern jazz, classical music a little rap music, I was impressed by the album. It uses some interesting harmonies in some places, the drummer lays down -more cool than in most pop music- beats, and the singing is high quality and the song writings ok especially on 'Never Ever'-which is the best cut is more like a poem at first evolves into a very nice song which uses the chord progressions of 'amazing grace'. I found a website on this actually:

I've only heard there most recent album-Sinners and Saints on MTV but it sounds even better actually so I recommend it as well.

To conclude, the All Saints -unfortunately recently split- deserve much more respect and attention than they get, as far as pop music goes they are the most musically sophisticated and also the best looking band there is.

I HAVE NOT ONLY PURCHASED THIS CD AND ENJOY LISTENING TO IT, BUT I ALSO PURCHASED THE VIDEO TAPE THAT IS A CAMPONION RECORDING OF THE CD. THE CD AND VIDEO BOTH BELONG IN EVERY MUSIC LIBRARY. THESE LADIES ARE MULTI-TALENTED, HAVE GREAT VOICES ARE ARE BEAUTIFUL. IF YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN THIS CD, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?