Who's This Woman Then? (The Best Of Hazell Dean: They Say It's Gonna Rain - Hazell Dean)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	The Best Of Hazell Dean: They Say It's Gonna Rain - Hazell Dean
Date:	15/08/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 16 songs

Disadvantages: some songs left off

And so continues my adventures into the mysterious world of Hazell Dean! Poor old Hazell, once an icon of mainstream pop in the late eighties and now a washed up has-been, making the odd appearance at GAY Pride events.

I should warn anyone toying with buying a Hazell Dean album, that there are numerous best ofs doing the rounds, so be sure to pick carefully, as they do not all have the same tracks on them!

The title song 'They Say It's Gonna Rain' is typical Hazell fayre, with commanding vocals and a warm melody. The song is lifted by some apealing chords in the chorus and notions of positivity about the future. A strong start to the album. This is followed by 'Don't Stop The Love' which gives Hazell a chance to demonstrate her vocal prowess. She has a rich voice on this track and succeeds in giving lift to it at every turn.

The pop streak continues with Searching,' which is a great anthem to play for anyone who is about to hit the town in seacrh of mr right on a saturday night. Confident vocals and a rousing chorus make it a winner.

'Whatever I Do' is a good old fashioned pop romp, think Sonia and Sinitta and you're on the right track.

I was disappointed to see that this compilation had left off 'Who's Leaving Who' and 'Turn It Into Love', both of which are two of her strongest songs, perhaps they did not have the rights to them for this release.

'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing' was produced by SAW and is helped by some vocals from the legendary Daryl Pandy, though it still does not eclipse the original version. After this, the tracks keep coming, though nothing really sticks out. 'Forever Isn't Long Enough' creates a minor impact thanks to a ferocious vocal and 'Before The Loving Fades Away' tries hard with the sentiment but lacks bite.

16 tracks and a lovely pose of Hazell looking like Sharon Watts. A must for completists.

Summary: average