Wow, I'll Have A Banana (Wow! - Bananarama)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Wow! - Bananarama
Date:	31/08/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: some good oldies

Disadvantages: dodgy remixes

With an album title like 'Wow' you immediately have high expectations. Had it been called 'Hmm' then you would forgive them any poor song choices. So is it that amazing?

Bananarama have been big since the eighties and are just about to release a new single called 'Love Comes.' It is astonishing that the girls have not aged in the last twenty years. Sara and Keren are the mainstays, though the group also featured Siobhan Fahey, who went on to form Shakespear's Sister and Jacquie O'Sullivan who isn't worth mentioning really!

There are seventeen tracks on here and it seems to be a mixed bag of events with old and new material. 'I Can't Help It' starts us off, it is a feisty pop ditty with a powerful chorus in which the girls sing of how they are captivated by love. I prefer 'I Heard A Rumour' with a joyous chorus and those amazing 'oohs' in the background. It is a true pop classic.

'Love In The First Degree' has some smart sassy lyrics, as the girls merge lyrics about being locked up in an emotional prison with a wonderful affirming pop melody.

'Some Girls' is alright, though the backing beat jars and makes you feel all anxious, the vocals are sufficient and it is what I would deem b-side material. 'Once In A Lifetime' is different from the usual stuff, a soothing ballad with aching chords and refined vocals which finds the girls dealing with more mature content. It is quite wishy washy, but provides a nice contrast.

'Nathan Jones' is a perfect slice of eighties nostalgia with a chirpy rhythm and zestful vocals, it also stands up to repeated listening and could easily be covered by Girls Aloud. There is also a remix of this track later on the album, though the original serves us better.

My final tip is the oddly titled 'Mr Sleaze' which has a disco vibe going on and will make you want to shake your thang. Not a bad package, but there are better Bananarama albums doing the rounds.

Summary: not bad