HomeMusicAll Saints - Red Flag album review

All Saints – Red Flag album review

Credit: London Records
Credit: London Records

When the All Saints announced they were getting back together to release their first new album in 10 years, the music world wasnā€™t really sure what to feel about it. After their split in 2001 over a jacket (yes really), the group reunited in 2006 for new single Rock Steady and new album Studio 1. Despite the pure pop magic of Rock Steady, Studio 1 flopped and the girls were going their separate ways again. It didnā€™t help that group member Melanie Blatt admitted that sheā€™d only reunited with the group for the money. Studio 1 was an absolute mess and it was fair to think weā€™d never hear new material from the group again.

What a different a decade makes! Despite the initial scepticism when the group announced their latest reunion ā€“ Will they deliver the goods? Will they be able to stop fighting long enough to make good music again? Will it be over as quick as it begun? ā€“ the signs were promising with the release of first single One Strike. The song may not have bothered the Top 40 but it is a reminder of All Saints at their best with their harmonies driving a growing melody. Lyrically the song is about Nicole Appletonā€™s split with Liam Gallagher, and itā€™s easily one of the groupā€™s most personal songs to date.

Red Flag sees All Saints embracing their pop roots and getting back to basics. Thereā€™s no attempt to keep up with the current trend of pop pickers here and the album is all the better for it. It may not be as immediate as their first two albums but Red Flag is quite the grower if you give it some time. The set opens with One Strike before making way for One Woman Man, a song that starts off very subtly but soon opens up with soaring harmonies and a feisty message.

Whatā€™s clear from Red Flag is that for the most part itā€™s still the Shaznay Lewis and Melanie Blatt show. The Appleton sisters donā€™t appear to get a whole lot to do other than a handful of leads and harmony duties. Thatā€™s a real shame because one of the highlights on the record is Fear where Natalie really shines. Similarly she steals the show on the beautiful ballad Who Hurt Who. The Appletons proved they could hold their own on their debut record as a duo so I wish theyā€™d been utilised more here.

Elsewhere Ratchet Behaviour mixes reggae-tinged beats with vocal effects and is the only track on the record Iā€™d class as skippable. The moody Summer Rain showcases the All Saints trademark harmonies and is one of the best on the record, while the electro pop of Puppet on a String could easily be a hit for the group should they choose to release it as a single in the future. Make U Love Me has a dark and dirty groove that is as infectious as it is danceable.

The album comes to a close with ballad Pieces, which stands out for its sparse production. You can really hear the vocals and itā€™s quite a bold way to end an album.

Red Flag is a return of form for All Saints. It could have gone all so wrong (again) but maybe the girls have truly put their differences aside in favour of the music this time round. When they come together thereā€™s magic there and itā€™s still present all these years on. Are they likely to recapture their glory days? I doubt it but the material is solid and they are giving back to their fans with an album that should have been the follow-up to 2001ā€™s Saints & Sinners

Track Listing: 1. One Strike 2. One Woman Man 3. Make U Love Me 4. Summer Rain 5. This Is A War 6. Who Hurt Who 7. Puppet On A String 8. Fear 9. Ratchet Behaviour 10. Red Flag 11. Tribal 12. Pieces Record Company: London Records Release Date: 8th April 2016

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

Must Read

Advertisement