When the All Saints announced they were getting back together to release their first new album in 10 years, the music world wasnāt 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 didnāt help that group member Melanie Blatt admitted that sheād only reunited with the group for the money. Studio 1 was an absolute mess and it was fair to think weād 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 Appletonās split with Liam Gallagher, and itās easily one of the groupās most personal songs to date.
Red Flag sees All Saints embracing their pop roots and getting back to basics. Thereās 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.
Whatās clear from Red Flag is that for the most part itās still the Shaznay Lewis and Melanie Blatt show. The Appleton sisters donāt appear to get a whole lot to do other than a handful of leads and harmony duties. Thatās 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 theyād been utilised more here.
Elsewhere Ratchet Behaviour mixes reggae-tinged beats with vocal effects and is the only track on the record Iād 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 itās 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 thereās magic there and itās 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 2001ās 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