Alison Moyet - Hometime

After a near-nine-year layoff, Alison Moyet's fifth solo album is a posh, lavish, elegant affair that shows she's lost none of her chops throughout the long layoff. Production by The Insects, best known for their soundtrack work, adds a torchy, dreamy quality to these tunes, all but two of which were co-written by the singer. Between the intricately crafted songs, the ornate production, and Moyet's soulful voice, this is arguably her most fully realized and cohesive work. Strings, keyboards, and multiple guitars layer into a big, lush, sophisticated sound perfect for Moyet's husky voice. While there is nothing that reminds the listener of Yaz, the synths, drum programming, and loops recall the more techno aspects of her old band, while adding an organic, if not quite rootsy, feel. If Dusty Springfield still made records in the millennium, it's likely they would be similar to Hometime. Personal yet expansive with just the right touch of ghostly r&b, this is a remarkably moving collection of European-style ballads. Somewhat reminiscent of Portishead's live work, Moyet sinks into these tracks as if lounging in an overstuffed chair. The elements combine most poignantly on the stirring "If You Don't Come Back to Me." With its hypnotic strings, reverbed guitar, and jazzy bass, it seems like she's interpreting an existing classic instead of writing a new one. Classy, subtle, yet often mesmerizing, this album is never less than affecting. It strives to be -- and often is -- a perfect vehicle for Moyet's talent, reaching heights that have only been hinted at in her previous work. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide

Name Credits Adrian Utley Guitar Alison Moyet Vocals (Background) Andrew Byrt Viola Angelo Bruschini Guitar Ann Morfee Violin Ben Davies Cello Beverley Davison Violin Bruce White Viola Chris Tombling Violin Clare Hoffman Violin Clive Deamer Drums Corin Dingley Drums, Mixing Damon Reece Percussion Dave Bascombe Mixing David Ballard Percussion, Drums David Smith Violin Deborah Widdup Violin Derek Green Vocals (Background) Emma Black Cello Fenella Barton Violin Harriet Davies Violin Hilary Sturt Violin Iain King Violin Ian Humphries Violin Ian Ross Design Jacky Woods Viola Jeremy Morris Violin Jessica OLeary Violin Jim Sleigh Viola John Baggot Keyboards, Piano, Harpsichord, Organ, Organ (Hammond) John Waterhouse Engineer Judith Herbert Cello Julian Trafford Violin Juliet Snell Violin Justin Pearson Cello Laura Melhuish Violin Michael DeSaulles Violin Nick Barr Viola Nick Cooper Cello Paul Sherman Bass Pete Glenister Guitar, Keyboards Ricci P. Washington Vocals (Background) Richard Cookson Viola Richard George Violin Richard Milone Violin Rik Dowding Engineer Robert Locke Keyboards, Vocals (Background), Drum Programming, Bass, Guitar, Percussion, Double Bass Roger Linley Bass Simon Hale Piano, String Arrangements Sonia Fairbairn Violin Stephen Tees Viola Stuart Gordon String Arrangements, Violin The Insects Producer, Engineer Tim Norfolk Lap Steel Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Guitar, Keyboards, Drum Programming Tim Young Mastering Tommy Payne Conga Trevor Burley Cello