Released: May 17
Twenty years after her last outing, All Saints’ Shaznay Lewis makes a spectacular return with her second solo album, ‘Pages’ – the most accomplished work of her three-decade career.
Stacked with 12 new original compositions from the singer-songwriter responsible for such classics as Never Ever and Pure Shores, the album resists the urge to lean into the sounds that took the group to the top of the charts and, instead, showcases the versatility of one of British pop’s greats.
“I do feel as though I’m starting again, and making this record with some special people has been an exhilarating experience,” says Shaznay of the creative process. “I felt free for the first time.”
Opening with the epic Missiles, she makes a bold statement that commerciality isn’t the name of the game here; instead, ‘Pages’ veers between genres, from psychedelic soul to slick R&B, and is oftentimes laced with lush cinematic strings that elevate the work to new heights.
The storming Got To Let Go is the closest to her work with All Saints, while the bouncy Supposed To Be and pulsing Tears To The Floor channel Shaznay’s pop sensibilities with a slick contemporary edge.
Elsewhere on the set, the soulful singles Miracle and Kiss Of Life usher in a new era, while the breakbeats of the Shola Ama/General Levy collaboration Good Mourning build upon her musical sensibilities while showcasing the impressive vocals that run through the record.
If her 2004 debut ‘Open’ saw Shaznay attempt to capitalise on All Saints’ stratospheric success, ‘Pages’ sees her at ease with a relaxed yet faultless delivery throughout that cuts through at all the right moments – like on Bruises and Peaches, both of which pack a poignant lyric and showcase another facet of her songwriting.
Meanwhile Pick You Up, featuring a spoken monologue by Self Esteem, is a profound pairing, with Shaznay giving her seal of approval to one of the most exciting artists in the charts today.
Closing with the bombastic Hearts In Danger, Shaznay cements her position as a solo artist who, 30 years into her career, remains at the peak of her creativity and, with vocals that match those of her earliest recordings, there’s no doubt that now is her time.
It’s a testament to her lifelong passion for music: “For this album, myself and the people I worked with were making it for one reason only: to just make music that we felt was good, and for people to take and enjoy…”
