There are many obvious reasons to be excited about the new Bananarama album, In Stereo. However, I've picked just 10 of them.
1. It's Bananarama's first album since 2009
It's been 10 long years since Bananarama's last album. The follow-up to Viva has been a long time coming and fans were especially eager for new material after a particularly successful run of live shows over the last couple of years, which included the reunion tour of the decade, when Siobhan temporarily came back to the fold.
2. Richard X has produced and co-written a track
Respected songwriter and producer, Richard Philips, otherwise known as Richard X has produced and co-written one of the tracks on 'In Stereo'. I'm sure that you know that Richard is responsible for some of pops most memorable songs in recent years, having worked with luminaries such as the 'Sugababes', 'Rachel Stevens', 'Liberty X', Annie', 'Pet Shop Boys' and 'Roisin Murphy'. Richard produced and co-wrote the first track on the album, 'Love in Stereo'.
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3. Hannah Robinson has co-written a track
Like Richard X, Hannah has written for some of the best pop stars on the planet. For example, names such as 'Dannii Minogue', 'Geri Halliwell', 'Jamelia', 'Emma Bunton', 'Sophie Ellis-Bextor' and 'Kylie Minogue'. Hannah co-wrote 'Love in Stereo' with Richard X.
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4. The track 'Love in Stereo' was previously a demo for MKS (ex of Sugababes)
MKS is short for Mutya Keisha Siobhan, the 3 original Sugababes. Along with other unreleased tracks, the original version of 'Love in Stereo' was leaked onto the internet and became a fan favourite. When the 'In Stereo' track-list was announced, many fans began to speculate if it was the same song. Amazingly, they were right.
5. Ian Masterson has worked his magic on the album
Ian has a history of creating some great material with Bananarama. He worked on Bananarama's last 2 albums, '
Drama' and '
Viva'. Both albums were re-released this year as expanded editions.
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6. The album previews on iTunes are amazing
The iTunes previews are a whole 90 seconds and you really get a good sense of each of the tracks. From the disco of 'Stuff Like That' to the atmospheric balladry of the final track 'On Your Own', there's lots to be excited about. To listen to them, click
here.
7. 'Bright Light, Bright Light' has co-written a song
Singer / songwriter Rod Thomas is the genius behind 'Bright Light, Bright Light'. Rod has co-written the album track 'Tonight' with Sara and Keren. Last year, I saw him perform live and he was absolutely amazing... and you really must check out his back catalogue.
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8. Sara and Keren have possibly never sounded better
Ian Masterson's production sounds really fresh. In my opinion, this could be their best duo album.... that's how good it is!
9. There are so many worthy singles on the album
Aside from 'Love in Stereo', I'm particularly fond of 'I'm on Fire' and 'Intoxicated' but in all honesty they're all worthy of being a single.
10. April is really not very far away
'In Stereo' is released on April 19. You can preorder it on black vinyl from the
LoveBananarama store where it's currently just £12.99 at the time of writing. Click
here.
It's been 10 long years since Bananarama's last album. The follow-up to Viva has been a long time coming and fans were especially eager for new material after a particularly successful run of live shows over the last couple of years, which included the reunion tour of the decade, when Siobhan temporarily came back to the fold.
