Bananarama have re-issued their 1995 album Ultra Violet and it is on vinyl for the first time ever. It is also available in the UK on streaming services for the first time. The only thing missing is the re-issue on CD. We'll get to that a bit later.
To truly understand Ultra Violet, you have to know some of the history about what was going on with Bananarama at the time. In 1993, Bananarama parted ways with their record company London Records. Sara and Keren took some time off and headed back to the studio in 1994 to record an album on their own dime—it was self-funded with producer Gary Miller at the helm. It was Bananarama's first indie album. They would then shop the album around to different labels in various territories. Sadly, it was never released in the UK, until now that is.
The cover in Canada
Ultra Violet mostly has the eurodance pop sound, which was popular during the 90s. However, there are some mid-tempo ballads here, too.
The album in Japan
It was first released in Asia under the name I Found Love, which was also the first single in Japan. Bananarama recorded the original version with producer Tetsuya Komuro, and the ROZi Mix was mixed by Maximizor. The music video has the remix. Watch it here ...
The next single released was "Every Shade Of Blue", which is also the lead track of the album. It was a rather moody dance pop song with with a wonderful melody. It had lots of remixes and it was popular in dance clubs around the world in 1995 and 1996. Check out the music video here ...
"Rhythm Of Life" is a fun song, and there were rumors back in the day that this would be a single. It wasn't, but there is a video of them in Canada performing the song. See it here ...
The album version of "Take Me To Your Heart" is a bit adult contemporary. However, the song was remixed for the single in 1996 and it is quite uplifting. Speaking of remixes, there were techno, disco, and reggae versions. Quite fun! Check out the charming video of Sara and Keren spending the day in a park ...
There were plans to release "Prove Your Love" as a single. Even remixes were commissioned by Curb Records in the USA. Those mixes done by Vinny Vero eventually were released on iTunes in America. Check out this performance in Japan ...
We've always had a soft spot for "Take Me Away." Especially the second verse: "How can I love you more? Heaven knows that you're the one I waited for" ... It's just a lovely song about being in love. Have a listen ...
"System" picks back up the Eurodance beat and it is rather electrifying. Just have a listen ...
The slowest song on the album is "Maybe The Next Time." This ballad has some R-n-B elements. It's very chill. Hear it here ...
The title alone of "You've Really Got Something" is a nod to Bananarama's past (Really Saying Something). It really is so much fun. Too bad it wasn't a single because it is ACE. Here's hoping they revisit this tune some day. Check it out ...
"Time Out" keeps up the momentum with another hi-nrg track with clever lyrics in the verses. Take some time out to listen to it ...
"Don't Stop Me Now" doesn't stop the beats on this stomper. The glorious chorus is testament that this should have been a single contender, too. Get your dancing shoes on with this one ...
A slight change of pace with "Give In To Me" ... no, it's not a ballad, but a dance track with a rather fast jungle beat with whispering vocals. The result was unlike anything we've heard from Bananarama before, or since. You can also hear some solo vocals happening ...
Now the US version of Ultra Violet included the original version "I Found Love" as the last track. It was left off the European releases. It is on the new vinyl version! Yay! We think the original version is best. It's just so slinky! Watch a live performance of it here ...
Ultra Violet may have lacked a big record label with a lot of money, but it did not lack on gorgeous melodies, fun lyrics, and a good time. That's really what we want from Bananarama, right? Ultra Violet is a great dance pop album, and if you haven't heard it, have a listen on Spotify, but to truly support the artist, pay for a download or buy the physical product.
Sadly, the latest reissue is not available on CD. We hope one day it is, because it would lovely to have all of the remixes on it. But for now, you can order the vinyl from Amazon.
Cheers then,
—Davearama
P.S. Please follow Bananarama and Poptastic Confessions on social media!
Bananarama
Poptastic Confessions
Please like and share our links so that more people hear and buy the music!
I honestly thought (because I had read in NME a few years earlier) that Bananarama had split. I always looked under “B” at record stores for any releases I might not have had already & found ESOB At Central Station Records In Sydney In 1995. My heart actually skipped a beat. Bananarama were alive! I felt like I was the only person in Australia who knew & it was my job to let everyone know. It was a fantastic album. I thought it was a vast improvement on Please Yourself. Don’t Stop me Now was a standout for me ❤️
ReplyDeleteAlbum and single Every Shade of Blue was massive in Canada, thanks largely in part to heavy video rotation on the nations video station Much Music.
ReplyDelete