Alison Moyet – Key
In honour of 40 years as a solo artist, Alison Moyet releases “Key,” a collection of 16 reworked singles and album tracks complemented by two brand-new songs. The result is a remarkable journey through a career in which Moyet’s unmistakable voice and unparalleled songwriting have explored everything from introspective outlets to performances at carefully curated festivals.
The singer, who began as a teenager in Basildon and gained fame with Yazoo, has never been afraid to experiment and reinvent herself in her solo career. The first thing that stands out when listening to “Key” is that the singer still carries the same intense emotion in her voice, just as powerful as in her early days. She effortlessly moves between stadium-filling power and intimate, sensitive moments, always remaining a vocal powerhouse that knows how to touch your heart.
“Key” is a collection of Moyet’s work that offers listeners a glimpse into the gradual evolution of her oeuvre. She has selected tracks from nine studio albums and reworked them to give the listener a completely new understanding of where she stands in her artistic life today. New recordings of hits such as “Love Resurrection” and “All Cried Out” from her debut album “Alf” prove that these songs are timeless. Slightly more powerful, more convincing, and more passionate, making the tracks feel more contemporary. Even “Is This Love?,” the 1986 duet with Dave Stewart, now shines as a melancholic solo version, transformed into a beautiful ballad.
In addition to these familiar old hits, Moyet has added two new tracks to “Key,” “Such Small Ale” and “The Impervious Me.” These songs blend seamlessly with the rest of the collection and show that Moyet still has something relevant and impactful to say. They are wonderful additions and prove that she can still surprise her audience. What perhaps sets the album apart is that it was recorded with the collaboration of Sean McGhee, Moyet’s musical director for live performances; his influence as a producer and arranger provides a consistent sound with a perfect modern twist, giving the album a distinct feel compared to her previous works. An experiment that has turned out quite well.
Together with McGhee, Moyet has ensured that this collection forms a cohesive and flowing whole; each song tells its own story but remains part of a larger narrative. “Key” is therefore not a compilation or greatest hits album but a studio album with new interpretations that take Moyet in a new direction. It’s a way to rediscover her music and present it in a manner that reflects who she is today. Alison Moyet proves with “Key” that her music, even after four decades, is still relevant. “Key” encapsulates an extraordinary career with a renewed perspective on her work; it is both nostalgic and surprising, modern. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her music. (8/10) (Cooking Vinyl Records)
