Search - Ellen Foley :: Night Out

Let's Hear It For The Girl!

G. David Billingsley | Hartford | 08/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While short in length, as one reviewer pointed out, a little bit goes a long way with this infectious debut by femme fatale Ellen Foley. Blessed with an amazing set of pipes that she works real wonders with on the intended single "Sad Song" and Stones cover "Stupid Girl," Foley conveys every emotion in the book with strong backing from Mott the Hoople's Ian Hunter and seventies guitar god Mick Ronson. Far superior in delivery than Debbie Harry, Foley would fail to achieve the same longevity of fame as Blondie's frontwoman despite her manifold attractiveness and obvious abilities at translation. Few female vocalists move me as much as Foley does (Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders or Theresa Starr of the Echoes perhaps), and it only saddens me that she wasn't allowed to enjoy a greater degree of success with a little more backing from her record company."

Finally rereleased

Stuart MacDonnell | Bangkok, Thailand | 06/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hooray! The grandeur of Ellen Foley's first solo album is finally available again on CD. With this album Foley and her producers wrapped her powerful, passionate voice in guitar-driven, Phil Spector meets 70s glam production and came up with a rough-edged diamond. Mick Ronson's guitar work is a feature but despite the production, which can occasionally sound a bit murky, it's Foley's sonic voice that deservedly stands out, rising up out of the wall-of-sound surrounding her. Highlights are the sublime first single We Belong To The Night, the retro What's A Matter Baby and the (apparently) single take piano ballad Don't Let Go. Yes it definitely sounds 70s but it also still most definitely sounds fab."

Legendary album

Pieter | Johannesburg | 11/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Produced by Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson, this 1979 album of classic rock has stood the test of time very well. The mix is just right, with awesome melodious compositions, brilliant production and Foley's vocal prowess. Although generally soaring and assertive, her voice also conveys mystery and vulnerability on this varied set of songs.



Blending classic rock and post-punk urgency, the album opens with the majestic We Belong To The Night, an atmospheric and soulful rock ballad. Highlights include What's A Matter Baby and Stupid Girl, an impressive fast-paced rock 'n roller with prominent sax and piano. The title track is a brooding ballad with plenty of tempo variation and dramatic vocals, whilst her interpretation of Graham Parker's Thunder And Rain is a great example of surging New Wave rock.



Another track that tilts more towards New Wave than classic rock is the uptempo Hideaway. The album closes with Don't Let Go, a tender ballad of hope and encouragement. The aforementioned tracks are particular favorites, but all the songs on Night Out are memorable, Sad Song in particular. The album displays all that was great in the rock of the late 1970s. Fans of Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman, Pat Benatar, Mink de Ville, Bruce Springsteen and even Alanis Morissette would appreciate this great album by Ellen Foley.

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