Post-All Saints, She's Back!
Nasser Alqatami | 09/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"During the influx of girl bands, after many record industry heads dismissed them as unprofitable until a phenomenon called the Spice Girls happened, All Saints were already an established band with something else to offer. While the Spice Girls successfully merged camp with pop in a delicious parcel, the All Saints took a more chill and soulful approach to their songs. Their songs struck a chord with "I Know Where It's At" and the UK number one single "Never Ever," which was penned by the mastermind of the group, Shaznay Lewis.
After the release of the critically acclaimed Saints & Sinners, All Saints split up. Former band mate Melanie Blatt released two singles to mediocre success and the Met bar shenanigans didn't help the Appleton sisters to deliver a credible album; instead they created the directionless and hitless Everything's Eventual.
Now Shaznay Lewis is the last to venture into the world of solo with Open. It comes as no surprise that the songwriter is simple in structure, yet effective, and that the hits come easy for the person who basically made All Saints the profound pop band that it was. With songs like the foot-tapping "Dance" and the youthful prance of "Butterflies," Lewis is bound to reign as the queen of mature pop. The lead single - "I Never Felt Like This Before" - is a gorgeous intricate ballad that captures accurate sentiment.
Open also is strong on reggae influences, which appear on the sun-baked "Now You're Gone" and the forever-catchy "Nasty Boy."
Shaznay also meanders into electronic awe on "Radio" and the wanderlust ballad "You."
Other tracks include the swaying honorable mention to big band "Heart Made Me a Fool" and the rock-tinted "Mr. Weatherman."
Like most complete mature pop albums, Open delivers sophistication with a well-balanced mixture of musical styles and paces. Shaznay Lewis is the only survivor of the All Saints phenomenon.
"
Shaznay's Opened The Door To Let Us In
S. raza | Glasgow, Scotland | 07/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is one of a kind, and created in a certain way that other artists can't seem to accomplish.
Shaznay Lewis has tried her best to escape the realm of her past `All Saints' and entered successfully as an individual.
Her songs are written from her heart as the lyrics from each song are meaningful.
Her Introduction to her album `Open' explains to the listeners that this album is a ride that your about to enjoy and her journeys about to begin.
`Dance' is self-explanatory as Shaznay is testing a guy if he can keep up with her moves all night long. This song is accompanied by a rap singer called Biz Marke, personally I would have preferred if he wasn't in this. He sounds tacky.
The debut single `I Never Felt Like This Before' is a song no-one else can write as it takes brains! It's lush, melodies and feels as if cupid has attacked you with his bow and arrow. Shaznay's explaining to this guy (in her video) that she's in love with him and there is no point denying this. A unique song that will be remembered by Shaznay Lewis.
`Mr Dawg' is Shaznay singing with an attitude, she's not gonna let some guy mess her about and let him get away with it by calling her. This song is cool as Shaznay howls like a dog (Aow! Aow! So why you keep callin Mr Dawg?)
This song is a little repetitive but not boring as it'll get you hitched.
`Heart Made Me A Fool' is about a girl in a relationship with a guy and she knows that this isn't working out. All the kiss and begging won't change her mind. She's realised it's time to listen to her head speak rather than her heart as it made her a fool. This song is very funky and very meaningful.
`You' is unbelievably sublime! Shaznay is alone and waiting for her lover to return to her. Even though she is alone, she has things around her to remind her of him. In her video, the clouds and the edge of the mountain has been formed into a face. That face is Shaznay Lewis's husband, Christian Storm. This song calms you down and helps you to relax as the background music doesn't blare away. The best track of the album.
`Mr Weatherman' is basically Shaznay questioning the Weatherman why when she looks out the window, why does the sun disappear? And when she thinks of the person she loves, why does it rain? This song is different to the other songs as it uses an electric guitar and sounds like rock, but not too much. It's a nice song and very catchy.
`Butterflies' is a song about physical attraction. These feelings are overwhelming and Shaznay shivers and gets Butterflies when she looks into the guy's eyes.
This song is made to sound like it's being played from an old record, but it doesn't do it from start to finish. Only at the start and the end.
`Nasty Boy' is Shaznay having a great lust for bad boys and she wants to see what the boys can do to impress her. Even though these boys's love is dangerous, she can't help it as she's hypnotised. This song is something for the girls but nice enough to listen to.
`Radio' is about Shaznay seeing this guy on a ride and she doesn't know if this is good or bad. This guy is driving her crazy and she's doing her best to grab his attention (Feels like I'm driving this daisy, cutting my hair and changing my style)
But now this guy is gone, the pain is getting harder and it won't go away.
This song is addictive and should have been used as a single!
Last but not least, `Now Your Gone'. It was originally called `Crying' but then later changed for some reason. This song is about Shaznay in pain because her man is leaving and she can't stop crying over him. Nothing can help her as she misses him so much and she shreds so many tears on her pillow. This song is a great way to finish on this album as Shaznay hums at the end.
Overall, this is an amazing album that should be in everyone's hands. Shaznay Lewis should be proud of herself as she'll be making everyone obsessed with her music. Shaznay Lewis is a singer that should not be made out to be an embarrassment. She was great in All Saints and even greater being a solo artist. This album will not let you down. Trust me. Open x
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1