Rocktrospectiva: The Listenable And Joyful "True Confessions" Turns 40

Released on 30 June 1986, "True Confessions" was the 3rd., studio album by the English group Bananarama. The majority of the album was produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley (who produced Bananarama's eponymous second album), with the exception of "Venus" and "More Than Physical". The latter, given a garage remix for its single version, was Bananarama's first songwriting collaboration with the Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) production team, who also produced "Venus", which became the group's most commercially successful single to date, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. True Confessions reached number 46 on the UK Albums Chart and number 15 on the US Billboard 200, becoming the group's highest-charting album on the latter chart.

The fourth single, "A Trick of the Night" was written by Jolley and Swain and re-recorded and remixed by SAW for release in the UK.

In contrast to the two dance-oriented songs produced by SAW, the majority of the songs produced by Jolley and Swain tend towards rock-based, serious-minded pop. The lyrical content addresses overcoming obstacles in relationships ("Ready or Not", "Promised Land") and tackles social issues, such as the anti-drug stance on "Hooked on Love". Two ballads are included: the aforementioned "A Trick of the Night", which is a cautionary ballad about a male friend trying to survive on city streets, and the jazzy, sophisto-pop track "Dance With a Stranger

TThe album opened with the electric-styled synths and dramatic drum fills of titular track "True Confessions" this continue harder beat and funky slap bass arrived with it’s a full 70 seconds until the ‘Nanas arrive on the microphones, and they’re in perfect harmony. However, they do sound a little secondary to this 80’s pop-rock. It’s a slightly muted started to the album. Then it was "Ready Or Not, " and this seemed to be charged with a little more energy, and an air of catchiness. The ladies’ vocals were better used here, with Sara, Keren, and Siobhan allowing to shine in the vocal harmonies and the occasional high notes (sorry, I don’t know who delivers that).

That leads on to "Trick Of The Night" – the album’s fourth and final UK single. This track gaves us a healthy dose of the Bananarama, the adies were perfectly in harmony with each others, and they did a nice split in the build up to the chorus. Following that is "Dance With A Stranger,"  a nice up-beat tempo and tinkling piano tune met with breathy vocals and what sounds like a double bass, resulting in some kind of jazzy late night lounge – complete with a saxophone solo. I

Up next was "In A Perfect World" with stadium beats, soft ‘ooh la la laaa’ vocals, and guitar riffs for almost 2 minutes until the ladies started to sing the first verse. This was another slow pop-rock song, and it was quite nice and relaxing. The huge hit, and cover version, Venus" gave the trio a #8 UK hit, although they’ve recorded and re-released versions of it many times since, and it has become synonymous with the group's name. 

Then we're on to lead single "Do Not Disturb", and it was pretty catchy chorus here, complete with vocal samples and tons of drum machines and synths. At times, I get vocal echoes of Robert De Niro’s Waiting from their previous album. That led on to "A Cut Above The Rest" which gives us some guitars and plodding (and slightly sinister) bass line. "Promised Land," had some lovely sounding 80’s synths duelling with a funky bass. The track was a cheerful and bouncy pop track, with some nice little growling electric guitar riffs, fills, and synths.

"More Than Physical" followed that, and stood as the album’s third single. Once again it was fairly clear that Stock, Aitken, Waterman have got their hands on this track, as whilst the vocals are pretty soft and breathy in anticipation, the track bounces along wonderfully. The album closed with "Hooked On Love," and this gave a really nice closing track.

Critics were mixed but some praised the album for being undeniably, convincingly listenable" and "a proper pop 'album'", adding that Bananarama "make 'intriguing' pop – and can even sustain the charm across an entire LP. There was no doubt that the album was massively overshadowed by that huge hit cover version that is synonymous with the Bananarama brand, and frequently remixed and re-released by them too – it’s a cash cow… but this album doesn’t follow suit. As you can see, the highlights were aside from Venus and Do Not Disturb, A Trick Of The Night, More Than Physical and Dance With A Stranger are strong too but they’re slower songs. 

 

True Confessions Track List:  

 

1. True Confessions

2. Ready Or Not

3. A Trick Of The Night

4. Dance With A Stranger

5. In A Perfect World

6. Venus

7. Do Not Disturb

8. A Cut Above The Rest

9. Promised Land

10. More Than Physical

11. Hooked On Love