Swing Out Sister are a British pop musical group best known worldwide for t… Read Full Bio ↴Swing Out Sister are a British pop musical group best known worldwide for their 1986 hit single Breakout.
The group presently comprises Andy Connell (born Andrew John Connell, Jul 26, 1961, Nottingham; keyboards) and Corinne Drewery (born Sep 21, 1959, Nottingham; vocals), though it began as a trio in the United Kingdom. The group was initially formed by Connell and Martin Jackson (drums), in 1985 who were later joined by Drewery. The group's name came from a 1945 movie called Swing Out, Sister, and they reportedly chose the name because there was only one thing they could agree on: they all hated it! Both Connell and Jackson had been playing in other bands prior to forming SOS, while Drewery was actually a fashion designer and model before she became the band's lead vocalist and lyricist.
It's Better To Travel (1987, debut album)
Together with their producer, Paul Staveley O'Duffy, they signed with Mercury Records Limited. Prior to their first album, they released the single Blue Mood in the UK in November 1985. However, it did not chart. In late 1986, the single "Breakout" was released. It peaked at #4 on the UK charts, and #6 in the United States. Consequently, when they released their debut album, It's Better to Travel, on May 11, 1987, it reached #1 on the UK album charts.
The album registered with listeners for its mix of jazz and electropop, a genre often also referred to as sophisti-pop, with a blend of real horns, synths (arranged subtly, to sound like strings), drums, and xylophones, scored by producer-arranger Richard Niles. The follow-up single to the effervescent "Breakout" was the brooding Surrender, which featured a trumpet solo performed by John Thirkell. It rose to #7 on the UK charts in January 1987. The next single was the more serious and jazzy Twilight World. This song was the subject of many remixes and was a dance club favorite worldwide. The final single Fooled By a Smile returned to the upbeat pop orientation characteristic of "Breakout".
The group was subsequently nominated for two American Grammy Awards in 1988: Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo (for "Breakout").
In addition to long-time partner O'Duffy as well as Thirkell, Swing Out Sister had also enlisted the talents of saxophonist Gary Barnacle (who with Thirkell also comprise the Henpecked Horns, known for their work with Level 42); percussionist Luis Jardim; guitarist Tim Cansfield; trumpet/fluegelhorn master Jerry Hey; and songwriter-arranger Jimmy Webb.
Kaleidoscope World (1989)
Original member Jackson, whose acoustic drums drove the "Surrender" single, left the group during the making of the second album, Kaleidoscope World. Although the liner notes give "special thanks to Martin Jackson" and his co-writing credits appear on the songs Tainted and Between Strangers, they also point out that "Swing Out Sister are Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell." Drewery and Connell have since become the core group on all subsequent albums. After leaving Swing Out Sister, Jackson later worked for Frank Zappa.
Kaleidoscope World was released in May 1989 and achieved critical acclaim. Their turn away from contemporary styles towards retro musical sources on this album would establish the musical path that they would continue to follow with their subsequent albums. The duo found inspiration in Easy Listening music, from the likes of Burt Bacharach, as well as songwriter Webb, who arranged two tracks, Precious Words and Forever Blue, the latter "an impeccable example of the band's craft"1 which was "reminiscent of John Barry's classic Midnight Cowboy theme"2. The incorporation of an orchestra to their recordings realized their sound in a richer, fuller way than their previous effort which relied more heavily on synthesizers. Consequently, this album featured arrangements and a songwriting style that were more classical in inclination. The lead-off single You On My Mind featured a more sophisticated blend of musical components than their previous efforts, while the upbeat tone of "Breakout" was echoed in the lead USA single Waiting Game. Further singles included Where in the World and "Forever Blue".
1, 2 http://www.asterion.se/sosblog.html
Get In Touch With Yourself (1992)
In May 1992, the group's retro orientation became even more evident in both their sound and image on their third album, Get In Touch With Yourself. With strong dance rhythms reverberating throughout the entire album, tracks draw influences from 1960s and 1970s jazz, pop, soul, and funk, including a breezy cover of the Barbara Acklin late '60s classic Am I The Same Girl? (which became their last US hit, reaching #1 on the AC chart). The album's title track, a blend of 1970s soul music and modern pop, gained the duo heavy airplay on smooth-jazz radio and was a crossover hit, gaining airtime on adult contemporary stations. The musical influences of Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and others would not only become evident in this album but continue on through their later releases. In line with the album theme, Drewery also grew out her hair from her trademark bob which had become a visual signature for their early years.
The Living Return (1994)
Numerous changes were afoot by the time their fourth album, The Living Return was released in September 1994. The replacement of producer Paul O'Duffy after initial studio sessions with Ray Hayden contributed to a looser, raw feel to the songs that were often the results of studio jam sessions. Though Drewery and Connell still fronted Swing Out Sister, additional musicians (including former 52nd Street bassist Derick Johnson; Pa'lante percussionist Chris Manis; drummer Myke Wilson, formerly of the Jazz Defectors; and trumpet player John Thirkell increased their group to 10 members that replicate the live performances that had been captured on the Japan-only release Live at the Jazz Cafe. The album featured the single and cover song La La (Means I Love You), which was also included on the Four Weddings and a Funeral soundtrack.
Shapes and Patterns (1997)
Few of the band's releases charted highly on the pop listings in Western countries after their successful debut album (though they became radio-airplay staples on jazz stations). The band, however, became extremely popular in Japan. Their song Now You're Not Here (from their fifth album Shapes And Patterns, one of several released only in Japan) was used as the theme to a Japanese TV program, and received a Japanese 'Grand Prix' (the equivalent of a Grammy) for best international single in 1997.
Shapes and Patterns was first released in Japan in March 1997, and then in Europe and USA the year after. Producer Paul O'Duffy, who co-wrote half of the songs, was back at the helm. As an orchestra was once again employed (led by Gavyn Wright), the lush arrangements characteristic of Kaleidoscope World resurfaced. The liner notes, written by Mary Edwards, point out the influences of Bacharach, Webb, and composer John Barry, which are perceptible in the string arrangements and Latin rhythms, as well as that of Minnie Riperton, Rotary Connection, and The 5th Dimension.
The album included Stoned Soul Picnic, a cover of Laura Nyro's original, as well as the original version of Better Make It Better, which appeared in a different mix on their previous album. A pervasive longing marks songs such as Now You're Not Here, Somewhere in the World, You Already Know, and Icy Cold as Winter. This album would also mark the beginning of the duo's use of Japanese musicians in their studio sessions.
Filth and Dreams (1999)
Filth and Dreams, their sixth album, proved yet again that Swing Out Sister were eager to reinvent themselves. The album was released in Japan in March 1999, and it remains the only album not released in any other country. This album featured stronger jazz leanings than some of their early pop-oriented albums, and is restrained in mood. The track Who's Been Sleeping was promoted as a single and released with several remixes. The album has a trip-hop feel to it. For this record, SOS adapted to the growing popularity of hip-hop in the late '90s. "Who's Been Sleeping" kicks off the record with an aggressive beat and a few hip-hop flourishes (such as Drewery's counting and uttering "Yeah..." in the background). The rest of the record incorporates such sounds a bit more subtly, through the soaring retro stylings of Closer Than the Sun and When Morning Comes, the excitable lounge of the title track Filth and Dreams, to the mid-tempo trip-hop of Invisible and scratch-laced Sugar Free. Traditional SOS sounds are challenged successfully with the dark if dreamy If I Had the Heart and Make You Stay. Background noises, from phone conversations to child's play, are layered in to enrich the record and give the listener much more to cue in on. Drewery strays out of the usual love lyrics and colors a portrait of a darker world (as the title indicates) by singing about more urban subjects such as drugs (the eerie Happy When You're High) and prostitution ("When Morning Comes"). All of their experimentation works surprisingly well and the result is probably the strongest SOS outing to date. Ironically, Filth and Dreams was the first SOS record not released in their native England, and is currently the most difficult CD to find.
Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)
A seventh album, Somewhere Deep in the Night, was recorded in France, and released in May 2001 in Japan (with subsequent release in Europe and USA). It was dedicated to their friend Kazuhiko Yanagida. While it is quintessential Swing Out Sister, with lush orchestral arrangements, the melodic tunes often feature melancholy, languid, or introspective atmospherics and are more sombre in tone. Many of the tracks are instrumental, or only feature vocalised harmonies sans lyrics. One song even features a soliloquy in French. O'Duffy, who produced the album, also has co-writing credits on all the songs, and provided backing vocals along with Connell and Cansfield.
Due to declining sales, their record label Universal dropped them from their contract in the US. Consequently, they signed on with Shanachie Records.
Where Our Love Grows (2004)
Undeterred, the duo bounced back with their eighth studio effort, Where Our Love Grows. It was released in Japan on April 28, 2004 with the UK edition following in July. GQ reviewed it and called it "indisputably their finest record to date". The album features a return to a rich, upbeat retro sound, with tracks like Love Won't Let You Down, When The Laughter Is Over, and Let The Stars Shine, that fuses jazz, soul, R&B, latin, and easy listening music. Samples of Roger Nichols & The Small Circle of Friends and Herbie Mann were incorporated also into some songs.
Beautiful Mess (2008)
Late 2005 saw Swing Out Sister return to their studio in London to commence recording of their new album. The band planned on making a second tour of the US in 2006. However, due to recording commitments, this had to be canceled. In 2006, they composed incidental music for the ITV1 drama The Outsiders. August 2007 saw a new single Secret Love (You're Invisible).
The new album entitled Beautiful Mess was released by Japanese record company Avex Trax on February 27, 2008. The title is taken from one of the tracks on the album, Beautiful Mess. Prior to its release, in late December 2007, two other tracks were made available for download: Butterfly and Something Every Day. In the first months after its Japan launch, a limited number of specially-packaged copies of the CD, autographed by Connell and Drewery, were put on sale online to promote the album, and were quickly sold out. Beautiful Mess was eventually released in the UK on September 8th, 2008.
Beautiful Mess was finally released in the US May 19, 2009, with two bonus tracks added in.
2008 Asian Tour
In 2008, Swing Out Sister went on a successful promotional tour shortly after the release of Beautiful Mess, performing at several venues in Japan including Osaka (Mar 27), Nagoya (Mar 28), Tokyo (Mar 30), and Fukuoka (Apr 1); in the Philippines, filling up Manila's Araneta Coliseum (Apr 7); and rounding up at Indonesia's Jakarta Convention Center (Apr 10).
2009 Asian Tour
In 2009, Swing Out Sister once again packed their bags for a tour of the Far East, performing in a series of concerts organized by Billboard Live of Japan. The concerts, billed as "An Intimate Evening with Swing Out Sister", included stops in the major Japanese cities Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka in several of Billboard Live's own music clubs:
· Billboard Live Tokyo - Feb 26, 27, and 28
· Billboard Live Fukuoka - Mar 2 and 3
· Billboard Live Osaka - Mar 5 and 6
The duo rounded off the tour with their final stop in Indonesia at the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (Mar 6-8) where they performed on the final evening, in the company of artists like Dianne Reeves, Jason Mraz, Brian McKnight, Laura Fygi, and Matt Bianco.
In Dec 2009, Swing Out Sister headed east once again, this time making their first-ever concert stops in Singapore - where they staged their outdoor Breakout Concert by the beach on Dec 16 - and Bangkok, for the Bangkok Decembery concert on the grounds of Sanam Suepa on Dec 19.
Miscellaneous
The song O Pesadelo Dos Autores from the album The Living Return (1994) features a medley of cover versions of "Brazilian Rhyme", "Celebration Suite", "Come With Me", "My Cherie Amour", "The Smiling Hour", and "Butterfly".
In July 2000, Swing Out Sister performed as the opening act in a concert tribute held to honor the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
In 2002, Drewery and female Japanese singer Akiko recorded Waters of March, an English cover version of celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter Antônio Carlos Jobim's Aguas de Marco.
Albums
It's Better to Travel (1987) UK #1, US #40
Kaleidoscope World (1989) UK #9
Another Non-Stop Sister (1989)
Get In Touch With Yourself (1992) UK #27
Swing Out Singles (1992)
Live at the Jazz Cafe (1993)
The Living Return (1994)
The Big Elsewhere (1996)
Now You're Not Here (1996)
Shapes and Patterns (1997)
Swing 3 / Swing Swing Swing (1997)
The Best of Swing Out Sister (1997)
Filth and Dreams (1999)
Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)
Breakout (2001)
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Swing Out Sister (2001)
Cafe Orange: Swing Out Sister Cafe Best (2002)
Where Our Love Grows (2004)
The Ultimate Collection (2-CD Asian edition, 2004)
The Ultimate Collection (Disc 1) (2004)
The Ultimate Collection (Disc 2) (2004)
The Ultimate Collection (Disc 3) (2004)
Live / Live in Tokyo (2005)
Beautiful Mess (2008)
Swing Out Sister are currently:
Corinne Drewery - lead vocals
Andy Connell - keys
Gina Foster - backing vocals
Tim Cansfield - guitar
Jody Linscott - percussion
Dan Swana - double bass
Official website: http://www.swingoutsister.com
See also:
Swing Out Sister's official Facebook page
Swing Out Sister's official MySpace page
Swinghistory - a compleat chronicle of the dashing duo by Björn Wahlberg
The group presently comprises Andy Connell (born Andrew John Connell, Jul 26, 1961, Nottingham; keyboards) and Corinne Drewery (born Sep 21, 1959, Nottingham; vocals), though it began as a trio in the United Kingdom. The group was initially formed by Connell and Martin Jackson (drums), in 1985 who were later joined by Drewery. The group's name came from a 1945 movie called Swing Out, Sister, and they reportedly chose the name because there was only one thing they could agree on: they all hated it! Both Connell and Jackson had been playing in other bands prior to forming SOS, while Drewery was actually a fashion designer and model before she became the band's lead vocalist and lyricist.
It's Better To Travel (1987, debut album)
Together with their producer, Paul Staveley O'Duffy, they signed with Mercury Records Limited. Prior to their first album, they released the single Blue Mood in the UK in November 1985. However, it did not chart. In late 1986, the single "Breakout" was released. It peaked at #4 on the UK charts, and #6 in the United States. Consequently, when they released their debut album, It's Better to Travel, on May 11, 1987, it reached #1 on the UK album charts.
The album registered with listeners for its mix of jazz and electropop, a genre often also referred to as sophisti-pop, with a blend of real horns, synths (arranged subtly, to sound like strings), drums, and xylophones, scored by producer-arranger Richard Niles. The follow-up single to the effervescent "Breakout" was the brooding Surrender, which featured a trumpet solo performed by John Thirkell. It rose to #7 on the UK charts in January 1987. The next single was the more serious and jazzy Twilight World. This song was the subject of many remixes and was a dance club favorite worldwide. The final single Fooled By a Smile returned to the upbeat pop orientation characteristic of "Breakout".
The group was subsequently nominated for two American Grammy Awards in 1988: Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo (for "Breakout").
In addition to long-time partner O'Duffy as well as Thirkell, Swing Out Sister had also enlisted the talents of saxophonist Gary Barnacle (who with Thirkell also comprise the Henpecked Horns, known for their work with Level 42); percussionist Luis Jardim; guitarist Tim Cansfield; trumpet/fluegelhorn master Jerry Hey; and songwriter-arranger Jimmy Webb.
Kaleidoscope World (1989)
Original member Jackson, whose acoustic drums drove the "Surrender" single, left the group during the making of the second album, Kaleidoscope World. Although the liner notes give "special thanks to Martin Jackson" and his co-writing credits appear on the songs Tainted and Between Strangers, they also point out that "Swing Out Sister are Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell." Drewery and Connell have since become the core group on all subsequent albums. After leaving Swing Out Sister, Jackson later worked for Frank Zappa.
Kaleidoscope World was released in May 1989 and achieved critical acclaim. Their turn away from contemporary styles towards retro musical sources on this album would establish the musical path that they would continue to follow with their subsequent albums. The duo found inspiration in Easy Listening music, from the likes of Burt Bacharach, as well as songwriter Webb, who arranged two tracks, Precious Words and Forever Blue, the latter "an impeccable example of the band's craft"1 which was "reminiscent of John Barry's classic Midnight Cowboy theme"2. The incorporation of an orchestra to their recordings realized their sound in a richer, fuller way than their previous effort which relied more heavily on synthesizers. Consequently, this album featured arrangements and a songwriting style that were more classical in inclination. The lead-off single You On My Mind featured a more sophisticated blend of musical components than their previous efforts, while the upbeat tone of "Breakout" was echoed in the lead USA single Waiting Game. Further singles included Where in the World and "Forever Blue".
1, 2 http://www.asterion.se/sosblog.html
Get In Touch With Yourself (1992)
In May 1992, the group's retro orientation became even more evident in both their sound and image on their third album, Get In Touch With Yourself. With strong dance rhythms reverberating throughout the entire album, tracks draw influences from 1960s and 1970s jazz, pop, soul, and funk, including a breezy cover of the Barbara Acklin late '60s classic Am I The Same Girl? (which became their last US hit, reaching #1 on the AC chart). The album's title track, a blend of 1970s soul music and modern pop, gained the duo heavy airplay on smooth-jazz radio and was a crossover hit, gaining airtime on adult contemporary stations. The musical influences of Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and others would not only become evident in this album but continue on through their later releases. In line with the album theme, Drewery also grew out her hair from her trademark bob which had become a visual signature for their early years.
The Living Return (1994)
Numerous changes were afoot by the time their fourth album, The Living Return was released in September 1994. The replacement of producer Paul O'Duffy after initial studio sessions with Ray Hayden contributed to a looser, raw feel to the songs that were often the results of studio jam sessions. Though Drewery and Connell still fronted Swing Out Sister, additional musicians (including former 52nd Street bassist Derick Johnson; Pa'lante percussionist Chris Manis; drummer Myke Wilson, formerly of the Jazz Defectors; and trumpet player John Thirkell increased their group to 10 members that replicate the live performances that had been captured on the Japan-only release Live at the Jazz Cafe. The album featured the single and cover song La La (Means I Love You), which was also included on the Four Weddings and a Funeral soundtrack.
Shapes and Patterns (1997)
Few of the band's releases charted highly on the pop listings in Western countries after their successful debut album (though they became radio-airplay staples on jazz stations). The band, however, became extremely popular in Japan. Their song Now You're Not Here (from their fifth album Shapes And Patterns, one of several released only in Japan) was used as the theme to a Japanese TV program, and received a Japanese 'Grand Prix' (the equivalent of a Grammy) for best international single in 1997.
Shapes and Patterns was first released in Japan in March 1997, and then in Europe and USA the year after. Producer Paul O'Duffy, who co-wrote half of the songs, was back at the helm. As an orchestra was once again employed (led by Gavyn Wright), the lush arrangements characteristic of Kaleidoscope World resurfaced. The liner notes, written by Mary Edwards, point out the influences of Bacharach, Webb, and composer John Barry, which are perceptible in the string arrangements and Latin rhythms, as well as that of Minnie Riperton, Rotary Connection, and The 5th Dimension.
The album included Stoned Soul Picnic, a cover of Laura Nyro's original, as well as the original version of Better Make It Better, which appeared in a different mix on their previous album. A pervasive longing marks songs such as Now You're Not Here, Somewhere in the World, You Already Know, and Icy Cold as Winter. This album would also mark the beginning of the duo's use of Japanese musicians in their studio sessions.
Filth and Dreams (1999)
Filth and Dreams, their sixth album, proved yet again that Swing Out Sister were eager to reinvent themselves. The album was released in Japan in March 1999, and it remains the only album not released in any other country. This album featured stronger jazz leanings than some of their early pop-oriented albums, and is restrained in mood. The track Who's Been Sleeping was promoted as a single and released with several remixes. The album has a trip-hop feel to it. For this record, SOS adapted to the growing popularity of hip-hop in the late '90s. "Who's Been Sleeping" kicks off the record with an aggressive beat and a few hip-hop flourishes (such as Drewery's counting and uttering "Yeah..." in the background). The rest of the record incorporates such sounds a bit more subtly, through the soaring retro stylings of Closer Than the Sun and When Morning Comes, the excitable lounge of the title track Filth and Dreams, to the mid-tempo trip-hop of Invisible and scratch-laced Sugar Free. Traditional SOS sounds are challenged successfully with the dark if dreamy If I Had the Heart and Make You Stay. Background noises, from phone conversations to child's play, are layered in to enrich the record and give the listener much more to cue in on. Drewery strays out of the usual love lyrics and colors a portrait of a darker world (as the title indicates) by singing about more urban subjects such as drugs (the eerie Happy When You're High) and prostitution ("When Morning Comes"). All of their experimentation works surprisingly well and the result is probably the strongest SOS outing to date. Ironically, Filth and Dreams was the first SOS record not released in their native England, and is currently the most difficult CD to find.
Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)
A seventh album, Somewhere Deep in the Night, was recorded in France, and released in May 2001 in Japan (with subsequent release in Europe and USA). It was dedicated to their friend Kazuhiko Yanagida. While it is quintessential Swing Out Sister, with lush orchestral arrangements, the melodic tunes often feature melancholy, languid, or introspective atmospherics and are more sombre in tone. Many of the tracks are instrumental, or only feature vocalised harmonies sans lyrics. One song even features a soliloquy in French. O'Duffy, who produced the album, also has co-writing credits on all the songs, and provided backing vocals along with Connell and Cansfield.
Due to declining sales, their record label Universal dropped them from their contract in the US. Consequently, they signed on with Shanachie Records.
Where Our Love Grows (2004)
Undeterred, the duo bounced back with their eighth studio effort, Where Our Love Grows. It was released in Japan on April 28, 2004 with the UK edition following in July. GQ reviewed it and called it "indisputably their finest record to date". The album features a return to a rich, upbeat retro sound, with tracks like Love Won't Let You Down, When The Laughter Is Over, and Let The Stars Shine, that fuses jazz, soul, R&B, latin, and easy listening music. Samples of Roger Nichols & The Small Circle of Friends and Herbie Mann were incorporated also into some songs.
Beautiful Mess (2008)
Late 2005 saw Swing Out Sister return to their studio in London to commence recording of their new album. The band planned on making a second tour of the US in 2006. However, due to recording commitments, this had to be canceled. In 2006, they composed incidental music for the ITV1 drama The Outsiders. August 2007 saw a new single Secret Love (You're Invisible).
The new album entitled Beautiful Mess was released by Japanese record company Avex Trax on February 27, 2008. The title is taken from one of the tracks on the album, Beautiful Mess. Prior to its release, in late December 2007, two other tracks were made available for download: Butterfly and Something Every Day. In the first months after its Japan launch, a limited number of specially-packaged copies of the CD, autographed by Connell and Drewery, were put on sale online to promote the album, and were quickly sold out. Beautiful Mess was eventually released in the UK on September 8th, 2008.
Beautiful Mess was finally released in the US May 19, 2009, with two bonus tracks added in.
2008 Asian Tour
In 2008, Swing Out Sister went on a successful promotional tour shortly after the release of Beautiful Mess, performing at several venues in Japan including Osaka (Mar 27), Nagoya (Mar 28), Tokyo (Mar 30), and Fukuoka (Apr 1); in the Philippines, filling up Manila's Araneta Coliseum (Apr 7); and rounding up at Indonesia's Jakarta Convention Center (Apr 10).
2009 Asian Tour
In 2009, Swing Out Sister once again packed their bags for a tour of the Far East, performing in a series of concerts organized by Billboard Live of Japan. The concerts, billed as "An Intimate Evening with Swing Out Sister", included stops in the major Japanese cities Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka in several of Billboard Live's own music clubs:
· Billboard Live Tokyo - Feb 26, 27, and 28
· Billboard Live Fukuoka - Mar 2 and 3
· Billboard Live Osaka - Mar 5 and 6
The duo rounded off the tour with their final stop in Indonesia at the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (Mar 6-8) where they performed on the final evening, in the company of artists like Dianne Reeves, Jason Mraz, Brian McKnight, Laura Fygi, and Matt Bianco.
In Dec 2009, Swing Out Sister headed east once again, this time making their first-ever concert stops in Singapore - where they staged their outdoor Breakout Concert by the beach on Dec 16 - and Bangkok, for the Bangkok Decembery concert on the grounds of Sanam Suepa on Dec 19.
Miscellaneous
The song O Pesadelo Dos Autores from the album The Living Return (1994) features a medley of cover versions of "Brazilian Rhyme", "Celebration Suite", "Come With Me", "My Cherie Amour", "The Smiling Hour", and "Butterfly".
In July 2000, Swing Out Sister performed as the opening act in a concert tribute held to honor the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
In 2002, Drewery and female Japanese singer Akiko recorded Waters of March, an English cover version of celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter Antônio Carlos Jobim's Aguas de Marco.
Albums
It's Better to Travel (1987) UK #1, US #40
Kaleidoscope World (1989) UK #9
Another Non-Stop Sister (1989)
Get In Touch With Yourself (1992) UK #27
Swing Out Singles (1992)
Live at the Jazz Cafe (1993)
The Living Return (1994)
The Big Elsewhere (1996)
Now You're Not Here (1996)
Shapes and Patterns (1997)
Swing 3 / Swing Swing Swing (1997)
The Best of Swing Out Sister (1997)
Filth and Dreams (1999)
Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)
Breakout (2001)
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Swing Out Sister (2001)
Cafe Orange: Swing Out Sister Cafe Best (2002)
Where Our Love Grows (2004)
The Ultimate Collection (2-CD Asian edition, 2004)
The Ultimate Collection (Disc 1) (2004)
The Ultimate Collection (Disc 2) (2004)
The Ultimate Collection (Disc 3) (2004)
Live / Live in Tokyo (2005)
Beautiful Mess (2008)
Swing Out Sister are currently:
Corinne Drewery - lead vocals
Andy Connell - keys
Gina Foster - backing vocals
Tim Cansfield - guitar
Jody Linscott - percussion
Dan Swana - double bass
Official website: http://www.swingoutsister.com
See also:
Swing Out Sister's official Facebook page
Swing Out Sister's official MySpace page
Swinghistory - a compleat chronicle of the dashing duo by Björn Wahlberg
Now You're Not Here
Swing Out Sister Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love was young
We saw beyond a sky that had no limits
Much higher than the highest star
Beyond the furthest planet
We thought that we could change the world
And everything in it
But time ran out of endless hours
Gave into doubt, were we just playing an endless game
That no one ever wins
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
Love and hate
Left up to fate
A life we took for granted
We couldn't stop our running from the things we always wanted
No long goodbyes
No tears to cry
And nothing to believe in
But now you're gone
We'll never know a love that's grown
Time took away
All that it gave to the two of us
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
When our hearts were young and nights were long
We'd let the morning sun kiss our eyes open
Precious dreams that we had now they are dead and gone
The promises we made have all been broken
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
In my arms
In my life
Lovin' you, is just a memory
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
With me now, in my arms, in my mind, in my life
We saw beyond a sky that had no limits
Much higher than the highest star
Beyond the furthest planet
We thought that we could change the world
And everything in it
But time ran out of endless hours
Gave into doubt, were we just playing an endless game
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
Love and hate
Left up to fate
A life we took for granted
We couldn't stop our running from the things we always wanted
No long goodbyes
No tears to cry
And nothing to believe in
But now you're gone
We'll never know a love that's grown
Time took away
All that it gave to the two of us
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
When our hearts were young and nights were long
We'd let the morning sun kiss our eyes open
Precious dreams that we had now they are dead and gone
The promises we made have all been broken
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
In my arms
In my life
Lovin' you, is just a memory
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
With me now, in my arms, in my mind, in my life
The song "Now You're Not Here" by Swing Out Sister tells the story of lost love and the memories that haunt the singer long after their relationship has ended. The first verse sets the scene for the listener with the poignant line, "Love was young, we saw beyond a sky that had no limits," indicating that the couple had big dreams and hope for their future together. The second verse, however, reveals that those dreams never came to fruition, as time ran out and doubt crept in. The chorus features the repetition of the phrase "Now you're not here," which emphasizes the loss and loneliness that the singer feels.
The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that ended abruptly, with "no long goodbyes" and "no tears to cry." The singer is left with only memories of the love they once shared, and these memories "keep haunting" them, convincing them that the love was real. The final verse adds to the sense of loss and regret, as the "precious dreams" the couple had are now "dead and gone" and the promises they made are "all broken."
Overall, "Now You're Not Here" is a melancholy song that captures the pain of losing someone you love. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the song's slow tempo and haunting melody contribute to its emotional impact.
Line by Line Meaning
Love was young
At the beginning of our relationship, we were young and inexperienced in love.
We saw beyond a sky that had no limits
Our dreams and aspirations for the future were big and limitless.
Much higher than the highest star
Our ambitions and goals were higher than anything we knew.
Beyond the furthest planet
Our dreams extended beyond anything that we could see or know.
We thought that we could change the world
We believed we had the power and determination to make a difference in the world.
And everything in it
We had the idea that we could change everything and everyone around us.
But time ran out of endless hours
As time passed quickly, we realized that our time together was limited.
Gave into doubt, were we just playing an endless game
Doubt crept into our minds and we wondered if our relationship was just a game we were playing.
That no one ever wins
We realized that in this game of love, nobody truly wins.
If I could run away
If I had the option to escape reality,
Hide away
Disappear from the world and my problems,
Forget the way feel
Erase the memories of my past relationship,
But your memory keeps haunting me
However, I can't forget about our relationship and the memories we shared.
Convincing me it's real
The memories I have of you are so vivid that they feel real, despite being in the past.
Now you're not here
But now you're gone,
Love and hate
Our emotions are complex and sometimes blurred,
Left up to fate
We realized that the outcome of our relationship was ultimately up to fate.
A life we took for granted
We didn't fully appreciate the time we had together.
We couldn't stop our running from the things we always wanted
We were chasing after our desires and couldn't settle down.
No long goodbyes
We didn't have a chance to say a proper goodbye.
No tears to cry
There were no tears to be shed, just a void of emotions.
And nothing to believe in
We lost faith in love and had nothing to believe in anymore.
When our hearts were young and nights were long
We reminisce about the early days of our relationship when we were young and carefree.
We'd let the morning sun kiss our eyes open
We enjoyed spending mornings together waking up to the sunrise.
Precious dreams that we had now they are dead and gone
The dreams and aspirations we had together have faded away and are no longer achievable.
The promises we made have all been broken
We didn't keep the promises we made to ourselves and each other.
In my arms
I long to have you in my arms again.
In my life
I wish you were still a part of my life.
Lovin' you, is just a memory
The love we once shared is only a distant memory now.
With me now, in my arms, in my mind, in my life
I wish you were here with me again, in my arms and in my life, but you are only a memory now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW JOHN CONNELL, CORINNE DREWERY, PAUL REDMOND GAVIN O'DUFFY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
@petergreenaway7812
Love was young
We saw beyond a sky that had no limits
Much higher than the highest star
Beyond the furthest planet
We thought that we could change the world
And everything in it
But time ran out of endless hours
Gave into doubt, were we just playing an endless game
That no one ever wins
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
Love and hate
Left up to fate
A life we took for granted
We couldn't stop our running from the things we always wanted
No long goodbyes
No tears to cry
And nothing to believe in
But now you're gone
We'll never know a love that's grown
Time took away
All that it gave to the two of us
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
When our hearts were young and nights were long
We'd let the morning sun kiss our eyes open
Precious dreams that we had now they are dead and gone
The promises we made have all been broken
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
In my arms
In my life
Lovin' you, is just a memory
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
With me now, in my arms, in my mind, in my life
@lauryliepolito52
Links:
S : SWING OUT SISTERS : Shapes & Patterns (1997)
Now You're Not Here
Love was young
We saw beyond a sky that had no limits
Much higher than the highest star
Beyond the furthest planet
We thought that we could change the world
And everything in it
But time ran out of endless hours
Gave into doubt, were we just playing an endless game
That no one ever wins
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
Love and hate
Left up to fate
A life we took for granted
We couldn't stop our running from the things we always wanted
No long goodbyes
No tears to cry
And nothing to believe in
But now you're gone
We'll never know a love that's grown
Time took away
All that it gave to the two of us
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
When our hearts were young and nights were long
We'd let the morning sun kiss our eyes open
Precious dreams that we had now they are dead and gone
The promises we made have all been broken
If I could run away
Hide away
Forget the way I feel
But your memory keeps haunting me
Convincing me it's real
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
In my arms
In my life
Lovin' you, is just a memory
Now you're not here
Now you're not here
With me now, in my arms, in my mind, in my life
@hirot3025
何年経っても名曲は名曲の輝きを失わないですね！！！
@user-iq4ft8jx5j
ロマンティックで素敵な旋律がじんわり心に響いてきます。
ずっとこの曲を探していたので、見つけることができてよかったです。
@rumim9190
同じです。見つけられて本当によかった。これからいっぱい聞きます。
@taka4885
始まりの伴奏がめっちゃ何か切ないと言うかたまらなく心地よくていいなぁ♪
@rosu8292
明るく弾けるような楽しさの「Breakout」の後にこの曲聞きます
切なすぎず悲しすぎない、心地よい感じが好きです
@yumflower7439
20年以上経っても、今も一番好きな曲です✨ピアノの演奏と曲調と歌声がピッタリマッチしている🎵切なくて心に染み渡る。
@user-sgza_salada
名曲すぎて何度も聴きに来てしまう
@user-bz7up2nc1s
本当の名曲は2021年になっても全く色褪せんな〜
@user-fg9zc4vh8t
2022年12月も聴いてます。
@user-gn1zj8xb9x
イタリアンチョコラータさん&@ポケモンさん 本に そう思います💪初めて聴いたのは2月の春に近づく正にNowでした。モチ今も尚 色褪せる どころか あの瞬間と今を同時に感ずる事が出来る私にとって大変貴重なツールです😍(木)17:00 23.2.2023