Beady Belle - Nothing But The Truth

by Dave Goodwin

published: 8 / 11 / 2022

Label: Jazzland Recordings
Format: CD

intro

SAblime ninth album from Nowegian singer-songwriter and musician Beady Belle

We’ve all been in that coffee house or bistro, and found ourselves mulling things over in our heads and that the music that is playing in the background has gone from background to inner headspace because it is catchy and likeable. We stop and all of a sudden we go, “What is that playing?” This ninth full offering from Norwegian musician/singer/songwriter Beady Bell makes you do just that. This sound you’ve just discovered, however, isn’t a new one. It just sounds new in a time when things that sound new and fresh are few and far between. Having played in over 170 cities in 28 countries across the globe since the early 2000s, things have changed for Beady Belle in her explorations of different genres, technologies, themes and subjects and her band’s personnel has also changed. Originally Beady Belle started out life as a two-piece band. The move from fixed band line-up to Beady Belle as solo artist created a new set of dynamics and the changing line-ups were a catalyst for fresh perspectives on Beady Belle's songs, allowing her to unfold their true potential in new and sometimes unexpected ways, while her voice stamps everything with her unmistakeable identity. ‘Nothing But the Truth’ marks her 20 years anniversary as the artist Beady Belle. Beady Belle's music has morphed over the years and has explored and crossed many genres including the Nashville sounding fourth album ‘Belvedere’ and the conceptual outing of ‘Cricklewood Broadway’ to where it is today, showcasing the stunning voice of Beady Belle in her own right. This is a more soulful and R&B ridden affair but still has that synth-laden electronic vibe that has always been there since the early days and her debut album ‘Home’. This album has vibes of Prince’s ‘3121’ and Sade’s ‘Soldier’ and, dare I say, is equally as good. Beady Belle has the voice to carry it off. Don’t just take my word for it! Have a listen to second track, ‘Lost’, or, for that matter, have a listen to the whole album as it is littered with all sorts of grooves and quieter moments and filled with the vocal range of a funk ridden angel. The CD copy I have is housed in a colourful gatefold with an inner booklet including all the lyrics and also photos by Rune Kongsro. The album is only available in digitl and CD formats. There is no outlet for a vinyl option, which is a shame because something this g ood deserves to be played on a deck. Marvellous!

Track Listing:-

1 Truth Wide Open
2 Lost
3 Morning Part I (Interlude)
4 Buoy (Interlude)
5 Sinking Ship
6 The Animal
7 Quiet Sounds
8 Morning Part II (Interlude)
9 Independence
10 Morning Part III (Interlude)
11 Last Dance
12 Cocoon
13 Morning Part IV (Interlude)
14 Happiness
15 Playing With Fire
16 Flyte (Postlude)