Homesick Heat Magazine 5th -11th  May 2001

In a nutshell
Comeback album from Scottish sextet who bothered the charts in the late 80s with hits Dignity, Real Gone Kid and Fergus Sings The Blues. The band split up in 1994 to widespread indifference.

What's it like?
The kind of polished adult pop that gave Deacon Blue a brace of top five albums in their heyday and doesn't sound dated now. A string arrangement here and a smattering of brass there spice up these hooky melodies but the slick production has diminished the band's rough-around-the-edges charm. Expect these songs to pop up on Radio 2.

How many good tracks?
Five, out of 11.

Best track
The single Every Time You Sleep.

Worst track
The only crime committed by this album is blanket blandness and I Am Born is the worst offender. Verdict Without a Texas-style hip makeover or the enduring fanbase enjoyed by peers Del Amitri, Deacon Blue are unlikely to re-enter the chart fray.

Sarah Cohen