REVIEW: Basia, The Sweetest Illusion (Epic)
- Bob Gajarsky
After a break of nearly four years, the Polish woman known as Basia has returned for her third solo album, The Sweetest Illusion.
Why so long for a third album? Basia herself takes the blame for this one. "I'm very slow, I must say. Danny's a workaholic - if he'd had his own way, the album would have been finished much earlier."
The Danny referred to here is Basia's long-time musical partner and keyboardist Danny White. Together, the pair have combined for an album which has more "live" sounds - actual drums, bass and similar instruments. This marks a slight departure from her previous two releases.
The first single from Basia's new album is "Yearning". This track is an airy track, assisted by Basia's wonderful voice. It isn't as instantly captivating as "Time and Tide", but Basia's fans will find it hard to get this song out of their head.
Another premiere track on this release is "Drunk On Love". Already a top 5 hit in Japan, it returns Basia to the dancable pop/jazz style which graced her first two releases. Another standout is the title track, "Sweetest Illusion". It's my favorite song, one which I feel eclipses anything she has released to date. The bounciness of the music runs parallel to the lyrics; "A glass of soda tastes more like Dom Perignon / Every dead end street's an ocean boulevard / Love is the sweetest illusion."
Other influences on the album range from the 60's soul feel of "My Cruel Ways" to "She Deserves It / Rachel's Wedding", where the song medleys into a full fledged polka! The only truly weak track on the album is the very slow "Perfect Mother". It drones on for what seems like an endless amount of time.
Basia merges modern, lush jazz with a charming voice for an irresistible combination. Fans of either of her previous works will find no tricks, just treats, in The Sweetest Illusion.
