Beverley Craven
Album: Change Of Heard
Label: Right Track
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.beverleycraven.com/

I am willing to admit that Beverley Craven will, no matter what she does, ways be remembered for her stunning 1990 hit, Promise Me. In some ways this is as it should be. In other ways it is a shame as she has released some wonderful gems since. Looking back, I was actually surprised to realise that it has been five years since her last offering, 2009's Close to Home, so was eagerly anticipating the arrival of Change of Heart.

Thankfully it is clear that despite the title, Beverley has not had a change of heart, as demonstrated in these eleven love songs, which of course is what she has always done best.

Featuring her own songwriting and some great musicianship, not least from Beverley herself on piano and stalwart band member Frank Mead on saxophone the CD effortlessly showcases Beverley's talents as a writer, singer and musician, the holy trinity of music!

The lead single, You Belong to Someone Else, will be familiar to the many who have already heard it on the radio; a good choice for a radio single. Ready to Love takes on a jazz sound, whilst When to Walk Away, could, for those who know Beverley's story these past few years, appear at least partly autobiographical. The Collection is drawn to a close with a touching remake of one of her early offerings, Memories. This was always one of my favourites and it is wonderful to see it make an appearance here to be rediscovered by those who loved it first time around and enjoyed for the first time by those too young back then. That perhaps is the greatest thing about this release; she has maintained a timeless style and sound which has never dated and still has appeal all these years later.

An album for everyone's collection; young or old alike. Oh and see her live whilst she's on tour this Autumn. She is simply stunning on stage. Take it from someone who knows!

Helen Mitchell