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Please Yourself
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| Please Yourself | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 29 March 1993 | |||
| Recorded | 1992 | |||
| Studio | PWL Studios, Borough High Street, London; BMG Recording Studios, New York City | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | London | |||
| Producer | Stock & Waterman | |||
| Bananarama chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Please Yourself | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Calgary Herald | C[3] |
Please Yourself is the sixth studio album by English pop act Bananarama. It was released on 29 March 1993 by London Records, the group's last release under the label. It is also the first album from Bananarama as a duo – with original members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward continuing after the departure of Jacquie O'Sullivan in 1991. Please Yourself also reunites Bananarama with two-thirds of the Stock Aitken Waterman production team (Stock and Waterman). Musician Gary Miller was brought in to do keyboards and guitar and would be Bananarama's next collaborator on their following album Ultra Violet. The concept of the album was first suggested by Pete Waterman as 'ABBA-Banana', a record that would feature pop songs in the style of ABBA, but updated for the 1990s. Ultimately, however, much of the album ended up incorporating a ‘90s Euro-disco sound with only “Movin’ On” and “Last Thing On My Mind” utilising an ABBA-esque influence.
Please Yourself was the first Bananarama album not to be released in the United States. Upon its release in the UK, it was panned by critics and charted at a low number forty-six.[1] A limited double CD edition featured 12" remixes of some of the band’s past singles. Dallin and Woodward have later admitted in interviews that they are not fond of this album. Two of the songs on the album would later be reworked by Pete Waterman for use with the band Steps. "Last Thing on My Mind" would be their second single and the track "Movin' On" would be included on their second album Steptacular.
Critical reception
[edit]In July 2018, Mark Elliot of Classic Pop ranked Please Yourself as the 14th best album ever produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. He presented the album as "a concept project [Waterman] billed "ABBA-Banana", and considered "Movin'On" and "Last Thing on My Mind" as "classics".[4]
Track listing
[edit]All songs written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, and Pete Waterman, except where noted.
CD and Cassette
- "Movin' On" – 4:38
- "Last Thing on My Mind" – 3:35
- "Let Me Love You One More Time" – 3:39
- "More, More, More" – 3:08 (Gregg Diamond, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman)
- "Is She Good to You" – 3:44
- "Only Time Will Tell" – 3:35
- "Give It All Up for Love" – 3:57
- "You'll Never Know What It Means" – 4:36
- "You're Never Satisfied" – 3:32
- "I Could Be Persuaded" – 5:09
Limited Edition CD Bonus Tracks (Disc 2)
- "Venus" (Hellfire Mix) – 9:18 (R. V. Leeuwen)
- "I Want You Back" (European Mix) – 7:54 (S. Dallin, S. Fahey, K. Woodward, M. Stock, M. Aitken, P. Waterman)
- "Love in the First Degree" (Jailers Mix) – 6:03 (S. Dallin, S. Fahey, K. Woodward, M. Stock, M. Aitken, P. Waterman)
- "Cruel Summer '89" (Swing Beat Dub) – 5:16 (S. Jolley, T. Swain, S. Dallin, S. Fahey, K. Woodward)
- "Really Saying Something" (Long Version) – 5:40 (N. Whitfield, W. Stevenson, E. Holland, Jr)
- "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" (Full Length Version) – 4:53 (G. DeCarlo, D. Frashuer, P. Leka)
Japanese CD
- "Movin' On" – 4:38
- "Last Thing on My Mind" – 3:35
- "Let Me Love You One More Time" – 3:39
- "More, More, More" – 3:08
- "Is She Good to You" – 3:44
- "Only Time Will Tell" – 3:35
- "Give It All Up for Love" – 3:57
- "You'll Never Know What It Means" – 4:36
- "You're Never Satisfied" – 3:32
- "I Could Be Persuaded" – 5:09
- "Movin' On" (Bumpin' Mix) – 6:16
- "Last Thing on My Mind" (Hi-NRG Mix) – 5:59
- "Venus" (Extended Version) – 7:23
2007 CD Re-issue Plus Bonus Tracks
- "Movin' On" - 4:37
- "Last Thing on My Mind" - 3:34
- "Let Me Love You One More Time" - 3:38
- "More, More, More" - 3:07
- "Is She Good to You" - 3:42
- "Only Time Will Tell" - 3:34
- "Give It All Up for Love" - 3:57
- "You'll Never Know What It Means" - 4:33
- "You're Never Satisfied" - 3:28
- "I Could Be Persuaded" - 5:08
- "Movin' On" (7-inch mix) - 3:32
- "Another Lover" - 3:32
- "Last Thing on My Mind" (7-inch Mix) - 3:35
- "Treat Me Right" - 4:42
- "More, More, More" (Dave Ford Single Mix) - 3:21
2013 Deluxe Edition 2CD/DVD Re-issue
Disc 1
- "Movin' On" - 4.32
- "Last Thing on My Mind" - 3.35
- "Let Me Love You One More Time" - 3.36
- "More, More, More" - 3.05
- "Is She Good To You?" - 3.38
- "Only Time Will Tell" - 3.31
- "Give It All Up For Love" - 3.54
- "You’ll Never Know What It Means" - 4.28
- "You’re Never Satisfied" - 3.25
- "I Could Be Persuaded" - 5.04
- "Another Lover" - 3.30
- "Treat Me Right" - 4.40
- "More, More, More" [7” Mix] - 3.23
- "Movin' On" [Bumpin’ Mix] - 6.13
- "Last Thing on My Mind" [Hi-NRG Mix] - 5.58
- "More, More, More" [12” Mix] - 5.16
- "Nueva Dirección" [Movin’ On - Spanish Version] - 3.36
- "Last Thing on My Mind" [Extended Version] - 5.40
Disc 2
- "Movin' On" [Movin’ Mix] - 8.50
- "Is She Good To You? [7” Remix]" - 3.18
- "More, More, More" [Original 12” Mix] - 7.09
- "Only Time Will Tell [Garage Version]" - 4.39*
- "Movin' On" [Original 12” Mix] - 7.33
- "Is She Good To You? [12” Club Mix]" - 5.50
- "More, More, More" [Extended Version] - 5.04
- "Movin' On" [NRG Mix] - 5.20
- "Last Thing on My Mind" [Xtra NRG Mix] - 5.29
- "More, More, More" [More Tech No Dub] - 5.48
- "Movin' On" [The ‘Norty’ Banana Mix] - 6.18
- "Last Thing on My Mind" [FXTC Dub] - 8.18
- "More, More, More" [Remix Dub] - 5.06
DVD
- "Movin' On"
- "Last Thing on My Mind"
- "More, More, More"
- "Movin' On" [On 'Top Of The Pops']
- "Last Thing on My Mind" [On 'Pebble Mill']
Personnel
[edit]Bananarama
- Sara Dallin – vocals
- Keren Woodward – vocals
- Mae McKenna, Miriam Stockley, Lance Ellington, Mark Williamson, Leroy Osbourne, Cleveland Watkiss, Mike Stock – backing vocals
Musicians
- Mike Stock, Julian Gingell, Gary Miller - keyboards
- Gary Miller - guitar
- A. Linn (Linn drum machine) - drums
On "Is She Good to You?" and "Give It All Up For Love":
- Paul Riser - string and horn arrangements
- Gene Orloff (concertmaster), Matthew Raimondi, Sanford Allen, Max Ellen, John Pintavalle, Charles Libove, Elliot Rosoff, Regis Iandiorio, Stanley Hunte, Seymour Wakschul - violin
- Alfred Brown, Julien Barber, Harry Zaratzian, Richard E. Spencer - viola
- Eugene Moye, Jesse Levy, Fred Zlotkin - cello
- Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker - trumpet
- Dave Bargeron - trombone
- Lawrence Feldman - tenor saxophone
Additional personnel
- Andrew Biscomb – Sleeve design
- Tony McGee – Inner photography
- Peter Barrett – Sleeve design
- Julian Broad – Cover photography
- Jason Barron, Les Sharma, Paul Waterman, Dean Murphy, Chris McDonnell, Jesse Tranbury, Martin Neary – Assistant engineers
- Jay Newland – Recording engineer
- Sandy Palmer – Assistant engineer
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1993) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[5] | 95 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[6] | 46 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Bananarama - Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ "Bananarama – Bananarama's Please Yourself". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ Obee, Dave (23 May 1993). "Recent Releases". Calgary Herald.
- ^ Elliot, Mark (July 2018). "Top 15 Stock Aitken Waterman Albums". Classic Pop. Archived from the original on 10 August 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Bananarama – Please Yourself" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart on 4/4/1993 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
Please Yourself
View on GrokipediaBackground
Line-up changes
Bananarama's line-up experienced its first significant change in early 1988 when founding member Siobhan Fahey departed the group to pursue a solo career, forming Shakespear's Sister amid creative differences and frustrations with the male-dominated music industry.[9][10] Fahey was replaced by Jacquie O'Sullivan, a singer from the group Shillelagh Sisters, who joined Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward for live performances and subsequent releases, including the 1991 album Pop Life.[11] O'Sullivan left Bananarama in late 1991, reportedly due to a lack of creative control and feeling marginalized as an outsider within the established duo of childhood friends Dallin and Woodward.[12][13] This departure reduced the group to its core duo format for the first time since their formation in 1980, fundamentally altering the dynamics after over a decade of operating as a trio.[1] The transition challenged the remaining members but ultimately strengthened their partnership, as Dallin and Woodward drew on their longstanding collaboration to adapt to the absence of a third voice, fostering a more streamlined and intimate approach to the group's future direction.[14]Album conception
In early 1992, producer Pete Waterman pitched the "ABBA-Banana" concept for Bananarama's sixth studio album, envisioning a fusion of ABBA's melodic pop sensibilities—characterized by melancholic vocals and piano arpeggios—with contemporary 1990s Euro-disco elements to create a fresh yet nostalgic sound.[8] This initiative came after the commercial underperformance of the group's prior releases, particularly the 1991 album Pop Life, which peaked at number 46 on the UK Albums Chart and failed to recapture the success of their 1980s hits.[8] In response, duo members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward opted to reunite with longtime collaborators Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW)—now comprising Mike Stock and Waterman following Matt Aitken's departure—to reinvigorate their chart presence through SAW's proven hit-making formula.[8] The album's development unfolded over approximately 18 months, with recording sessions commencing in September 1991 and culminating in the project's finalization ahead of its March 1993 release by London Records.[8] Internal strategic discussions emphasized shifting toward a more mature pop audience, leveraging the "ABBA-Banana" framework to deliver sophisticated, dance-oriented tracks that balanced retro influences with modern production.[8]Production
Recording process
The recording of Please Yourself took place in late 1991 and 1992, primarily at PWL Studios in London, with select tracks completed at BMG Recording Studios in New York City.[15] Sessions were divided between the two locations to accommodate the logistical needs of the project, allowing for focused work on individual songs amid the group's transition to a duo format.[8] The production process centered on layering vocals and instrumentation atop established production templates, a hallmark approach that enabled iterative refinement of the album's Euro-disco-oriented tracks over several months.[8] This method involved building dense vocal stacks and rhythmic foundations progressively, with multiple takes dedicated to harmonizing elements that aligned with the album's pop-disco aesthetic. The extended timeline facilitated experimentation, starting from initial disco-leaning demos and evolving toward a polished sound influenced briefly by an "ABBA-Banana" concept of melodic, piano-driven arrangements.[8] One key challenge was adapting to duo harmonies, which required reworking vocal arrangements previously designed for three voices to maintain the group's signature layered style without losing depth.[8] Additionally, incorporating live elements such as strings and horns presented technical hurdles, as these organic sounds needed careful integration with the synthesized Euro-disco base to avoid clashing with the electronic templates. Engineers addressed this by recording live overdubs in isolated sessions, particularly at the New York studio for tracks benefiting from acoustic richness, ensuring cohesion across the album's 10 songs.[15][8]Key collaborators
The primary producers for Please Yourself were Mike Stock and Pete Waterman, representing two-thirds of the influential Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) production trio, who oversaw arrangements and mixing across all tracks, infusing the album with their signature polished, hi-NRG pop sound.[2] Their collaboration marked a reunion with Bananarama after earlier successes, aiming to blend the duo's evolving style with SAW's commercial expertise to revitalize the group's presence in the early 1990s pop landscape.[1] Key musical contributions came from multi-instrumentalist Gary Miller, who played keyboards and guitar on multiple tracks, adding textural depth to the album's synth-driven arrangements.[2] Additionally, renowned arranger Paul Riser provided string and horn arrangements for select songs, such as "Is She Good to You" and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," enhancing the tracks with lush, Motown-inspired orchestration that complemented SAW's electronic foundation.[2] Further support included backing vocals from session artists like Cleveland Watkiss, Lance Ellington, and Mae McKenna, who bolstered the harmonies and layered textures central to Bananarama's vocal interplay.[2] Engineering efforts, led by figures such as Dave Ford on mixing, ensured the album's crisp, radio-ready production, underscoring SAW's pivotal role in crafting a cohesive, upbeat pop record.[2]Musical content
Style and influences
Please Yourself showcases a predominant Euro-disco and synth-pop style, characterized by upbeat tempos and prominent electronic beats throughout its 10 tracks, which average approximately 3 minutes and 40 seconds in length.[2] The album's sound blends polished disco elements with contemporary electronic production, creating a danceable foundation that emphasizes rhythmic grooves and synthesized instrumentation.[8] Influences from ABBA are particularly evident in the album's melodic hooks and layered vocal harmonies, lending a sophisticated pop sheen to several tracks. For instance, "Movin' On" and "Last Thing on My Mind" feature catchy, chorus-driven structures reminiscent of ABBA's melodic craftsmanship, updated with 1990s production flair.[8] This ABBA-inspired approach contributes to the album's overall Euro-pop accessibility, distinguishing it within the era's dance music landscape.[8] The record marks an evolution from Bananarama's earlier bubblegum pop sensibilities of the 1980s to a more mature, dance-oriented sound suited to the early 1990s. Previously known for lighter, playful hits, the duo shifted toward deeper disco influences and refined arrangements here. The production by Stock Aitken Waterman further enhanced this transition, delivering a glossy, high-energy finish.[8]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Please Yourself, Bananarama's sixth studio album and their first as the duo of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, center on empowerment and self-confidence, capturing the pair's determination to thrive following the group's transition from a trio.[16] Songs like "More, More, More" emphasize hedonism and independence, urging listeners to embrace desire and autonomy without restraint, drawing from the original disco track's celebratory vibe while infusing it with the duo's assertive pop sensibility.[16] This track, co-written by Dallin and Woodward alongside Mike Stock and Pete Waterman, exemplifies their collaborative songwriting approach, which often weaves personal resolve into upbeat narratives.[17] Relationship dynamics form another key motif, explored through a mix of vulnerability and strength, as seen in "Last Thing on My Mind," where lyrics blend regret over past connections with a resilient forward gaze, framed within infectious pop structures that underscore emotional recovery.[16] The co-written contributions from Dallin and Woodward throughout the album reflect their lived experiences of fame and the challenges of duo life after Jacquie O'Sullivan's departure in 1991, infusing tracks with authentic reflections on adaptation and perseverance in the music industry.[8] These themes are amplified by the album's Euro-disco backing, which provides an energetic foundation for messages of self-assurance.[8]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Please Yourself, "Movin' On", was released on 17 August 1992 by London Records in multiple formats including 7-inch vinyl, 12-inch vinyl, CD, and cassette.[18] It peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Bananarama's return to the top 30 after a period of lower-charting releases.[4] The track featured several remixes, such as the Bumpin' Mix by Gordon Dennis and Pete Day, which highlighted its upbeat dance-pop appeal through extended instrumental sections and club-oriented production.[19] "Last Thing on My Mind" followed as the second single on 16 November 1992, also available in vinyl, CD, and cassette formats.[20] It reached number 71 on the UK Singles Chart, receiving limited airplay amid the competitive holiday release season.[4] The song incorporated ABBA-inspired elements, including harmonious vocal arrangements and a bright, melodic pop structure reminiscent of the Swedish group's style.[21] The third and most promoted single, a cover of Andrea True Connection's 1976 disco hit "More, More, More", arrived on 8 March 1993 in similar physical formats. It charted at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart, benefiting from a vibrant music video directed by Saffie Ashtiany[22] that showcased the duo's energetic performance and synchronized dance routines.[4] These singles collectively underscored the album's themes of personal empowerment through their confident, anthemic tones.[1]Marketing efforts
Please Yourself was released exclusively in the United Kingdom on 29 March 1993 by London Records, with limited international distribution that contributed to its modest overall visibility.[1][8][2] To promote the album, Bananarama produced videos for its singles, including "Movin' On" and "More, More, More," which aired on MTV and BBC networks. The group also made key television appearances, such as performances on Top of the Pops to showcase tracks from the record.[23][24] Owing to budget constraints following the group's departure from their previous major label deal, no extensive tour was organized in support of Please Yourself. Promotional activities instead emphasized radio airplay and in-store displays incorporating the "ABBA-Banana" branding, a concept devised by producer Mike Stock and Pete Waterman to evoke an updated ABBA-inspired pop aesthetic.[8][23]Reception
Critical reviews
Upon its release in 1993, Please Yourself received largely negative reviews from critics, who found the album lacking in innovation, particularly in its reliance on Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) production techniques that felt outdated amid the rising popularity of grunge and alternative rock.[25] AllMusic awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, highlighting the absence of fresh ideas in the polished pop sound.[25] The Calgary Herald gave the album a C rating, praising its catchy hooks but criticizing the formulaic pop structure that failed to evolve beyond familiar tropes.[8] Similarly, UK press outlets described it as a step back from the edgier experimentation of Bananarama's prior work on Pop Life, viewing the return to Euro-disco elements as mismatched for the era's musical landscape.[8] Despite the overall panning, some reviewers commended the vocal performances of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, noting their strong harmonies and delivery as highlights amid the dated production.[1]Commercial performance
Please Yourself peaked at number 46 on the UK Albums Chart upon its release in April 1993, spending one week in the top 100.[26] The album also charted at number 95 on the German Albums Chart in May 1993, remaining on the listing for three weeks.[27] Its promotional singles similarly achieved modest peaks in the UK, with "Movin' On" reaching number 24, "Last Thing on My Mind" number 71, and "More, More, More" number 24.[4] Despite these entries, the album earned no certifications worldwide and represented Bananarama's lowest-charting studio release to date, reflecting its limited international distribution primarily to the UK and select European markets.[27][4]Album components
Track listing
The standard edition of Please Yourself features ten tracks, with a total runtime of approximately 39 minutes.[28]| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Movin' On | 4:38 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[29] |
| 2 | Last Thing on My Mind | 3:35 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[30] |
| 3 | Let Me Love You One More Time | 3:39 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[31] |
| 4 | More, More, More | 3:08 | Gregg Diamond[28] |
| 5 | Is She Good to You | 3:44 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[28] |
| 6 | Only Time Will Tell | 3:35 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[28] |
| 7 | Give It All Up for Love | 3:57 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[28] |
| 8 | You'll Never Know What It Means | 4:36 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[28] |
| 9 | You're Never Satisfied | 3:32 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[28] |
| 10 | I Could Be Persuaded | 5:10 | Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman[28] |
