Helen Shapiro - The Pearl

Saturday 1st June 1991
Helen Shapiro - The Pearl
Helen Shapiro - The Pearl

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING 4 4 4 4
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11035-21605
LABEL: Manna CD040
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

News of the conversion to Christianity of the veteran pop star is heart-warming and Helen's whole hearted step into the world of church hall ministry to be applauded. It's a shame therefore that her gospel debut couldn't have been a considerably better album. Decades have passed since those quintessential early 60s British pop hits like "Walking Back To Happiness" and that husky contralto, though losing none of its rich texture has had to cope with so many years of third rate cabaret-circuit accompaniments that it can easily slip into mannered theatricality. It does on occasions here, not helped by a set of arrangements which often smack more of chicken-in-the-basket supper clubs than the cutting edge of popular music. Songs are erratic, mainly cover-versions of US material and though the Jewish praise idea is a brave attempt, and the Gary Dunham title track is a lovely ballad, this is an album which too often meanders into musical mediocrity.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by Jonathan Morales in Austin, Tx. (Usa) @ 00:35 on Sep 21 2010

I just listened to the cassette"Pearl" not long time ago
Seems to me a good a good recording!
I liked this recording!
as a matter of fact I'm looking for the cd but I couldn't find it yet... Do you have it?



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.