Album Info
| Artist: | Bryan Ferry And His Orchestra |
| Album: | Bitter-Sweet |
| Released: | Europe, 30 Nov 2018 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Alphaville | 2:54 |
| Written-By - Ferry, Stewart | ||
| A2 | Reason Or Rhyme | 3:42 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| A3 | Sign Of The Times | 2:30 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| A4 | New Town | 3:57 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| A5 | Limbo | 2:49 |
| Written-By - Ferry, Leonard | ||
| A6 | Bitter-Sweet | 3:57 |
| Written-By - Mackay, Ferry | ||
| B1 | Dance Away | 2:47 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| B2 | Zamba | 3:06 |
| Written-By - Ferry, Leonard | ||
| B3 | Sea Breezes | 3:01 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| B4 | While My Heart Is Still Beating | 3:11 |
| Written-By - Mackay, Ferry | ||
| B5 | Bitters End | 2:26 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| B6 | Chance Meeting | 3:47 |
| Written-By - Ferry | ||
| B7 | Boys And Girls | 4:40 |
| Written-By - Ferry |
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Description
Bryan Ferry's 2018 album "Bitter-Sweet" is a fascinating exploration of his music through the lens of a bygone era. Released on November 30, 2018, this album sees Ferry reimagining some of his classic tracks, as well as a few Roxy Music favourites, in the style of 1920s jazz and swing. It's a continuation of the aesthetic he explored with his earlier project, "The Jazz Age", but "Bitter-Sweet" takes the concept even further, blending nostalgia with a modern sensibility in a way that feels both innovative and timeless.
The album was inspired by Ferry's involvement with the German television series "Babylon Berlin", a show set in the Weimar Republic era of the late 1920s. Ferry contributed music to the series, and this collaboration clearly influenced the direction of "Bitter-Sweet." The arrangements, performed by Bryan Ferry and His Orchestra, are lush and evocative, capturing the spirit of the jazz age while maintaining the emotional depth of the original compositions.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Dance Away", originally a hit for Roxy Music in 1979. In its new guise, the song is transformed into a smoky, melancholic ballad, with a haunting trumpet line and Ferry's understated vocal delivery. Similarly, "While My Heart Is Still Beating", from Roxy Music's "Avalon", takes on a new life with its sultry, jazz-inflected arrangement. The reinterpretation of "Love Is the Drug" is another highlight, turning the iconic track into a playful, swinging number that feels right at home in a 1920s speakeasy.
What makes "Bitter-Sweet" so compelling is the way it bridges the past and the present. The vintage instrumentation and arrangements are meticulously crafted, yet the songs retain their original emotional resonance. Ferry's voice, though more subdued than in his earlier years, carries a world-weary charm that suits the material perfectly. The production, handled by Ferry and Rhett Davies, is impeccable, capturing the warmth and intimacy of the performances.
The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised its inventive approach and the quality of the arrangements. It's a testament to Ferry's artistry that he can revisit his past work in such a creative and meaningful way, offering a fresh perspective on songs that many listeners already hold dear.
"Bitter-Sweet" is more than just a collection of reimagined tracks; it's a cohesive artistic statement that stands on its own. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music or new to his music, this album offers a unique and rewarding listening experience. It's a reminder of the enduring power of great songwriting and the endless possibilities of musical reinterpretation.