On her third post-
Yaz release, songstress
Alison Moyet puts her bluesy vocal abilities to good use on possibly her most soulful collection yet. She hasn't lost her knack for breezy, adult pop, evident on the lilting, melodic "Wishing You Were Here" (with
Kirsty MacColl lending some assistance on backing vocals) and "It Won't Be Long," but tracks like the horn-driven "Footsteps" and high-energy title song form the core of
Hoodoo. With the lyrics squarely focused on relationships,
Moyet is often brassy and assertive as on "Back Where I Belong," which features a catchy electro-reggae beat and contributions from ex-
Fine Young Cannibals Andy Cox and
David Steele. She's still more than capable of expressing heart-aching vulnerability, though, especially on the gorgeous "This House," where a split-second pause gives way to her passionately imploring, "Who will take your place?" Other highlights include a pair of gospel-flavored numbers, the jumpy "Rise" (on which she adds harmonica) and the anthemic closer, "Find Me." It all makes
Hoodoo another strong offering from the distinctive
Moyet. [
Hoodoo was released in a two-CD Deluxe Edition in 2016, featuring the original album remastered on the first disc along with a second disc of bonus tracks, including 12" remixes, B-sides, live tracks, and more. The package also included a booklet with exclusive sleeve notes, an
Alison Moyet interview, song lyrics, and photos.] ~ Tom Demalon