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Album Review: Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - What Have We Become

Ross Clelland
StarStarStarHalf Star

The reuniting of The Beautiful South’s songwriter and its best voice will provoke nostalgic sighs.


The reuniting of The Beautiful South's songwriter and its best voice will provoke nostalgic sighs from enthusiasts of the '90s combo, their mix of wry romanticism and sometimes snarky observations still intact. As the title suggests, things have changed, but they can update the conversations. The opening Moulding Of A Fool has their voices intertwining as seamlessly as they ever did.  D.I.Y has that so English skiffle tumble, Abbott's voice sweet and honest – even while not really liking what's going on. One Man's England goes further, Heaton's political and social view increasingly despairing.