MUSIC #34: ALISON MOYET – ALF 1984 (ENGLISH)

Alison Moyet, born Geneviève Alison Jane Moyet on 18 June 1961, is an English pop singer-songwriter. She was involved in a number of punk rock, pub rock and blues bands in the South East Essex area during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Her mainstream pop career began in 1981 when she formed the electro pop duo Yazoo with former Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke. Yazoo had several hits, including Only You, Don't Go, Situation and Nobody's Diary, and recorded two albums, Upstairs at Eric's and You and Me Both.

In 1983, Moyet and Clarke decided to disband Yazoo. Alison embarked on a solo career and released her debut album, Alf in 1984. The record was a hit in Britain, reaching #1 in the album chart. Alf spawned three international hit singles, Love Resurrection (UK #10), Invisible (UK #21) and All Cried Out (UK #8). In the US, "Invisible" was a Top 40 hit (something Yazoo had never achieved).

My verdict: 4 stars and my favourites include All Cried Out and Love Resurrection. It’s a great album, with something in it to please everyone - from soft pop to ballads, all made so good with Alison's emotive and ruminative voice. You could not have asked for a better debut album.

Alison Moyet: Alf 1984

Side One

1. Love Resurrection

2. Honey For The Bees

3. For You Only

4. Invisible

5. Steal Me Blind

Side Two

1. All Cried Out

2. Money Mile

3. Twisting The Knife

4. Where Hide Sleep

PS: This album is for my friend, Bollywood Deewana.