The Lighthouse family are a soul duo from up north who recorded their first single, "Lifted" in 1995. The duo consists of vocalist Tunde Baiyewu (Who I believe recently launched a solo career) and keyboard player Paul Tucker who formed in Newcastle. Their debut album was entitled "Ocean Drive" and was also released in 1995. It was a couple of years later that the duo released their second album "Postcards from Heaven."
As suggested by the CD's title, Lighthouse Family "Greatest Hits" is a compilation which was released in 2002 of the Lighthouse Family's most memorable tracks. I would just like to point out that I'm almost 100% sure you'd recognise at least one track from this reasonably well known group.
I think their style of music is best described as easy-listening soul with a truly mellow vibe. Tracks such as "High" and "Lifted" are very similar in tone and mood and generally manage to lift your spirits without being over powering or aggressive. In fact the same can be said for many of the tracks which appear on this CD which can make it a littl repetative. "Question of Faith" is another song which you may recognise and which also conforms to the Lighthouse Families very distinct sound.
The vocals of Tunde Baiyewu (No I don't know how you pronounce that surname?) has a good range are suitably captivating tones and give each song a relaxed yet precise texture. Some of the vocals used such as in "Ain't No Sunshine When She's gone" have a more downtrodden feel yet Tunde still emits a captivating sound.
On the down side however some of the lyrics in tracks such as "Goodbye HeartBreak" are repetitive and may do your head in if you're not in the mood to simply chill. This said I feel the Lighthouse family add a refreshing modern-day vibe to traditional soul and blues.
Also importantly many of the tracks have a beautiful use of stringed instruments and orchestral accompaniments. This really gives many of the pieces depth without overpowering Tundes presence.
The 15 original tracks are also accompanied, on the UK version, by a remix of "Lifted" as well as a bonus track "End Of The Sky." The inlay of the CD has some nicely composed photographs of the duo and the front cover I feel is suitably designed and shaded to the general cool tone of their music.
I would recommend this CD as a chill out album for people who like to listen to music at times which doesn't overpower the listener. I think this album would also fit perfectly as background music to a casual gathering or social event. For Lighthouse family fans all their most successful tracks are here, and for those who recognise and like the tracks then maybe you should give this one a try. If, however, you like your music with a fast tempo, catchy lyrics and generally more movement then maybe this isn't the one for you. Personally I enjoy listening to this CD when working on college work or having just finished and being in need of some 'Quiet time.' (Hehe)
My Rating: 4 out of 5
If you likedthis maybe try: The corrs (A similarly mellow group, however with an irish influence)
Pictures of Greatest Hits - Lighthouse Family
The lighthouse family members
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I had a free CD from some supermarket promotions that included a song by the Lighthouse Family on it ~ very easy-listening, as I recall! ~ ~ .................................................................................................... ~ ♥ ~ jes ~ ♥♥
l-m-n-o-p 14.06.2006 15:51
Oh yeah - I used to love the Lighthouse Family. Maybe I'll get this. Tunde appeared on Strictly African Dancing about a year ago and wasn't very good, but that show was quite funny, if anybody watched it. Great review
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