Of all the chart-bothers who came to prominence in the early 1980s, Spandau Ballet’s vocalist Tony Hadley always seemed the coolest. It wasn’t just his silky voice and suave demeanour, there was an almost indefinable element that elevated him above his peers. When he released his solo album The State Of Play in 1992 things became crystal clear; it transpired Tony was a rocker at heart with a deep appreciation of Bon Jovi, Tom Petty, and John Cooper Mellencamp. Yet he always drew deep from the well of musical inspiration, taking influences from different sources, and his latest album, The Mood I’m In, finds Tony exploring big band/swing territory to prove himself a well-rounded musical scholar.

The coolness that I alluded to earlier becomes immediately apparent on Tony’s choice of opener, a cover of The Doors’ ‘Touch Me’. It’s a surprise choice and one his confrère’s wouldn’t think of, and that’s precisely the sort of move which sets Tony apart. The original version came drenched in brass, and that’s the same aesthetic in play here, although this rendition packs more punch, and it kicks like a mule. It’s a musical carnival that sends shards of sonics in every direction, but the biggest revelation is Tony’s vocals. It takes a certain boldness to step into the shoes of Mr. Morrison (and indeed, the likes of Mr Sinatra later on the record), yet as so often in the case, fortune favours the brave as Tony tussles with this classic rock tune, puts his own inimitable stamp on it, and wins hands down.

A big band/swing album full of up-tempo bangers and torch songs, self-penned tunes and cover versions, the antiquated and the modern, is the perfect vehicle for Tony’s versatile voice. Subsequently, The Mood I’m In bounces like a silver ball between the bumpers as the hard-bop of the tile-track nestles next to the contemplative ‘Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered’ without missing a beat. There’s the salsa-inducing ‘Walk Of Shame’, the late-night, jazz-joint vibe of ‘I Wanna Be Around’ and the I-dare-you-to-stand-still ‘Just A Gigolo’ (step aside Dave Lee Roth!) all stitched together by Tony’s voice. The result could be eclectic in other hands, yet the singing is styled to each song and acts as a pole around which the music revolves.

I think true (pun intended) music fans are open to all forms of music and to paraphrase Guns ‘N’ Roses: “You can find a good song anywhere”. Obviously, we each have our favourite styles, but some sounds are genre-defying and if your in the mood for some good music, then get The Mood I’m In.

• The Mood I’m In is released via Revolver Records on 1st March 2024.
• Official Website / Facebook / YouTube Channel

Track List:

1. Touch Me
2. Walk Of Shame
3. Feeling Good
4. That’s Life
5. One For My Baby
6. The Mood I’m In
7. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered
8. Just A Gigolo
9. I Wanna Be Around
10. Wait For You