For those who may not be familiar, Yazoo (aka Yaz in North America) was a British synth-pop band formed in 1981 by Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet. I grew up listening to their music on the radio (specifically Don't Go, Nobody's Diary and Only You) and later partied to their hits at 80s nights at my hometown's biggest dance club. The duo only released two albums before going their separate ways in 1983, Vince becoming part of another incredibly successful synth-pop duo, Erasure, and Alison charting a successful solo career. Her debut solo album, released in 1984, was titled Alf (a nickname from her punk era) and reached number one on the UK charts, with hit singles Love Resurrection, Invisible and All Cried Out.
She went on to release nine albums between 1987 and 2024, the most recent being Key, a collection of reworked songs from her solo discography, deep cuts and two new tracks. To promote the album and celebrate her incredible 40 year solo career, she embarked on a tour delivering what her official website describes as "an eclectic, career-spanning set, showcasing the depth and breadth of her artistic creativity and song writing". It's interesting that the site also adds a disclaimer that not all fan favorites will be performed, with Weak In The Presence Of Beauty and Invisible being mentioned specifically. I have to say, the former is one of my favorites of hers.
She performed at a sold out Webster Hall in NYC last night and did not disappoint! Dressed in black from head to toe, her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, she was the epitome of sophistication. She was also clearly thrilled to be in NYC and remarked that the audience were "splendid" several times. Her vocals were powerful and emotive throughout the set as she alternated between tender ballads and energetic dance numbers. The lighting was simple but effective and moved between softer colors for the ballads and when they launched into their upbeat numbers, the lighting became more colorful and dynamic.
I also have to say (and yes, I know it ages me) it was refreshing to be surrounded by a more...mature audience who were there to appreciate the artist and their music, instead of entitled brats having loud, obnoxious conversations and getting messy drunk or recording the entire show on their phones.
The complete setlist was as follows:
Fire
More
Such Small Ale
Nobody's Diary (Yazoo song)
The Impervious Me
So Am I
Can't Say It Like I Mean It
This House
Changeling
Beautiful Gun
Only You (Yazoo song)
It Won't Be Long
Ordinary Girl
Is This Love? (Key version)
All Signs of Life
Footsteps
All Cried Out
Whispering Your Name
Encore
Situation (Yazoo song)
Love Resurrection
Don't Go (Yazoo song)
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