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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
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{{Infobox album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = Studio 1
| name = Studio 1
| Type = studio
| type = studio
| Artist = [[All Saints (group)|All Saints]]
| artist = [[All Saints (group)|All Saints]]
| Cover = All Saints Studio 1.jpg
| cover = All Saints Studio 1.jpg
| Released = 10 November 2006
| alt =
⚫
| released = 10 November 2006
⚫
| Recorded =
| recorded = 2006
| Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<!-- Per "Recording and music" section; sourced in Observer article -->
| studio = [[Mayfair Studios|Mayfair]] (London, England)
⚫
| Length = 42:53<ref name="7digital">{{cite web|url=http://www.7digital.com/stores/productDetail.aspx?shop=34&product=47882&sid=526588 |title=Studio 1 by All Saints |work=7digital |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220231627/http://www.7digital.com/artists/all-saints/studio-1 |archivedate=20 February 2009 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=9 December 2016}}</ref>
⚫
| genre =
⚫
| Label = [[Parlophone Records|Parlophone]]
*[[Pop music|Pop]]
⚫
| Producer = [[K-Gee]], [[Greg Kurstin]], [[Rick Nowels]]<ref name="nme">[http://www.nme.com/news/all-saints/24732 NME.com] "All Saints comeback album details", 16 October 2006 (Retrieved: 16 October 2006)</ref>
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
⚫
| Last album = ''[[All Hits (All Saints album)|All Hits]]''<br />(2001)
⚫
| length = 42:53<ref name="7digital">{{cite web|url=http://www.7digital.com/stores/productDetail.aspx?shop=34&product=47882&sid=526588 |title=Studio 1 by All Saints |work=7digital |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220231627/http://www.7digital.com/artists/all-saints/studio-1 |archive-date=20 February 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref>
| This album = '''''Studio 1'''''<br />(2006)
⚫
| label = [[Parlophone]]
⚫
| Next album = ''[[Pure Shores: The Very Best of All Saints]]''<br />(2010)
| Misc = {{Singles
| producer =
*[[K-Gee]]
⚫
| Name = All Saints
*[[Greg Kurstin]]
⚫
| Type = studio
⚫
*[[Rick Nowels]]<ref name="nme">[https://www.nme.com/news/all-saints/24732 NME.com] "All Saints comeback album details", 16 October 2006 (Retrieved: 16 October 2006)</ref>
⚫
| Single 1 = [[Rock Steady (All Saints song)|Rock Steady]]
⚫
| prev_title = [[All Hits (All Saints album)|All Hits]]
⚫
| Single 1 date = 6 November 2006
| prev_year = 2001
| Single 2 = [[Chick Fit]]
⚫
| next_title = [[Pure Shores: The Very Best of All Saints]]
| Single 2 date = 26 February 2007
| next_year = 2010
⚫
}}}}
| misc = {{Singles
⚫
| name = All Saints
⚫
| type = studio
⚫
| single1 = [[Rock Steady (All Saints song)|Rock Steady]]
| single1date = 6 November 2006
⚫
}}
}}


'''''Studio 1''''' is the third studio album by English-Canadian girl group [[All Saints (group)|All Saints]]. It was released following a five-year hiatus during which the bandmembers had pursued solo careers.
'''''Studio 1''''' is the third studio album by English girl group [[All Saints (group)|All Saints]], released on 10 November 2006, by [[Parlophone]]. It was released following a five-year hiatus during which the bandmembers had pursued solo careers.


The first single released from the album was "[[Rock Steady (All Saints song)|Rock Steady]]" which was released on 6 November 2006 and peaked at No. 3 on the [[UK Singles Chart]]. A second single, "[[Chick Fit]]" was a download-only release. The album debuted at No. 40 on the [[UK Albums Chart]]. It was certified Gold in the UK.
The lead single released from the album was "[[Rock Steady (All Saints song)|Rock Steady]]" which was released on 6 November 2006 and peaked at No. 3 on the [[UK singles chart]]. "[[Chick Fit]]" was released as a download-only promotional single. The album debuted at No. 40 on the [[UK Albums Chart]] and it was certified Gold in the UK.


== Background ==
== Background ==
In October 2000, All Saints released their second studio album ''[[Saints & Sinners (All Saints album)|Saints & Sinners]]''.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|title=Saints & Sinners – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/saints-sinners-mw0000524340|work=[[AllMusic]].|publisher=Rovi Corporation|accessdate=22 June 2012}}</ref> It scored the number-one hit singles "[[Pure Shores]]" and "[[Black Coffee (All Saints song)|Black Coffee]]" and debuted at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]], eventually reaching double platinum certification in the UK for sales of 600,000 copies.<ref name=bpi>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |title=BPI Certified Awards Search |publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]] |accessdate=2009-09-04 |format=insert "All Saints" into the "Search" box, and then select "Go" |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928014038/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |archivedate=28 September 2011 |df= }}</ref> In February 2001, they announced that they were to take a break so that they "could clear the air between themselves". [[Melanie Blatt]] said later that year that it was uncertain if they would reform, citing their difficulties with the financial and business aspects of the group.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1496270.stm | work=BBC News | title=All Saints 'split over money' | date=17 August 2001}}</ref> [[Shaznay Lewis]] later explained that the catalyst for the break-up was a disagreement over who would wear a certain jacket for a photoshoot: "I would never in a million years have put money on the group ending over a jacket incident. But when that incident happened, it fired up so strong, it had to be over. And the way I was then, the state we'd got into then, there was no way she was getting that stupid jacket."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/oct/10/popandrock1 | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Polly | last=Vernon | title=Patience of a saint | date=10 October 2004}}</ref> In November 2001, [[London Records]] released a [[greatest hits]] compilation entitled ''[[All Hits]]''.<ref name=allmusic2>{{cite web|title= All Hits – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/all-hits-mw0000034178|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=Rovi Corporation|accessdate=22 June 2012}}</ref> The album peaked at number eighteen on the UK Albums Chart and was later certified gold, selling 100,000 copies.<ref name=bpi/> On 24 January 2006, it was announced that the band had reformed and signed a record deal with Parlophone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/all%20saints%20confirm%20reunion_24_01_2006 |title=All Saints confirm reunion |publisher=Contact music |date= |accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref>
In February 2001, All Saints announced that they were to take a break so that they "could clear the air between themselves". [[Melanie Blatt]] said later that year that it was uncertain if they would reform, citing their difficulties with the financial and business aspects of the group.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1496270.stm|publisher=[[BBC News]]|title=All Saints 'split over money'|date=17 August 2001|accessdate=14 January 2019}}</ref> [[Shaznay Lewis]] later explained that the catalyst for the break-up was a disagreement over who would wear a certain jacket for a photoshoot: "I would never in a million years have put money on the group ending over a jacket incident. But when that incident happened, it fired up so strong, it had to be over. And the way I was then, the state we'd got into then, there was no way she was getting that stupid jacket."<ref>{{cite news|first=Polly | last=Vernon | title=Patience of a saint|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/oct/10/popandrock1 | location=London | work=The Guardian |date=10 October 2004|accessdate=14 January 2019}}</ref> In November 2001, [[London Records]] released a [[greatest hits]] compilation entitled ''[[All Hits]]''.<ref name=AllMusic2>{{cite web|title= All Hits – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-hits-mw0000034178|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=22 June 2012}}</ref> The album peaked at number eighteen on the [[UK Albums Chart]] and was later certified gold, selling 100,000 copies.<ref name=bpi>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |title=BPI Certified Awards Search |publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]] |access-date=2009-09-04 |format=insert "All Saints" into the "Search" box, and then select "Go" |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928014038/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |archive-date=28 September 2011 }}</ref>


⚫
On 24 January 2006, it was announced that the band had reformed and signed a record deal with [[Parlophone]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/all%20saints%20confirm%20reunion_24_01_2006 |title=All Saints confirm reunion |publisher=Contactmusic |accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> Blatt remarked: "I didn't know what to expect. Would it be the same? Would it be worse? But it was actually better, because we've all grown up."<ref name=observer>{{cite news|last=Ellen|first=Barbara|title=Barbara Ellen meets the reformed All Saint|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/nov/05/popandrock4|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|date=5 November 2006}}</ref>
== Recording and music ==
⚫
Lewis answered why they were back together, saying: "Because this time round we just want to have a good time and a laugh."<ref name=thesun>{{cite news|title=All Saints back and having fun|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/sftw/70638/All-Saints-back-and-having-fun.html|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]}}</ref> While [[Nicole Appleton]] stated: "We weren't finished, I think this album is the best we've done."<ref name=thesun/> Blatt remarked: "I didn't know what to expect. Would it be the same? Would it be worse? But it was actually better, because we've all grown up."<ref name=observer>{{cite news|last=Ellen|first=Barbara|title=Barbara Ellen meets the reformed All Saint|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/nov/05/popandrock4|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|date=5 November 2006}}</ref>


Blatt discussed the reunion in an interview with ''[[i-D]]'' magazine in 2012: "I don't think it was done for the right reasons... I know that I did it for the money. We got signed before we had even made music again, it wasn't like we felt we had something to give back to the world... we were given an opportunity and took it, without really thinking about it too hard". She also said she never felt comfortable with the success the band had and that "it was not necessarily the plan at the beginning; there was a lot of compromise involved".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://i-donline.com/2012/03/I-n-conversation-Mel-blatt |title=i-N Conversation: Mel Blatt |publisher=i-D Online |date=15 March 2012 |access-date=14 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805073301/http://i-donline.com/2012/03/I-n-conversation-Mel-blatt |archive-date=5 August 2012 }}</ref> She later stated in 2016 with the same publication: "Because you know what, we got signed [to Parlophone] having not made one piece of music. They signed the idea of us getting back together. I felt fraudulent from that moment on and it didn't feel like a real thing".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Robinson|first=Peter|author-link=Peter Robinson (journalist)|date=27 January 2016|title=exclusive: the return of all saints|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_gb/article/exclusive-the-return-of-all-saints|magazine=[[i-D]]|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref>
''Studio 1'' bears the All Saints' signature sound, a blend of [[Pop music|pop]], [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and a bit of [[Rock music|rock]].<ref name=observer/> The first track and lead single "Rock Steady" was the first-ever song Shaznay Lewis wrote with [[Greg Kurstin]] and the first demo the band sang together in four years.<ref name=thesun/> The second track and second single "[[Chick Fit]]" was described as "one of those blast it, getting ready, dance around tracks" and one of Nicole's favourites on the album.<ref name=thesun/> "On and On" was written when member Shaznay was pregnant and got the anticipation of going through the whole thing. For [[Melanie Blatt]], "It's the most old All Saints sounding one from the [[William Orbit]] days."<ref name=thesun/> "Scar" opens with a horn section and then goes off into a bit of a ska direction.<ref name=musicomh/> It was called "Scar" purely because of the [[ska music|ska]] influence in the song but someone wrote it scar and it stayed.<ref name=thesun/> According to [[Nicole Appleton]], "Not Eazy" was inspired by bands like [[Madness (band)|Madness]] and [[No Doubt]] who have a "trumpet reggae sound."<ref name=thesun/> It is about relationships and things women can relate to.<ref name=thesun/> "Hell No" was penned by Shaznay Lewis and [[K-Gee|Karl "K-Gee" Gordon]]. "Tell me who's that bitch I see climbing out your window", they sing.<ref name=musicomh/> According to Lewis, "It's a totally made-up song about trusting a man. I've checked a few text messages in the past!"<ref name=thesun/>


== Music ==
Lewis said of "One Me and U": "That's one of my favourites. I love the whole Burt Bacharach feel. It's quite Sixties".<ref name=thesun/> Opening with a hard piano riff and propelled along by some heavy percussion,<ref name=musicomh/> "Headlock" is a song about unreliable men.<ref name=thesun/> Lewis commented: "I've not just drawn from myself, but from someone in the band and friends."<ref name=thesun/> "Too Nasty" shows indignation on a wayward reggae.<ref name=guardian/> It was called "Tuna Steak" because Blatt's daughter Lily came into the studio and when they sang "too nasty", she thought they were singing "tuna steak".<ref name=thesun/> The lyrics speak of a former boyfriend with a "dirty" habit that the singer witnessed and cannot forget. Blatt, who co-wrote the song, told ''The Sun'': "In my head this song was about bestiality.<!-- NOT vandalism --> So basically it's someone getting it on with a horse, sheep, chicken."<ref name=thesun/> Lewis revealed that [[Greg Wells]] is very into harmonies and weird, quirky sounds, which she was also into, so they worked well together on the tenth track "In It to Win It".<ref name=thesun/> "Flashback" was written by [[Natalie Appleton]] and [[Amanda Ghost]].<ref name=thesun/> According to herself, she "has a tendency to say things and think, 'Oh, I wish I'd never said that.' So, she was trying to put that down."<ref name=thesun/> The album closes with "Fundamental", which, according to Lewis, "is a love song for all four of us and our kids."<ref name=thesun/>
''Studio 1'' bears the All Saints' signature sound, a blend of [[Pop music|pop]], [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and a bit of [[Rock music|rock]].<ref name=observer/> "Hell No" was penned by Shaznay Lewis and [[K-Gee|Karl "K-Gee" Gordon]]. "Tell me who's that bitch I see climbing out your window", they sing.<ref name=musicomh/> "Too Nasty" is a "wayward" reggae song about indignation.<ref name=guardian/>


== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=allmusicreview>{{cite news|last=Chisling|first=Matthew|title=Studio 1 – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/studio-1-mw0000771803|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[AllMusic]]|date=13 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev1score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=AllMusicreview>{{cite news|last=Chisling|first=Matthew|title=Studio 1 – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/studio-1-mw0000771803|accessdate=22 June 2012|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|date=13 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
|rev2 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
|rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|title=CD: All Saints, Studio 1 &#124; Music &#124; The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/nov/10/popandrock.shopping1|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=10 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|title=CD: All Saints, Studio 1 &#124; Music &#124; The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/nov/10/popandrock.shopping1|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=10 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev3 = [[MusicOMH]]
|rev3 = [[MusicOMH]]
|rev3score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=musicomh>{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=John|title=All Saints – Studio 1 &#124; album reviews &#124; musicOMH|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/all-saints_1106.htm|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[MusicOMH]]|date=13 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev3score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=musicomh>{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=John|title=All Saints – Studio 1 &#124; album reviews &#124; musicOMH|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/all-saints_1106.htm|accessdate=22 June 2012|publisher=[[MusicOMH]]|date=13 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[The Observer]]''
|rev4 = ''[[The Observer]]''
|rev4score = mixed<ref name=observerreview>{{cite news|last=Empire|first=Kitty|title=All Saints, Studio 1 &#124; Music &#124; The Observer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/nov/12/popandrock.neilyoung|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|date=12 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev4score = mixed<ref name=observerreview>{{cite news|last=Empire|first=Kitty|title=All Saints, Studio 1 &#124; Music &#124; The Observer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/nov/12/popandrock.neilyoung|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|date=12 November 2006}}</ref>
|rev5 = [[Virgin Media]]
|rev5score = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name=virgin>{{cite news|last=Champ|first=Hamish|title=All Saints: Studio 1 review – Album reviews – Music – Virgin Media|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/allsaints-studio1.php|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[Virgin Media]]|date=13 November 2006}}</ref>
}}
}}
''Studio 1'' received mixed reviews from music critics. Caroline Sullivan from ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing: "''Studio 1'' offers a fresh take on their girl-group style. Always R&B-inclined, their harmonies are now judiciously seasoned with reggae and ska."<ref name=guardian/> John Murphy from [[musicOMH]] gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, commenting: "''Studio 1'', despite not bearing much resemblance to the All Saints of yore, will be snapped up eagerly by those who remember them fondly in their heyday. Yet it's unclear who else this will appeal to really – while it's a pleasant enough listen for the most part, there aren't enough strong songs for it to really grab the attention."<ref name=musicomh/> Matthew Chisling from [[AllMusic]] wrote that "Unfortunately, while all the music is appealing, it lacks personality and character. The tracks, all composed by Shaznay Lewis and Greg Kurstin, bear no emotional value, and the girls' voices are indistinguishable from one another and digitally enhanced to the point of obscurity."<ref name=allmusic/>
''Studio 1'' received mixed reviews from music critics. Caroline Sullivan from ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing: "''Studio 1'' offers a fresh take on their girl-group style. Always R&B-inclined, their harmonies are now judiciously seasoned with reggae and ska."<ref name=guardian/> John Murphy from [[musicOMH]] gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, commenting: "''Studio 1'', despite not bearing much resemblance to the All Saints of yore, will be snapped up eagerly by those who remember them fondly in their heyday. Yet it's unclear who else this will appeal to really – while it's a pleasant enough listen for the most part, there aren't enough strong songs for it to really grab the attention."<ref name=musicomh/> Matthew Chisling from [[AllMusic]] wrote that "Unfortunately, while all the music is appealing, it lacks personality and character. The tracks, all composed by Shaznay Lewis and Greg Kurstin, bear no emotional value, and the girls' voices are indistinguishable from one another and digitally enhanced to the point of obscurity."<ref name=AllMusicreview/>


In a more mixed review, Kitty Empire from ''[[The Observer]]'' perceived that "despite some flickers of interest – on 'Chick Fit' and 'Hell No' in particular – too much of ''Studio 1'' happens in a thin, tinny place."<ref name=observerreview/> Hamish Champ gave the album 2 out of 5 stars, writing that "the album sounds like an attempt to show that while they may be mums now they can still strut their funky stuff. It works, more or less, but the nagging feeling remains that others have entered the musical arena in the intervening years and have stolen the girls' pop tiaras."<ref name=virgin/>
In a more mixed review, Kitty Empire from ''[[The Observer]]'' perceived that "despite some flickers of interest – on 'Chick Fit' and 'Hell No' in particular – too much of ''Studio 1'' happens in a thin, tinny place."<ref name=observerreview/> Hamish Champ gave the album 2 out of 5 stars, writing that "the album sounds like an attempt to show that while they may be mums now they can still strut their funky stuff. It works, more or less, but the nagging feeling remains that others have entered the musical arena in the intervening years and have stolen the girls' pop tiaras."<ref name=virgin>{{cite news|last=Champ|first=Hamish|title=All Saints: Studio 1 review – Album reviews – Music – Virgin Media|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/allsaints-studio1.php|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=[[Virgin Media]]|date=13 November 2006}}</ref>


== Commercial performance ==
== Commercial performance ==
During the week of the album's release, it faced a chart battle against [[George Michael]]'s ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]'' and the [[Sugababes]]' ''[[Overloaded: The Singles Collection]]''. Although the media predicted sales would be "very close", ''Studio 1'' entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] at number 40,<ref>http://www.officialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/3/2006-11-25/</ref> falling significantly short of the success of "Rock Steady" and the group's previous releases. Despite its lack of chart success, the album has shipped over 100,000 copies according to the BPI, being certified Gold.<ref name="bpi"/> As of April 2016, however, it has sold only 40,054 copies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-the-lumineers-second-album-cleopatra-debuts-at-no-1/064551|title=Official Charts Analysis: The Lumineers' second album, Cleopatra debuts at No.1|last=Jones|first=Alan|date=15 April 2016|work=[[Music Week]]|publisher=Intent Media|accessdate=15 April 2016|subscription=yes}}</ref>
During the week of the album's release, it faced a chart battle against [[George Michael]]'s ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]'' and the [[Sugababes]]' ''[[Overloaded: The Singles Collection]]''. Although the media predicted sales would be "very close", ''Studio 1'' entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] at number 40,<ref>[https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20061119/7502/ Official Charts]</ref> falling significantly short of the success of "Rock Steady" and the group's previous releases. Despite its lack of chart success, the album has shipped over 100,000 copies according to the BPI, being certified Gold.<ref name="bpi"/> As of April 2016, however, it has sold only 40,054 copies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-the-lumineers-second-album-cleopatra-debuts-at-no-1/064551|title=Official Charts Analysis: The Lumineers' second album, Cleopatra debuts at No.1|last=Jones|first=Alan|date=15 April 2016|work=[[Music Week]]|accessdate=15 April 2016|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==Promotion==
To promote ''Studio 1'', All Saints performed "Rock Steady" live on [[Ant & Dec]]'s ''[[Saturday Night Takeaway]]'', on 21 October 2006. This was the first time the group performed live together in five years since their split in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/ant-and-decs-saturday-night-takeaway/series-6-episode-6-903480/ |title=Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway: Series 6, Episode 6 Episode Recap on TV.com |accessdate=23 April 2010 |publisher=TV.com}}</ref> On 25 October 2006, All Saints performed the single live in a setlist of six songs, five from ''Studio 1'' and signature hit single "[[Pure Shores]]" at the Sheperd's Bush Pavilion in London.<ref name="mirror">{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/tm_headline=saints-alive-&method=full&objectid=17992695&siteid=115875-name_page.html |title=SAINTS ALIVE! from 26 Oct 2006 |last=Simpson |first=Eva |date=26 October 2006 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |accessdate=24 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="Bush">{{cite news |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23372049-all-saints-are-back-in-the-groove.do |title=All Saints are back in the groove |last=Elwell-Sutton |first=Chris |date=26 October 2006 |work=[[Evening Standard]]|location=London |access-date=23 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605170317/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23372049-all-saints-are-back-in-the-groove.do |archive-date=5 June 2011 }}</ref> The group wore black or white-coloured shirts teamed with big, loose-knotted ties.<ref name="in">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/all-saints-shepherds-bush-pavilion-london--none-onestar-twostar-threestar-fourstar-fivestar-421864.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/all-saints-shepherds-bush-pavilion-london--none-onestar-twostar-threestar-fourstar-fivestar-421864.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=All Saints, Shepherd's Bush Pavilion, London |last=McNair |first=James |date=27 October 2006 |work=[[The Independent]] |accessdate=24 April 2010}}</ref> Before the show, [[Shaznay Lewis]] addressed the crowd saying "We're very nervous, you know" and [[Nicole Appleton]] said that she was "emotional" after the gig.<ref>{{cite web|last=Diver|first=Mike|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/1243897-all-saints-make-live-comeback|title=All Saints make live comeback|date=26 October 2006|accessdate=24 April 2010|publisher=[[Drowned in Sound]]|archive-date=7 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007155002/http://drownedinsound.com/news/1243897-all-saints-make-live-comeback|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chris Elwell-Sutton of the ''[[Evening Standard]]'' reviewed the performance saying:
<blockquote>All Saints are back in the groove. [...] All Saints did a good job showcasing some strong new material. [...] Forthcoming single 'Rock Steady' was another energetic, commercially viable highlight. They looked tired at times, especially Mel Blatt, who perspired heavily under the lights, and while their routines were competent, serious questions have to be asked about their live skills, with accusations of miming rumbling frequently around the room. Luckily for All Saints, this didn't feel like a symptom of decline, having always employed minimal physical effort, simple choreography, and heavily produced vocals. All Saints are not natural live performers, but against the odds, last night's showing provided some optimism about their comeback potential.<ref name="Bush"/></blockquote>

Eva Simpson and Caroline Hedley of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' said that the group "put on one hell of a show."<ref name="mirror"/> James McNair of ''[[The Independent]]'' gave the gig a five star rating, saying: "The superb new single 'Rock Steady' shifts things up a gear, All Saints nailing their dancehall influences to the mast and engaging in some neat, microphone-swapping choreography. [...] Watch out, Pussycat Dolls."<ref name="in"/>

The single was then performed live on ''[[Popworld]]'' on 4 November as part of its promotion leading up to its release on 6 November.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=All Saints|series=Popworld|series-link=Popworld|network=[[Channel 4]]|airdate=4 November 2006}}</ref> On 14 November, they appeared on ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' for a performance of the single.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=All Saints|series=Top of the Pops|series-link=Top of the Pops|network=[[BBC]]|airdate=14 November 2006}}</ref> The girls also showed up at [[BBC]]'s ''[[Children in Need]]'' on 17 November to perform the single.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=All Saints|series=Children in Need|series-link=Children in Need 2006|network=[[BBC]]|airdate=14 November 2006|season=27}}</ref> All Saints performed the song live as the opening act on ''[[The Chart Show]]'' on 18 November 2006, alongside acts like [[Girls Aloud]] and [[McFly]].<ref name="Mills">{{cite web |url=http://www.unofficialmills.co.uk/radio1/chartshow2006.php |title=Unofficial Mills&nbsp;– Radio 1's Chart Show Live 2006 |access-date=23 April 2010|publisher=Unofficial Mills |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727231149/http://www.unofficialmills.co.uk/radio1/chartshow2006.php|archive-date=27 July 2011}}</ref> The group also performed "Pure Shores" at the event and the following was said about their performances: "They didn't disappoint [...] the party was now well under way."<ref name="Mills"/> All Saints also performed several tracks on [[Channel 4]]'s ''[[T4 (Channel 4)|T4]]'', aired on the same day.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=All Saints|series=T4|series-link=T4 (Channel 4)|network=[[Channel 4]]|airdate=18 November 2006}}</ref> They also planned a tour to promote the album; however, it did not come to fruition.<ref name="Studio">{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/all-saints/video/allsaintsx12x10x06|title=All Saints – Rock Steady Video|accessdate=19 January 2019|publisher=[[Contactmusic.com]]}}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
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}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| collapsed = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| headline = Japanese bonus tracks
| headline = Japanese bonus tracks
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==Certifications==
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=All Saints|title=Studio 1|award=Gold|accessdate=25 July 2012|relyear=2006}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=All Saints|title=Studio 1|award=Gold|accessdate=25 July 2012|relyear=2006|certyear=2006|id=6345-981-2}}
{{certification Table Bottom}}
{{certification Table Bottom | nosales=true}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{All Saints}}
{{All Saints}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Studio 1 (Album)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Studio 1 (Album)}}
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[[Category:Albums produced by Rick Nowels]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Rick Nowels]]
[[Category:All Saints (group) albums]]
[[Category:All Saints (group) albums]]
[[Category:Hip hop albums by Canadian artists]]
[[Category:Hip-hop albums by Canadian artists]]
[[Category:Hip hop albums by English artists]]
[[Category:Hip-hop albums by English artists]]

Latest revision as of 15:19, 13 December 2024

Studio 1
Studio album by
All Saints
Released10 November 2006
Recorded2006
StudioMayfair (London, England)
Genre
Length42:53[1]
LabelParlophone
Producer
All Saints chronology
All Hits
(2001) 		Studio 1
(2006) 		Pure Shores: The Very Best of All Saints
(2010)
Singles from All Saints
  1. "Rock Steady"
    Released: 6 November 2006

Studio 1 is the third studio album by English girl group All Saints, released on 10 November 2006, by Parlophone. It was released following a five-year hiatus during which the bandmembers had pursued solo careers.

The lead single released from the album was "Rock Steady" which was released on 6 November 2006 and peaked at No. 3 on the UK singles chart. "Chick Fit" was released as a download-only promotional single. The album debuted at No. 40 on the UK Albums Chart and it was certified Gold in the UK.

Background

[edit]

In February 2001, All Saints announced that they were to take a break so that they "could clear the air between themselves". Melanie Blatt said later that year that it was uncertain if they would reform, citing their difficulties with the financial and business aspects of the group.[3] Shaznay Lewis later explained that the catalyst for the break-up was a disagreement over who would wear a certain jacket for a photoshoot: "I would never in a million years have put money on the group ending over a jacket incident. But when that incident happened, it fired up so strong, it had to be over. And the way I was then, the state we'd got into then, there was no way she was getting that stupid jacket."[4] In November 2001, London Records released a greatest hits compilation entitled All Hits.[5] The album peaked at number eighteen on the UK Albums Chart and was later certified gold, selling 100,000 copies.[6]

On 24 January 2006, it was announced that the band had reformed and signed a record deal with Parlophone.[7] Blatt remarked: "I didn't know what to expect. Would it be the same? Would it be worse? But it was actually better, because we've all grown up."[8]

Blatt discussed the reunion in an interview with i-D magazine in 2012: "I don't think it was done for the right reasons... I know that I did it for the money. We got signed before we had even made music again, it wasn't like we felt we had something to give back to the world... we were given an opportunity and took it, without really thinking about it too hard". She also said she never felt comfortable with the success the band had and that "it was not necessarily the plan at the beginning; there was a lot of compromise involved".[9] She later stated in 2016 with the same publication: "Because you know what, we got signed [to Parlophone] having not made one piece of music. They signed the idea of us getting back together. I felt fraudulent from that moment on and it didn't feel like a real thing".[10]

Music

[edit]

Studio 1 bears the All Saints' signature sound, a blend of pop, hip hop, R&B and a bit of rock.[8] "Hell No" was penned by Shaznay Lewis and Karl "K-Gee" Gordon. "Tell me who's that bitch I see climbing out your window", they sing.[11] "Too Nasty" is a "wayward" reggae song about indignation.[12]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[13]
The Guardian[12]
MusicOMH[11]
The Observermixed[14]

Studio 1 received mixed reviews from music critics. Caroline Sullivan from The Guardian gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing: "Studio 1 offers a fresh take on their girl-group style. Always R&B-inclined, their harmonies are now judiciously seasoned with reggae and ska."[12] John Murphy from musicOMH gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, commenting: "Studio 1, despite not bearing much resemblance to the All Saints of yore, will be snapped up eagerly by those who remember them fondly in their heyday. Yet it's unclear who else this will appeal to really – while it's a pleasant enough listen for the most part, there aren't enough strong songs for it to really grab the attention."[11] Matthew Chisling from AllMusic wrote that "Unfortunately, while all the music is appealing, it lacks personality and character. The tracks, all composed by Shaznay Lewis and Greg Kurstin, bear no emotional value, and the girls' voices are indistinguishable from one another and digitally enhanced to the point of obscurity."[13]

In a more mixed review, Kitty Empire from The Observer perceived that "despite some flickers of interest – on 'Chick Fit' and 'Hell No' in particular – too much of Studio 1 happens in a thin, tinny place."[14] Hamish Champ gave the album 2 out of 5 stars, writing that "the album sounds like an attempt to show that while they may be mums now they can still strut their funky stuff. It works, more or less, but the nagging feeling remains that others have entered the musical arena in the intervening years and have stolen the girls' pop tiaras."[15]

Commercial performance

[edit]

During the week of the album's release, it faced a chart battle against George Michael's Twenty Five and the Sugababes' Overloaded: The Singles Collection. Although the media predicted sales would be "very close", Studio 1 entered the UK Albums Chart at number 40,[16] falling significantly short of the success of "Rock Steady" and the group's previous releases. Despite its lack of chart success, the album has shipped over 100,000 copies according to the BPI, being certified Gold.[6] As of April 2016, however, it has sold only 40,054 copies.[17]

Promotion

[edit]

To promote Studio 1, All Saints performed "Rock Steady" live on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, on 21 October 2006. This was the first time the group performed live together in five years since their split in 2001.[18] On 25 October 2006, All Saints performed the single live in a setlist of six songs, five from Studio 1 and signature hit single "Pure Shores" at the Sheperd's Bush Pavilion in London.[19][20] The group wore black or white-coloured shirts teamed with big, loose-knotted ties.[21] Before the show, Shaznay Lewis addressed the crowd saying "We're very nervous, you know" and Nicole Appleton said that she was "emotional" after the gig.[22] Chris Elwell-Sutton of the Evening Standard reviewed the performance saying:

All Saints are back in the groove. [...] All Saints did a good job showcasing some strong new material. [...] Forthcoming single 'Rock Steady' was another energetic, commercially viable highlight. They looked tired at times, especially Mel Blatt, who perspired heavily under the lights, and while their routines were competent, serious questions have to be asked about their live skills, with accusations of miming rumbling frequently around the room. Luckily for All Saints, this didn't feel like a symptom of decline, having always employed minimal physical effort, simple choreography, and heavily produced vocals. All Saints are not natural live performers, but against the odds, last night's showing provided some optimism about their comeback potential.[20]

Eva Simpson and Caroline Hedley of the Daily Mirror said that the group "put on one hell of a show."[19] James McNair of The Independent gave the gig a five star rating, saying: "The superb new single 'Rock Steady' shifts things up a gear, All Saints nailing their dancehall influences to the mast and engaging in some neat, microphone-swapping choreography. [...] Watch out, Pussycat Dolls."[21]

The single was then performed live on Popworld on 4 November as part of its promotion leading up to its release on 6 November.[23] On 14 November, they appeared on Top of the Pops for a performance of the single.[24] The girls also showed up at BBC's Children in Need on 17 November to perform the single.[25] All Saints performed the song live as the opening act on The Chart Show on 18 November 2006, alongside acts like Girls Aloud and McFly.[26] The group also performed "Pure Shores" at the event and the following was said about their performances: "They didn't disappoint [...] the party was now well under way."[26] All Saints also performed several tracks on Channel 4's T4, aired on the same day.[27] They also planned a tour to promote the album; however, it did not come to fruition.[28]

Track listing

[edit]

From 7digital.[1]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Rock Steady"Shaznay Lewis, Greg KurstinGreg Kurstin2:44
2."Chick Fit"Lewis, Rick NowelsRick Nowels3:33
3."On and On"Lewis, KurstinGreg Kurstin3:59
4."Scar"Melanie Blatt, K-GeeKarl "K-Gee" Gordon3:50
5."Not Eazy"Lewis, KurstinGreg Kurstin3:17
6."Hell No"Lewis, K-GeeKarl "K-Gee" Gordon3:40
7."One Me and U"Lewis, KurstinGreg Kurstin3:36
8."Headlock"Lewis, KurstinGreg Kurstin3:31
9."Too Nasty"Blatt, Nicole Appleton, K-GeeKarl "K-Gee" Gordon3:55
10."In It to Win It"Lewis, KurstinGreg Kurstin3:41
11."Flashback"Natalie Appleton, Amanda Ghost, Liam Howlett, Ian DenchLiam Howlett, The Amsterdamagers3:01
12."Fundamental"Lewis, K-GeeKarl "K-Gee" Gordon3:48
Japanese bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Dope Noize"Blatt, K-GeeKarl "K-Gee" Gordon3:53
14."Do Me"Lewis, K-Gee, Steve OctaveKarl "K-Gee" Gordon4:16

Special edition DVD

[edit]
# Title
1. All Saints interview
2. "Rock Steady" video
3. "Sexy" (exclusive audio track) (written by Shaznay Lewis and Greg Kurstin)
Running time: 32 minutes

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2006) Peak
position
Irish Albums (IRMA)[29] 85
Scottish Albums (OCC)[30] 45
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[31] 73
UK Albums (OCC)[32] 40

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[33] Gold 100,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Country Date
Ireland 10 November 2006
Europe 13 November 2006
Australia 25 November 2006
Brazil 5 December 2006
Mexico

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Studio 1 by All Saints". 7digital. Archived from the original on 20 February 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  2. ^ NME.com "All Saints comeback album details", 16 October 2006 (Retrieved: 16 October 2006)
  3. ^ "All Saints 'split over money'". BBC News. 17 August 2001. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  4. ^ Vernon, Polly (10 October 2004). "Patience of a saint". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  5. ^ "All Hits – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  6. ^ a b "BPI Certified Awards Search". British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original (insert "All Saints" into the "Search" box, and then select "Go") on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  7. ^ "All Saints confirm reunion". Contactmusic. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  8. ^ a b Ellen, Barbara (5 November 2006). "Barbara Ellen meets the reformed All Saint". The Observer. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  9. ^ "i-N Conversation: Mel Blatt". i-D Online. 15 March 2012. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  10. ^ Robinson, Peter (27 January 2016). "exclusive: the return of all saints". i-D. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  11. ^ a b c Murphy, John (13 November 2006). "All Saints – Studio 1 | album reviews | musicOMH". MusicOMH. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  12. ^ a b c Sullivan, Caroline (10 November 2006). "CD: All Saints, Studio 1 | Music | The Guardian". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  13. ^ a b Chisling, Matthew (13 November 2006). "Studio 1 – All Saints: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  14. ^ a b Empire, Kitty (12 November 2006). "All Saints, Studio 1 | Music | The Observer". The Observer. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  15. ^ Champ, Hamish (13 November 2006). "All Saints: Studio 1 review – Album reviews – Music – Virgin Media". Virgin Media. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  16. ^ Official Charts
  17. ^ Jones, Alan (15 April 2016). "Official Charts Analysis: The Lumineers' second album, Cleopatra debuts at No.1". Music Week. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  18. ^ "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway: Series 6, Episode 6 Episode Recap on TV.com". TV.com. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  19. ^ a b Simpson, Eva (26 October 2006). "SAINTS ALIVE! from 26 Oct 2006". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  20. ^ a b Elwell-Sutton, Chris (26 October 2006). "All Saints are back in the groove". Evening Standard. London. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  21. ^ a b McNair, James (27 October 2006). "All Saints, Shepherd's Bush Pavilion, London". The Independent. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  22. ^ Diver, Mike (26 October 2006). "All Saints make live comeback". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  23. ^ "All Saints". Popworld. 4 November 2006. Channel 4.
  24. ^ "All Saints". Top of the Pops. 14 November 2006. BBC.
  25. ^ "All Saints". Children in Need. Season 27. 14 November 2006. BBC.
  26. ^ a b "Unofficial Mills – Radio 1's Chart Show Live 2006". Unofficial Mills. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  27. ^ "All Saints". T4. 18 November 2006. Channel 4.
  28. ^ "All Saints – Rock Steady Video". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  29. ^ "All Saints Irish Chart Discography". Irish Charts. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  30. ^ "UK Charts > All Saints". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  31. ^ "Swisscharts.com – All Saints – Studio 1". Hung Medien. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  32. ^ "UK Charts > All Saints". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  33. ^ "British album certifications – All Saints – Studio 1". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
[edit]
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