When looking back on some of the most impactful all-female bands of the ‘80s, top leaders would be The Go-Go’s, The Bangles, Exposé, and of course, Bananarama. Originating in London, England, Bananrama’s storied musical career dates back to 1980 when Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey joined together. All key contributors in the band – as songwriters and unique singing voices – together they created some massive hit songs. In fact, as Bananarama they would go on to become the most successful female band worldwide with the most charting singles, four hitting the US Billboard Top 10. Achievements that are extremely impressive, even more inspirational is that the team of Dallin and Woodward has sustained Bananarama well beyond the decade of the ‘80s.
Keeping the band going as a duo (with Fahey rejoining briefly for some touring in 2017-18), Bananarama has continued to write and record albums from ‘90s, all the way into 2022’s Masquerade. Expanding on their style along the way, while fitting comfortably in the Pop Rock and New Wave scene during the ‘80s, the band have dabbled heavily in the Dance-Pop realm more recently. Diverse factors which add intrigue to their journey, celebrating it all, they release the retrospective Glorious – The Ultimate Collection in 2024.
Released on March 8th through London Records Ltd, Glorious – The Ultimate Collection is a rather expansive set comprising 40 tracks. A lot of material to indulge in, physical format collectors can purchase it either as triple vinyl or double CD. However, those interested in more, there is also a deluxe 3CD edition available through their online store with an additional 10 songs (which are also available digitally). Beyond this, both deluxe editions (the triple vinyl and 3CD set) are accompanied by a coffee table book which features an introduction by broadsheet Journalist Fiona Sturges, articles by Dallin and Woodward, plus a look into Bananarama’s relationship with fashion and music by Katie Baron.
Truly living up to the name ‘ultimate,’ the biggest aspect of the collection beyond the care put into the physical attributes of the vinyl and CDs, is the actual music. As mentioned, it is a far-reaching compilation put together by Dallin and Woodward themselves, including all their big hits from the ‘80s (such as 1983’s “Cruel Summer,” 1986’s “Venus” and 1987’s “I Heard a Rumour”), but also while taking you along for a ride through other highlights from each of their studio albums. Explanatory of their progression, it also shows how they boldly have ebbed and flowed through the decades following their own artistic intuitions. With this, the track listening is in chronological order from 1983’s Deep Sea Skiving through to the aforementioned 2022 release of Masquerade.
Overall, Glorious – The Ultimate Collection is a wonderful celebration of 40 plus years of Bananarama that offers insight and excitement. Fitting, it is unique to prior compilation albums the band has released prior because it gives long-time fans a more extensive anthology to turn to. This in mind, it is also something that will bring a broader audience up to speed with what Bananarama have been doing through the decades. If this was not enough, there are also two brand new songs – “Feel The Love” and “Supernova.” Both very upbeat and futuristic in many regards, “Feel The Love” is quite a strong Dance Pop track. This is whereas “Supernova” is slightly more intense musically; lending itself to a Synthwave or heavy EDM sound. A lovely bonus that leaves you curious where Bananarama may go next, in all, Cryptic Rock gives Glorious – The Ultimate Collection 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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