Masquerade (Bananarama album) explained

Masquerade
Type:studio
Artist:Bananarama
Cover:Bananarama - Masquerade.png
Released:22 July 2022
Length:39:01
Label:In Synk
Producer:Ian Masterson
Prev Title:In Stereo
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Glorious: The Ultimate Collection
Next Year:2024

Masquerade is the twelfth studio album by English musical duo Bananarama. It was released on 22 July 2022 as part of the group's 40th anniversary celebrations.

The album was originally conceived as an EP, but following the cancellation of the group's live shows throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it developed into a full-length album.[1] In addition to working with longtime collaborator Ian Masterson, Sara Dallin also co-wrote tracks with her daughter, Alice Dallin-Walker, known professionally as Alice D.

"Favourite" was released on 29 April 2022 as a "taster track".[2] The track is a cover of an Alice D song, as is the album track "Brand New", and features Alice on background vocals.[1] [3] The single was added to the B-list of the BBC Radio 2 playlist and made 'Single of the Week' upon release, before moving onto the A-list the following week.

The album's release was followed by two launch shows at London Lafayette on 3 and 4 August 2022.[4] [5] "Forever Young" and "Running with the Night" were subsequently released as singles. A reissue of the album, subtitled "The Unmasked Edition", was released on 7 April 2023, as a double-LP including six full-length remixes[6] and a digital edition including edits thereof.[7]

Charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[8] 83

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bananarama announce 12th studio album, 'Masquerade', release new single 'Favourite'. Connor. Gotto. Retropop Magazine. 29 April 2022. 9 March 2024.
  2. Bananarama. VivaBananarama. 1519952980036009985. We're thrilled to announce that our NEW album MASQUERADE is available to pre-order now!. 29 April 2022.
  3. Bananarama. VivaBananarama. 1536257653302824960. Exciting news! Make sure to tune into @ZoeTheBall breakfast show on Wednesday 15th June on @BBCRadio2 to hear the first play of our NEW single #Masquerade ✨ Pre-save link here: https://slinky.to/BRMasquerade. 13 June 2022.
  4. News: Bananarama to play two nights in London this August: How to get tickets. Kevin Fullerton. List.co.uk. 2022-05-03. 2022-07-08.
  5. Bananarama. VivaBananarama. 1521414873997004800. Celebrate the launch of our new album #Masquerade with two special shows this summer! August 3rd & 4th at @LondonLafayette Tickets on sale this Friday @10am (UK)⏰ Link here: http://axs.com/uk/series/14661/bananarama-at-lafayette-tickets?skin=aegpresentsuk #Bananarama2022 @AEG_Presents @AXS_UK. 3 May 2022.
  6. Web site: Bananarama announce 'Masquerade – The Unmasked Edition' deluxe album . Connor . Gotto . Retropop Magazine . 18 January 2023 . 9 March 2024.
  7. Web site: Masquerade (The Unmasked Edition) . . 9 March 2024.
  8. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 1 August 2022. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1691. 6. 1 August 2022.