This House (Alison Moyet song) explained

This House
Cover:Alison-Moyet-This-House-Single-1991.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Alison Moyet
Album:Hoodoo
B-Side:Come Back Home
Released:30 September 1991
Genre:Pop
Length:3:53
Label:Columbia
Producer:Dave Dix
Prev Title:Wishing You Were Here
Prev Year:1991
Next Title:Falling
Next Year:1993

"This House" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Alison Moyet, released on 30 September 1991 as the fourth single from her third studio album, Hoodoo (1991). It was written by Moyet and produced by Dave Dix. The song reached 40 on the UK Singles Chart and also reached the top 40 in the Netherlands, peaking at number 31 on the Dutch Top 40.

Background

Having recorded her second studio album Raindancing while living in Los Angeles, Alison Moyet returned to live in England after completing a world tour. Moyet's record company, CBS, wanted her to continue producing pop hits but this left the singer feeling artistically compromised and under pressure to deliver. During the period after returning to England, Moyet began a songwriting partnership with Pete Glenister, who had been Moyet's guitarist for part of the Raindancing tour. Keen to have more artistic freedom, she suggested to CBS that Glenister should produce her. Muff Winwood of the label's A&R division granted Moyet permission to record the album she wanted to, with Hoodoo being released in April 1991.[1] [2]

"This House" had originally been recorded and released as the B-side to Moyet's 1987 non-album single "Love Letters". For Hoodoo, the song was re-recorded with Dave Dix as producer.[3] On her official website, Moyet has cited the song as one of her favourites from Hoodoo.[4]

Release and promotion

In the United Kingdom, "This House" was released through Columbia Records on 7-inch vinyl, CD, and cassette on 30 September 1991.[5] The following week, on 7 October, a limited-edition picture CD was also issued.[6] The B-side, "Come Back Home", is exclusive to the single. Two additional tracks are included on the 12-inch vinyl and CD versions of the single: Moyet's previous hit singles "Love Letters" and "That Ole Devil Called Love".[7] [8] "This House" reached No. 40 on the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for five weeks. A music video was filmed to promote the single. Later in 2009, Moyet performed the song on The Paul O'Grady Show to help promote her compilation The Best of: 25 Years Revisited.[9]

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single, Mike Fox of the Hull Daily Mail gave "This House" a four out of five star rating. He noted how the "self-penned ballad about loneliness" is "perfect" for Moyet's voice, which he felt has "got stronger and more confident over the years". However, he questioned its commercial potential, adding, "In 1991 it's difficult to see this inward-looking song getting very far in the charts, despite the tune being pretty addictive."[10] In a review of Hoodoo, Musician wrote, "...she also understands that style is meaningless without emotional content. From the anger of 'Rise' to die anguish in 'This House,' that's what keeps this collection from turning into just another singer's showcase."[11] Describing the song as "gospel-tinged", People commented, "When she sings with minimal acoustic backing, as on "This House" or "Wishing You Were Here," she showcases her gifts best."[12] The Greyhound (Loyola University Maryland) stated, "Without missing a beat, Moyet slides earily into the beautiful balladry of "This House"."[13]

Tom Demalon of AllMusic picked the song as a standout track, commenting, "...she's still more than capable of expressing heart-aching vulnerability, though, especially on the gorgeous 'This House,' where a split-second pause gives way to her passionately imploring, 'Who will take your place?'"[14] Loz Etheridge of God is in the TV noted: "Those who only know her for her earlier works will be somewhat bewildered at the depth of emotion displayed on the likes of the tortured 'This House'."[15]

Track listings

UK 7-inch and cassette single[16] [17]

  1. "This House" – 3:53
  2. "Come Back Home" – 3:20

UK CD single and European 12-inch single[7] [8]

  1. "This House" – 3:53
  2. "Come Back Home" – 3:20
  3. "Love Letters" – 2:50
  4. "That Ole Devil Called Love" – 3:02

Personnel

Musicians

Production

Other

Cover versions

Gwyneth Herbert recorded a version of the song on Janette Mason's 2014 album D'Ranged.[18] [19]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hoodoo – . Alisonmoyet.com . 22 April 1991 . 1 April 2017.
  2. Hoodoo – 2016 deluxe edition CD booklet liner notes
  3. Raindancing – 2016 deluxe edition CD booklet liner notes
  4. Web site: Hoodoo – . Alisonmoyet.com . 22 April 1991 . 3 November 2017.
  5. New Releases: Singles . . 23 . 28 September 1991 . 18 July 2021.
  6. New Releases: Singles . Music Week . 25 . 5 October 1991.
  7. This House . . 1991 . European 12-inch single vinyl disc . . COL 657515 6.
  8. This House . Alison Moyet . 1991 . UK CD single liner notes . Columbia Records . 657515 2.
  9. Web site: Alison Moyet This House October 2009 . YouTube . 14 May 2011 . 23 June 2012.
  10. News: Fox . Mike . The Sound Box . . 19 October 1991 . 7 . . subscription . 6 May 2023.
  11. Web site: Musician – Google Books . 15 January 2010 . 4 November 2017.
  12. Web site: Picks and Pans Review: Hoodoo . People.com . 4 November 2017. 2 January 2022.
  13. The Greyhound – Features: Moyet's bluesy Hoodoo transcends Yaz – Brian Cassidy – 30 March 1992 – page 6
  14. Web site: Demalon, Tom . Hoodoo – Alison Moyet . . 27 August 1991 . 2 January 2022.
  15. Web site: Etheridge, Loz. Alison Moyet – Alf (1984), Raindancing (1987), Hoodoo (1991), Essex (1994) Deluxe Re-issues (BMG Modest!) | God Is In The TV . Godisinthetvzine.co.uk . 29 November 2016 . 2 January 2022.
  16. This House. Alison Moyet. 1991. UK 7-inch single vinyl disc. Columbia Records. 657515 7.
  17. This House. Alison Moyet. 1991. UK cassette single sleeve. Columbia Records. 657515 4.
  18. Web site: D'Ranged . Janette Mason . 22 May 2014 . 2 January 2022.
  19. News: Janette Mason: D'Ranged review – classic R&B and soul with a jazz twist . . 31 July 2014 . 7 August 2016 . Fordham, John . John Fordham (jazz critic) .