Album Review: Steps – “Tears on the Dancefloor”

It’s been twenty years since Steps bopped their way onto the scene in 1997. After splitting in 2001, the group return in 2011 releasing their Ultimate Collection compilation, which made to number 1 in the UK charts. Light Up the World was Steps first album in eleven years, released in 2012 it was the last the world heard from them until now. There is no doubt the hearts of fans gave a euphoric skip when the five-piece announced they would celebrate their anniversary with a brand new album, Tears on the Dancefloor and an arena tour.

Tears on the Dancefloor begins with lead single “Scared of the Dark”, a classic Steps sounding record with an soaring ABBA-esque chorus, high-energy, dramatic instrumentals and powerful vocals all come together to create a bittersweet, cheesy pop fest which is undoubtedly everyone’s guilty pleasure. This single shows Steps can incorporate their unique, nostalgic sound as well as add that modern day chart twist which combine to create a catchy, up-tempo hit.

Keeping with the upbeat vibes, “You Make Me Whole” transports listeners to the club; It’s a song infused with dynamic dance beats, it carries that uplifting spark which gives the urge to get up and dance. The edgiest track seems to be “Happy”, which seems like a worthy successor of Steps’ previous song “Deeper Shade of Blue’”. It portrays the heartbreak of an upsetting breakup.

“Story of a Heart” is definitely the most nostalgic of the album. It gives off major ABBA feels, and it should considering it was written by Björn Ulveaus and Benny Andersson. Although the song was originally penned for Swedish vocalist Helen Sjöholm, this version gives Claire Richards, Faye Tozer and Lisa Scott-Lee with Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Lee Latchford Evans joining in on the chorus a chance to showcase their powerful tones.

With the exception of a couple of “fragile” (“Glitter & Gold”) and “lacklustre” (“No More Tears on the Dancefloor”) songs, Steps have definitely done right by this album. The Eurovision-style choruses give fans the happy, reminiscent pop which has been greatly needed, competing with the likes of Mr Sheeran on the chart list, Steps haven’t lost that certain flare which is so deeply loved.