Play On Words is a singer songwriter album released by Alison Fleming in 2023. Now, the album takes on a new form thanks to some dynamic EDM remixes.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Madeleine Thour Photography Sweden

Originally from Yorkshire, Alison is now based in Colorado, USA. Alison played piano as a child, growing up with a deep appreciation of music thanks to her parents who both played piano, her mother into the classics and her father a jazz enthusiast. She began song writing in the 1980s while working in publishing. Since then, she has co-written and contributed to a string of albums with producer Tony Lowe. She launched a solo career in 2012 where she teamed up with UK music producer Paul Baggott. The remixes is Alison’s fifth released album produced by Paul to date.

Play On Words was originally released as a singer songwriter album last year. It’s a tall order converting singer songwriter tracks to dance ones but Paul makes it seem effortless right from the lingering first few bars of opening track Catch You Out. It develops nicely into a pleasing groove that mixes euphoria with melancholy in a way I’ve never heard before.

From there we get vibrant moments like Ophelia, The Fisherman and In A Daze contrasted by darker, bluesy tracks like Let It Rain and In The Country Now. Run Riot is a particular stand out, giving us some lo-fi beats and soulful, experimental jazziness. As is laidback yet driving Lover In The Sun. No Good Child simmers with old school style before title track Play on Words closes the album with a slow-building highlight.

If you’re looking for some EDM with substance to listen to today, then you need to check out these remixes. Together, Alison and Paul are turning the genre on its head, giving us thoughtful lyrics, a complex range of emotion, and plenty of dance beats.

Play on Words – The Remixes is out now and you can check it out below.