AMG Review of Shapes and Patterns

Leo Stanley
All Music Guide

Swing Out Sister's fifth album Shapes & Patterns doesn't depart from the group's sophisticated pop-soul formula, but that isn't a bad thing, since their jazzy, danceable urban R&B remains pleasant. The group still has trouble coming up with memorable material, but the sound of the record is appealing, and Shapes & Patterns should satisfy fans, even if it doesn't win them any new ones.