Bernard Butler

With a fantastic string arrangement from Billy McGee, who had worked with Butler on his smash single "Yes" with David McAlmont, Not Alone crashes in like a pop anthem from heaven. It's the absolute standout on People Move On when it comes to showing that Butler can equal the sweep and passion of his previous collaborators. "Not Alone" is a love-drunk masterpiece with a sassy chorus (Edwyn Collins contributes vocals), a busy arrangement, neat backing vocals below everything, and some great electric guitar work to boot. "Bye Bye" features another string arrangement from McGee but varies between a somewhat calmer verse and splashy chorus. Special mention should go to Mako Sakomoto's drumming; as percussion is the one thing Butler doesn't do here, his playing, both sensitive and powerful, deserves the attention. "It's Alright" steers a mid-paced route, its arrangement still fairly full but generally sounding a touch more relaxed, at least until the lengthy ending and its curious, laughing spoken-word part buried in the mix. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide