Apparently, Deacon Blue's comeback ('Homesick', out today on Papillon Records) was worth the wait, as the new album looks like a good combination of new melodies and inspiration of old. As Rainsound still waits to hear it, Q's Nick Duerden has given 'Homesick' a three star review, stating that the new songs are "earnest, heartfelt and decidedly fan-friendly". Not so bad, considering what happened with the disastrous Paul-WhatAmIDoingWithThis-Oakenfold produced 'Whatever You Say, Say Nothing'. For your pleasure, here's the full review, ominously stolen from the Q website, which you can also reach directly by clicking here:

Since disbanding Deacon Blue seven years ago, Ricky Ross's solo career consistently failed to take off, and so their reunion late last millennium was entirely foreseeable. Surprisingly, given that their last studio album (1993's Paul Oakenfold-produced Whatever You Say, Say Nothing) was a thematic mess, Homesick is a decent Deacon Blue record that plays to the band's strengths: solid songs, impassioned lyrics and lovely backing vocals – all executed with disarming subtlety. The opening Rae is probably the band at their most tender (and Burt Bacharach-inspired) yet, Out There is similarly stripped down but sweetly melodic, and while the remaining songs attempt few surprises, they're earnest, heartfelt and decidedly fan-friendly. A return to form – of sorts. *** (three stars) - Reviewed by Nick Duerden