Lisa Stansfield – All Around The World

Released in 1989, “All Around The World” was one of the defining songs from Lisa Stansfield’s debut solo album, Affection. Written by Stansfield alongside Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, and produced by Devaney and Morris, the song combined sophisticated soul, R&B and pop with a relaxed, understated groove.

The song tells the story of someone desperately searching for a lost lover after an argument has driven them apart. Rather than portraying heartbreak through anger, Stansfield gives the performance a sense of vulnerability and determination, repeatedly expressing her hope that she will eventually find the person she still loves. Her rich, soulful voice is perfectly suited to the emotional uncertainty running through the lyrics.

The recording was heavily influenced by the classic soul sound of Barry White. Devaney and Morris even incorporated a spoken introduction as a tribute to White’s distinctive style. The track itself had remarkably humble beginnings, with the original vocals recorded in an eight-track studio at Stansfield’s parents’ home. Real strings were later added, helping give the finished recording a fuller, more luxurious sound.

“All Around The World” remains one of Lisa Stansfield’s most recognisable recordings. Its combination of soulful vocals, memorable melody and understated production captures the sophisticated sound of late-1980s British R&B, while the universal theme of love, regret and longing gives the song an enduring emotional appeal.

The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 11th November 1989.