All Saints

The Profile

All Saints are a British-Canadian girl group formed in London in 1993. The lineup—Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton—scored major hits with Never Ever, Pure Shores, and Black Coffee, and returned in the 2010s with new albums.

Formed in London and originally known as All Saints 1.9.7.5, the group comprises Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, Nicole Appleton, and Natalie Appleton. They took their name from All Saints Road in London. Key singles include Never Ever, Pure Shores (featured on The Beach soundtrack), and Black Coffee. William Orbit co-wrote/produced Pure Shores and Black Coffee. After an initial run ending in 2001 and a 2006 reunion that yielded Studio 1, they reformed again and released Red Flag (2016) and Testament (2018).

Three reviews track All Saints’ swift rise and stumbles: from the gospel-tinged Never Ever to Orbit-polished Pure Shores and Black Coffee. The pieces weigh their R&B/electronic blend, notable covers, and the short-lived first run. One review frames the 2000s compilation as a summation, another dives into Saints & Sinners’ authorship and production. The mood: respectful, skeptical, nostalgic.