“The Bitterst Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow)” / “Pity Poor Alfie” / “Fever” (Polydor POSP 505) September 1982
The Jam | The Bitterest Pill | (Polydor) 1982 | Miserable sod. That was my first thought on seeing the title of the latest from the recently cheerless Jam. But aided pleasantly by Belle star Jenny’s husky vocal chords, Weller turns out a very soulful ballad of reasonably epic proportions. A bit of a shock to begin with but likely to justify (good) intentions. (Sounds, 04/09/82)
The Jam | The Bitterest Pill | (Polydor) 1982
Paul stands by a grave while his girl marries another. In the church, Paul swallows hard and takes the bitterest pill. All this is accomplished to a slow soul beat and sweeping strings.
Weller hits the falsettos with ease and Jennie McKeown of the Belle Stars helps out on the chorus. Weller moves from the politics to the tragedies of love. This is not a great Jam single, just another good ‘un. (Record Mirror, 04/09/82)
Has somebody died? The cover to this brand spanking new Jam record reeks with doom. A death cell black and white photo surrounded by black, broken only by bereavement italics. ‘The Bitterest Pill’ is a song weighted by sadness.
As a duet – with Jenny Bellestar – it strikes me as a functional flat relative of Elton & Kiki’s ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’. I guess it’s inspired more by Marvin and Tammi . . . well she’s dead anyway. Even the sprightly string arrangement which lifts the song at times is fighting the losing battle.
There’s also evidence – on both sides – that Paul Weller may have had a Dylan-esque motorbike crash, his voice – I think it’s his voice – reedy and reaching.
The B-side here is altogether more inspired but that’s only because the sound is more familiar albeit over a rendition of Davenport & Cooley’s ‘Fever’.
But even as a fan, I don’t care for this despondent over-thoughtful 45, although Paul Weller won’t worry too much. I think he’s already decided on a course into introspection and the black, black, black. I’m staying right here. (NME, 04/09/82)
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