Wonderful Life - Black (British)

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Masterful lyrics, unique vocal talent
Disadvantages:	It's Not You Lady Jane  -  poor bonus would have been better left off

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Have you ever listened to the lyrics of the song that gives this 1987 debut by Black its name? I mean, really listened? If you have, then you'll know just how silly Cadbury's, Standard Life and all the rest would look if everybody else had - "Look at me standing here on my own again" - oh yes, it's a wonderful life alright.

Black was born plain Colin Vearncombe in West Derby, Liverpool in 1962. The stage name apparently comes from a tribal musical notation system which uses colours - which makes perfect sense if you've ever heard the man singing. The lyrics are almost always as black as the key in which they're sung. A couple of songs could just about be described as "nervously hopeful", but that's as upbeat as you get.

And so I struggle to explain why, as well as being a perfect soundtrack to the depths of depression, this album also fits my mood when I'm feeling on top of the world. But then, a friend of mine who went to school with the man himself said he was "a bit strange, even then", so perhaps I shouldn't be all that surprised.

Musically, "Wonderful Life" is a mix of bitter, hard-edged rock where Black is backed by the deliciously named Creamy Whirls, and beautifully poignant solo laments where the full power and angst of the man comes through. Of the former, the best example is "Just Making Memories", hard and fast and as much about the music as the ironic sentiment. Worthy of a mention too is the relationship endgame of "Everything's Coming Up Roses" where much bitterness is in evidence.

However, it is the slower tracks that make this album great. In "I Just Grew Tired", Black uses his favourite device - hope, ultimately crushed by despair: "Life's not easy - but it's all you have" followed by "dying's easy - I think I'll try it out today". But unquestionably the best track is "Sweetest Smile"; the ultimate broken-heart song and lyrically sublime, it is at the top of my all-time list. If I have a favourite line, it would have to be "Don't tell me how to make it pay - I write a new song every day".

Black is still around today although he now records under his real name and on his own label, Nero Schwarz, and sells his newer work direct from his website (the undeleted back catalogue, including this album, is available through a link). Master cynic or manic depressive? Listen and make your own mind up.

Track Listing:
Wonderful Life, Everything's Coming Up Roses, Sometimes for the Asking, Finder, Paradise, I'm Not Afraid, I Just Grew Tired, Blue, Just Making Memories, Sweetest Smile

Bonus tracks on CD:
Ravel in the Rain, Leave Yourself Alone, Sixteens, It's Not You Lady Jane, Hardly Star-Crossed Lovers

Music and samples from http://www.colinvearncombe.com
Lyrics at http://www.colinvearncombe.nl/lyrics/index.html