Search - Black :: Wonderful Life

My Two Cents Because I Just Grew Tired.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 09/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Looking over the other reviews here, I don't feel anyone does this album justice, nor the artist, Colin Vearncombe. Released back in 1987, "Wonderful Life" is one of those lost gems, forgotten by most. In America, the album barely made a dent, and the title track hardly received any play on MTV or VH1, but that's where I saw the video.



There was something unique about Black, sounding like Depeche Mode, OMD, Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music and Rick Astley. At the time I was 14, and this type of music really appealed to me. There's not one bad song on this disc, and it could very well be Mr. Vearncombe's best work. Years later, I still enjoy listening to this disc, and it also brings some nostalgia with it. If you liked the new romanticism of bands like ABC, Spandau Ballet and Culture Club, plus the above mentioned artists, you might like Black. This is his debut, and a great place to get started.



For the record, his other releases that you might find equally as enjoyable are: AS BLACK: "Comedy" (1989), "Black" (1991), "Are We Having Fun Yet?" (1993) AS COLIN VEARNCOMBE: "The Accused" (1999), "Water On Snow" (2000) and "Smoke Up Close" (2002). Colin has recently returned to the Black moniker and is supposed to release a new cd called "Between Two Churches" soon (2005). Most of his catalogue is out of print. But you know what that means? Ebay! You can also find more information about Colin at his website [...]. I have most of his cds, and he's definitely worth checking out."

Nostalgia for the late 80's

Matthew Healey | Brooklyn, NY | 01/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was an American college dropout living in London in '88 when I first got hooked on this album. I lost it at some point and didn't hear it again for 15 years, but one listen takes me right back in a powerful way to the emotions I felt at that time - the girlfriends, the long walks in Notting Hill and the West End, exploring all that London had to offer to a young, single guy without many cares in the world... what a trip back!

Unlike some of what I listened to in the 80's, this album has aged well - much better than I would have anticipated. I think quality-wise it ranks up there with Sinead O'Connor's first album, Morrissey's first solo and The Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby, to name some others I remember listening to that year."

A forgotten pearl

Martin S | Tyresö, Sweden | 07/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lots of people talk about this record. I know I bought it for the track "Wonderful Life" but as usual it was some others mainly "Finder" and "Everything's bringing up roses" which got me hooked.
Those three alone make it worth buying the CD.
Black has got a nice voice, somewhat alike to Seal (another of those forgotten 80s - 90s artists that are worth a listen).But it is a strong CD throughout. I bought the LP in the 80's and am rescueing the thoroughly played record to CD on my computer at the moment."