Black (Wonderful World)
The Album
Black (Wonderful World)is the English singer’s debut album, released on 18 September 1987. The hit “Wonderful Life” was written out of sarcasm following some unfortunate events that came across Colin’s path
By the end of 1985 I had been in a couple of car crashes, my mother had a serious illness, I had been dropped by a record company, my first marriage went belly-up and I was homeless. Then I sat down and wrote this song called ‘Wonderful Life’. I was being sarcastic.
The album stands as a testament to the timeless power of poignant songwriting and soulful performances. Led by the captivating voice of singer-songwriter Colin Vearncombe, who goes by the stage name Black, this album delivers an emotional and introspective musical journey that resonates with listeners to this day.
The opening track, “Wonderful Life,” instantly sets the tone for the entire album. With its atmospheric instrumentation and Vearncombe’s haunting vocals, the song carries a bittersweet melody that captures the essence of the album’s themes of love, loss, and self-reflection. It remains one of Black’s most recognizable and enduring hits, painting a vivid picture of life’s complexities.
Throughout the album, Vearncombe showcases his prowess as a songwriter, delving into the depths of human emotions and experiences. Tracks like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Sweetest Smile” captivates listeners with their heartfelt lyrics and a delicate balance between melancholy and hope. Vearncombe’s introspective musings are profoundly relatable, evoking a range of emotions and leaving a lasting impression.
Conclusion
“Wonderful Life” is characterized by its rich and atmospheric soundscapes. The production perfectly complements the lyrical content, creating an immersive listening experience. Songs like “Paradise” and “Blue” exhibit a dreamlike quality, blending introspection with a touch of wistfulness. The musical arrangements, including the use of strings and piano, add depth and texture to the overall sound, accentuating the emotional weight of the lyrics.
One of the album’s strengths lies in its ability to seamlessly transition between different moods. Tracks such as “Here It Comes Again” and “I Just Grew Tired” introduce a more upbeat and catchy side to Black’s music, showcasing the versatility of the artist. These moments of levity serve as a counterpoint to the album’s introspective moments, creating a well-rounded listening experience.
Track Listing
- Wonderful Life
- Everything Comes Up Roses
- Sometimes For The Asking
- Finder
- Paradise
- I’m Not Afraid
- I Just Greew Tired
- Blue
- Just Making Memories
- Sweetest Smile
Wonderful Life
Lyrics
Here I go out to sea again
The sunshine fills my hair
And dreams hang in the air
Gulls in the sky and in my blue eye
You know it feels unfair
There’s magic everywhere
Look at me standing
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine
No need to run and hide
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
Sun’s in your eyes, the heat is in your hair
They seem to hate you
Because you’re there
And I need a friend, oh, I need a friend
To make me happy
Not stand here on my own
Look at me standing
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine
No need to run and hide
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
I need a friend, oh, I need friend
To make me happy
Not so alone
Look at me here
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine
No need to run and hide
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to hide and cry
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to run and hide
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to run and hide
It’s a wonderful, wonderful life
Wonderful life
It’s a wonderful life