Black - Wonderful Life (A&M)

Aaaaaah (satisfied sigh). This is a wonderful record - sentimental without being slushy, and the most enjoyable song to whistle along to this fortnight. In fact Black have released quite a few wonderful records, it's just that until "Sweetest Smile", none of them were hits. This is a re-release of one of those earlier songs, and it's possibly even more poignant and swoonful than "Sweetest Smile" (though the one before that, the Bowie-esque "Everything's Coming Up Roses" was even better). It's heartening to see someone who a) isn't particularly handsome, b) has a spook-name (i.e. Colin Vearncombe), c) has no discernible "image" and d) writes slightly odd lyrics, get into the charts purely on the strength of their music, which in this case is very strong indeed. (Vici McDonald, Smash Hits, August 12, 1987)

Black - Sweetest Smile (A&M)

Isn't that Prince's favourite colour? Or was that last week? Either way, this is delicious. Really moody and dramatic, from the latest band to emerge from Liverpool. File under classics. (David Martin, No1, July 4, 1987)

Black - Paradise (A&M)

Considering this is meant to be a song all about paradise, Mr Colin Vearncombe doesn't sound to be having a very good time at all. Mostly he "woah oh woah oh's" in a rather unenthusiastic manner to a not terribly jolly "beat" that's very similar to "Wonderful Life" and "Sweetest Smile". Perhaps he was suffering from a nasty bout of bellyache when he recorded it. Or perhaps he's just a bit of a sad soul... (Sue Dando, Smash Hits, December 30, 1987)

As with all of Black's slower songs, the percussion track immediately grabs your attention. As long as he steers clear of James Hamilton disco territory, he can't really fail. (Lawrence Donegan, Record Mirror, January 9, 1988)

Great Lines: 'Life should never feel small', sings Colin. And he is correct.

Black - Wonderful Life (Ugly Man)

Guaranteed to make grown girls whimper and hard-nosed boys blubber. A beeeautiful, balmy antidote to today's 99 per cent inconsequential output. A smooth coating of non-drip vocal gloss glides over a melody which seduces you with its eyes shut. Lyrically, a mass of contradictions which fool no one, matey! Simplicity and perfection itself (sigh). On a par with Marks and Sparks' cheesecake. (Lesley O'Toole, Record Mirror, August 16, 1986)

A rather pretty ballad from a Liverpool lad once involved with Wylie's Wah!. With a typically studious Northern vocal - so you know he means it - this is the indie equivalent of "A Different Corner". Stick to George. 3/5 (Paul Simper, No 1, August 30, 1986)

Black - Hey Presto (Eternal)

Now this is much more like it. Lots of genuine attack on a good song with a bit of depth but one which loses its way and lacks the killer chorus which brings a hit. Extra points for a good bit of dramatic piano. (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, May 24, 1984)