Stanley Black Comedy CD - Import

Seeking a U.S. breakthrough, A&M Records held Black's second album, Comedy, back from release until a re-recorded 1989 version of his U.K. hit "Wonderful Life" could be added as the leadoff track. There is also a remixed version of the U.K. hit "Sweetest Smile," which, like "Wonderful Life," previously appeared on Black's debut album, Wonderful Life. Also included were the more recent U.K. chart singles "The Big One" and "Now You're Gone." All of which means that, in its U.S. version at least, Comedy was almost more of a hits compilation than a formal second album. That, however, lent it a certain consistency, and in its newer songs, the album showed Black moving away from the cocktail jazz and doomy lyrics of his debut and toward a more eclectic sound, as well as lighter, more romantic sentiments. ~ William Ruhlmann

All songs written by Colin Vearncombe except "Reunion" (C.Vearncombe/Dave Dickie).

Personnel: Black (vocals, guitar, percussion), Robin Millar, Gordon Morgan, Gordon Longworth (guitars), Steve Sidwell, Martin Green (brass), Dave Dix (keyboards, vibes, programming), Pete Adams (keyboards), Steve Pearce, Roy Corkill (bass), Gavin Harrison, Guy Richman (drums), Danny Cummings, Martin Ditcham (percussion), Tina Labrinski, Sara Lamarra, Derek Green (background vocals).