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Okay, this is not a Black/Colin Vearncombe song, nor is it a cover version. In fact, the only connection is the title “Wonderful Life”, but I thought I would draw your attention to the track on Gwen Stefani’s new album “The Sweet Escape”.
The song shares three common themes with our beloved Black track (apart from the title).
1 - It is beautiful song
2 - It has a very similar sentiment
3 – The chorus recites “It’s a wonderful, wonderful life”
The track is a great ending to the album and I love the song. While it is practically nothing to do with Black’s song, it somehow takes you back to Black’s own song and let’s you appreciate it even more. It is strange, but over the years, various new versions of Wonderful Life (whether they are by Black or by Colin Vearncombe or by Tina Cousins!) means that I have somehow managed to forget just how great the track was in its original format. It was only when I acquired a rare original A&M CD single (with it amazing extra tracks that are just not available anywhere else) and I listened to the song again, that I realised just how well crafted it truly is. Given it was recorded over 20 years ago; it really has stood the test of time.
Yes, we are indeed in the land of the 20 years anniversaries. This was reminded to anyone who read it, in an article in the local paper on The Christians tour (which erroneously mentioned the Edinburgh gig on the 7th March 2007) where Garry Christian, who is apparently the only “Christian” left in the band, was reminiscing about their chart success, 20 years ago. Yes, the tour is theirs, but we want to see Black!
Black were (criminally) not mentioned in this article but the 20th anniversary of what was the defining moment in Black’s career should not be forgotten, and this tour helps all of us appreciate Colin for his musical genius and for the fantastic songs that he has left for us all to enjoy for at least another 20 years to come. The new Black is here and we will love them, as much as, if not more than, the old Black.
TheOctoberMan
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