Black has a knack of getting round everyone. When I first heard 'Wonderful life' on Radio Merseyside all those years ago, Black was one of the indie pop crowd and much respected for it. With the odd hit and a classy debut LP tucked away under that black belt, Colin Vearncombe has the devotion of mainstream punters while never being accused of selling out by the Kirby lads. His taste in pop has always been subtle but never flat. The new album maintains the pace of the early hits but has benefitted from A&M's time and money. Immaculate songs like 'The Big One', "You're A Big Girl Now' and 'All We Need Is Money' (dedicated to the people of Liverpool) melt irresistibly over your heart with the epic charms of a kitsch French movie. There's no flag waving or duelling guitars here, just the odd blustery crescendo and some Spanish flavouring. Though he's at times worryingly Wet Wet Wet-ish, one thing's for sure, Black's never gonna be an Elton John with hair. Smooth, very smooth.