Paradise (Black song) explained

Paradise
Cover:Black Paradise 1988 single cover.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Black
Album:Wonderful Life
B-Side:Dagger Reel[1]
Released:4 January 1988[2]
Label:A&M
Producer:Dave Dix
Prev Title:I'm Not Afraid
Prev Year:1987
Next Title:The Big One
Next Year:1988

"Paradise" is a song by English singer-songwriter Black, which was released in 1988 as the fifth and final single from his debut studio album Wonderful Life. The song was written by Black and Dave "Dix" Dickie, and produced by Dix. "Paradise" reached number 38 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for four weeks.[3]

Critical reception

On its release, David Quantick of New Musical Express commented, "Vearncombe has the knack of getting up melancholy better than anyone apart from Peter Hook's bass guitar. Bertolt Brecht coined the term einverstaendis to convey the idea of a happy resignation, an ungrudging acceptance of things. With Black we have that best of things, einverstaendis you can dance to."[4] Lawrence Donegan, as guest reviewer for Record Mirror, stated, "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."[5] Paul Massey of the Evening Express described the song as "mellow, but not a big hit".[6]

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the UK CD single liner notes and the Wonderful Life CD booklet.[7]

Paradise

Production

Other

Notes and References

  1. Book: Pfenninger, Leslie J. . From Brass to Gold: Discography of A&M Records and affiliates around the world . 2001 . Greenwood Press . 9780313316210 . 127.
  2. News: Trollope . Peter . 19 December 1987 . Beat It! . . 7.
  3. Web site: BLACK - full Official Chart History . . 24 December 2021.
  4. Quantick . David . 9 January 1988 . 45 . . 12.
  5. Donegan . Lawrence . 9 January 1988 . Singles . . 10.
  6. News: Massey . Paul . 23 December 1987 . Citysound: Singles . . 8.
  7. Wonderful Life . Wonderful Life (Black album) . . 1987 . UK CD album booklet . . CD 5165.