Sweetest Smile

Colin Vearncombe is not the most catchy of names, though it's one you aren't likely to forget. He is a singer songwriter who emerged onto the music scene in the 1980s, and will long be remembered for his hit single 'Wonderful Life.' He has, however, like most musicians who get remembered for one thing, done better stuff than this. I only have his greatest hits collection so can hardly call myself a diehard fan, but there is one song I am particularly fond of, namely 'Sweetest Smile.' I don't know how many times I've listened to this in recent months but it's a lot! He writes about a breakup. I don't know if it was autobiographical but he sings it with so much feeling that I wouldn't be surprised...

I think my heart must be made of clay

cause everyone said it would be broken some day

And now I’ve come to that fateful day

Love can make us feel invincible. Relationships can make us feel like all smells of roses and all is treacle-sweet. Well I've got news for you: it's not, and Colin Vearncombe knew that when he wrote this song.

I just wish I was made of wood

I might not feel pain even if I should, even if I should

He wishes he was made of different stuff. The damage has been done. His therapy? He 'writes a new song every day', probably about the pain he's in, or the one who caused it. He speaks of how he would've made things better if only he could've. But he's come to that fateful day; the point of no return. This song is awesome. The lyrics are intelligent and real, the slow saxaphone and synthesiser take you to where he is and sit you down next to him in his self-pity. For me this is the ultimate breakup song, and he sings it so well! And oddly enough I can enjoy it when I'm happy and it doesn't bring my mood down like some sad music can. It amazes me why someone with Vearncombe/Black's musical giftings is only largely remembered for one song and had no notable longetivity to his career, for though he is still making music today he will not have the limelight his gifts warrant (in my opinion) when you have people with nothing to offer musically, such as most winners of reality TV shows, churning out throwaway pop records that other people wrote for them. On this note I wouldn't be surprised if Colin wished he was made of wood once more, but whilst he does that I for one will enjoy my Black: The Collection CD.