Black cover

Black

Black

7 tracks · new wave

A haunting blend of new wave melodies and introspective lyrics creates a captivating emotional landscape throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hey Presto — The opening track sets an intriguing tone with its playful yet poignant lyrics that explore themes of illusion and reality, effectively drawing listeners into Black's sonic world.
  • →
    Liquid Dream — This track features lush instrumentation alongside evocative lyrics that capture a sense of yearning, highlighting Black's ability to intertwine personal emotion with broader themes.
  • →
    Butterfly Man — The closing track encapsulates the album's introspective nature, using vivid imagery to convey transformation and vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends new wave melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing a distinct sound while maintaining solid craftsmanship.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the last four shift to more varied tempos and arrangements.
  • Several tracks employ layered synths and atmospheric guitar work, creating a haunting soundscape that complements the introspective lyrics.
  • The album closes with 'Butterfly Man', which features a gradual build-up before fading out, leaving a lingering emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • shimmering melodies for introspection
  • fragmented pacing encourages discovery
  • poignant moments of emotional depth
  • unpredictable shifts keep engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek constant energetic momentum

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1987, Black's self-titled album followed the success of their hit single Wonderful Life. This album marked a significant moment in their career, showcasing their evolution from mainstream pop to a more artistic sound characterized by atmospheric production and deeper lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· The Cure· New Order

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hey Presto
  • 2 Stephen
  • 3 Liquid Dream
  • 4 More Than the Sun
  • 5 Widemouth
  • 6 I Could Kill You
  • 7 Butterfly Man

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata