T’Pau – Be Wonderful – Album Review blackartspr

Review By Darren McIntyre

T’Pau – taken from the name of a Vulcan elder from Star Trek – are a pop band from Shrewsbury, England, who originally formed from 1986 till 1992, took a hiatus and returned from 1998 to the present day. The band has given us Bridge Of Spies in 1987, Rage in 1988, The Promise in 1991, Red in 1998 & Pleasure & Pain in 2015; they have also given us 3 live albums, 4 compilation albums & 21 singles. The 10th April sees the release of studio album no. 6 in the form of Be Wonderful; to coincide with this release, Carol & co. will be hitting the road on a UK tour starting in Leeds on the 10th April and running through till May 22nd, finishing at The Gwyn Hall, Neath. Today I will be reviewing their new album, so please sit back and relax as I take us through this new offering.

unmistakableRead My Lips – We kick off with a real crisp, shredding guitar that brings in a dark, brooding bassline that lets this pop – rocker come at us as the smooth, soulful vocals come through and really shake the tree. The rhythm section is hitting us with snare / bass kicks that allow the groove to wrap itself around us as the toe tapping arrangement really pops as the groove builds with ease as it takes control of the groove that is weaving it’s way through this killer opening piece, we get a cool, foot stomping mid section that brings us a stop start guitar/bass/rhythm beat that really gives the track some juice as Carol leans in and lets her unmistakeable vocals lead the charge in this barnstorming opener.

Miles & Miles – We get a cool ’90s-feeling keys intro that flows from the intro as the track’s tone builds as the soulful vocals break through and really let us feel the depth coming from the arrangement. The sweet, melodic guitar licks are weaving their way through the track as the meaty, funk-laden bassline drops in and really delivers a cool beat that works so well; the rhythm section is commanding the track as it brings a solid snare beat as the cymbal crashes rain down on us as this short, sharp, punchy piece builds as the keys ripple through the mid-section as the album shapes up nicely.

Showdown – A sweet, clean piano tone oozes from the intro as Carol brings her incredible vocals to this ballad track that lets the snare drum taps lead the groove as bass kicks let the track breath. The tempo changes pace a little as a stringed arrangement weaves through the track, and this adds a real comforting tone that is just incredible. The piano is the main character in this toe-tapping, mellow arrangement as the groove grabs us and sweeps us along for the ride as Carol lets his incredible vocals flow freely through the track as we get a sense of calm, melodic tones that just allow the track to leave us wanting more as the rhythm section builds with ease as the groove wraps itself around us as this fantastic ballad comes for us.

Casual Remark – A nice, punchy guitar lick wanders through the intro as the track gathers pace with a mellow piano groove as this toe-tapping beat comes at us as the rhythm section leans in and hits us with a punchy snare / bass beat. Carol lets her smouldering vocals flow effortlessly through the track as we feel a real 90s tone come through the arrangement as the backing vocals feel real nice as they allow Carol to really lead the song; the acoustic solo in the mid-section breaks up the song perfectly as the bassline drops in with its dark, moody tones that just fit the track perfectly. The tracks are short, sharp and to the point as Carol and the band really hit the spot with these real punchy tones that just work.

Stupid Love Song – Acoustic tones ripple through the intro as tambourine tones add depth to this smouldering piece as the rhythm section kicks in with a cool, solid snare / bass kick that just allows the track to open. The funky beat really lets us feel the energy oozing from the band as a simple but cool stringed section wanders freely through the track as we get a sense of dealing with stuff as Carol really lets his majestic vocals take the track onwards. The dark, brooding bassline is coming at us with real gusto as the tone and depth really let the track flow as the band digs deep and really lets the groove flow as we tap our feet to this melodic number that just comes at us in waves as we get the picture of this new offering.

Be Wonderful – The track kicks off with a nice, crisp guitar lick that lets the rhythm section lead the groove with a snare kick that has real tone and lets the track open and soar. The piano tones are really elevating the song as this killer rhythm really grabs us and lets us know that Carol & the boys are back with a real nice piece of music; the full-on bassline is dropping in and really wrapping itself around the track as the sultry, mellow tones just take the track off down the road. Carol has lost none of her signature tone, as this record really pops as we get depth, swagger and attitude by the truckload as this gritty guitar riff really elevates the track as the punchy rhythm section builds and builds as this awesome number really delivers.

Echo – A cool synth/guitar tone opens the track as the punchy rhythm section lets the beat roll freely through the intro as the piano tones lift the arrangement as Carol leans in and really brings a freshness to the track. The album is a real breath of fresh air as the band just let themselves go as the tone and texture really work with the unmistakeable vocals from Carol Decker as she digs deep and really showcases her versatility with the direction of these fantastic songs. The rhythm section is coming at us with a real punchy snare / bass kick that allows the groove to wander freely through this short, sharp arrangement that has a real mellow tone that works.

Run – A nice, mellow guitar tone eases through the intro as a deep, punchy bass kick rolls through the track as Carol lets her killer vocals lead the charge in this toe-tapping groover. The tempo erupts as the backing vocals weave their way through the track as a kick-ass synth/bass tone lets the track breathe as we get a mellow, funky groove easing its way through this fantastic arrangement. The sweet, soulful tones are rippling freely through the track as we get a real sense of enjoyment with this release, as I think Carol has given it her all with her unmistakable vocals that weave their way through this fantastic offering that just ups the tempo ever so slightly in this melodic, toe-tapping arrangement.

World On Fire – A deep, punchy snare / bass kick opens the track as the sweet piano tones ripple in the background as the dark, brooding bassline wraps itself around this little dark groover. Carol brings passion, fire and bags of soul to this toe-tapping offering as we feel the depth oozing from this cracking little number as the acoustic strumming tones really add attitude to this number as we dig deep and feel the emotion coming from the track. The tempo is a real mellow vibe that lets the band really bring their passion to this number as the piano notes really elevate the track as it just brings us closer to this timeless musician as she does what she does best and then some, a little gem of an album that seems like a return to form.

, thought-provokingSay Something – Smouldering, mellow vocals open the track as deep, haunting piano tones let this track breath as Carol lets her fantastic vocals lead the way in this end track. The addition of the string section adds depth and soul to this soulful ballad that just ripples under the surface as cello tones come at us as this smouldering number grabs our attention and really elevates the soulful vocals that run effortlessly through this song as we finish on a real though provoking number that lets us know that is what Carol Decker is known for. A killer composition that just catches our attention as the sultry tones wrap themselves around us as the epic strings leave their mark on this fantastic album that is just fantastic and something Carol should be proud of.

–T’Pau –

Songwriting Carol Decker – Vocals / Songriting

– Ronnie Rogers – Rhythm Guitar / Songwriting

– James Ashby – Lead Guitar

– Bass Kez Gunes – Bass

Carsten Moss – Keys

Dave Hattee – Drums

Odette Adams – Backing Vocals

Track Listing –

Read My Lips

Miles & Miles

Showdown