Critical Quote "The duo's full debut was a sparkling collection of synth-pop
tunes that made up in enthusiasm and immediate catchiness what it
lacked in overall variety or any sense of artistic progression from
Clarke's past. Though the production, one of Flood's earliest high-profile
efforts, is detailed and often lush, anyone who had followed Clarke's
career wouldn't be surprised by anything on Wonderland."
- All Music Guide
Onge Review Erasure's debut album
Wonderland failed miserably
to set the charts on fire. The three UK singles completely flopped
and at the time it must have been very disheartening for Vince after
his successes previously with Depeche Mode, Yazoo
and The Assembly. Yet this album is one of Erasure's
finest and is full of some marvellous song writing. Although this
album sounds very dated now, the old-time synth sound has a certain
charm that merely adds to the enjoyment of this album. The excellent
Who Needs Love (Like That) starts it all. Although
solely written by Vince, this is a very enjoyable song and it puzzles
me to this day why this song failed to capture the public's imagination
back in 1985 when it was first released. As with much of the album,
this track is a fine catchy pop treat. Reunion is
another contagious number, extremely upbeat and dancey in which Andy
is reunited with his lover after a long troublesome period apart.
By no means ground-breaking, but still a very good pop song. Cry
So Easy also has that early 1980s synth-pop sound. This song,
written by Andy is pleasant enough, with some interesting lyrics,
but it doesn't really stand out particularly. It is a little confused
lyrically also but we must remember Andy was relatively new to this
business when this was written. Push Me Shove Me
is a little farcical, and isn't a song you can take too seriously.
But it is fun, and Vince's extended musical contribution still makes
this an agreeable song. What I never understood about this track is
how the CD version has such an abrupt and stupid ending when the cassette
album version of this song fades out. A minor point, but I've never
liked the way the song suddenly stops on the CD album version. Heavenly
Action is perhaps one of Erasure's
weaker songs, and was definitely a poor choice for a single. It didn't
sell either, reaching a lowly position of 100 in the UK charts. It
lacks the appeal of many of the other album's track, offering little
excitement musically or lyrically. But it still annoyingly catchy!
Say What is another enjoyable track. The Stomp
Crew assist Andy in the choruses as Andy berates his lover in
this pleasing song. Again it is not a track of particular outstanding
merit but is another likeable pop song.
Love Is a Loser is a wonderfully upbeat song, despite the connotations
of the song's title. A fairground style melody and infectious lyrics
make for yet another exuberant Erasure
sing-a-long. Even at this early stage in their careers, it was clear
Erasure were very capable song
writers. Senseless is an amazing song, particularly through
Vince's arrangement. A wonderfully momentous chorus melody produced
to perfection by Flood makes for a real aural experience. The lyrics
and the inclusion of a third verse (rarely done by Erasure)
really do give your ears a treat, with Andy singing finely throughout.
A real Erasure classic. My
Heart...So Blue is a downcast ballad where Andy rues the loss
of his lover. Unspectacular throughout, I can't help feeling this
was a prototype for the far superior and incomparable Spiralling.
This ballad does give the album a more soothing section though, giving
the album as a whole a more balanced feel. Oh L'amour follows,
a song of such genius it is a crime this song only reached number
85 in the UK singles charts. Everything about this song is wonderful:
from Vince's musical accompaniment to Andy's wonderful lyrics and
voice. A sensational classic, perfect from start to finish, it is
rightfully popular amongst the fans. Pistol is a weak and extremely
camp track that was excluded from many non-UK versions of Wonderland.
Amusing but little else, this track is the weakest on the album. UK
CD versions conclude with additional remixes and an extended version
of Oh L'amour b-side March On Down The Line which is
a pleasant but unexceptional little tune.
Summary
As a debut album goes, this is no bad effort. The songs are largely
extremely enjoyable and catchy, demonstrating Erasure's
ability to write wonderful pop songs. The dated sound of the synthesizers
does not detract in anyway from this album, particularly as this was
Vince's most weighty use of the instrument in his career at the time.
This 80s sound if anything adds to the appeal as Erasure
were always so ahead of the times their future albums were more advanced
than the other artists of the time. Hence this 80s sounding album
is a treat, as the other releases did not sound the same, showing
Erasure's ability
to explore and invent.
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