Hope and Despair

by Edwyn Collins

Hope and Despair cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1989
  • Label: Demon
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 55:06
  • Community rating: 3.74/5 from 4 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

The former Orange Juice frontman embarks on his solo career with a wry, sophisticated collection of guitar pop. Blending northern soul influences with his signature baritone and sardonic wit, the album re-establishes his formidable songwriting prowess within the British indie landscape.

Genres

Descriptors: jangly, melodic, orchestral, soulful, literate, folk, acoustic, male-vocals

Tracklist

  1. Coffee Table Song (4:49)
  2. 50 Shades of Blue (3:52)
  3. You're Better Than You Know (4:09)
  4. Pushing It To The Back Of My Mind (3:44)
  5. If Ever You're Ready (4:18)
  6. Darling They Want It All (3:40)
  7. The Wheels Of Love (4:51)
  8. The Beginning Of The End (3:54)
  9. The Measure Of The Man (3:35)
  10. Testing Time (3:50)
  11. Let Me Put My Arms Around You (4:03)
  12. The Wide Eyed Child In Me (2:48)
  13. Ghost Of A Chance (4:04)
  14. Hope and Despair (3:22)

Credits

  • Dennis Bovell - backing vocals, bass, composed by, organ [hammond], drums, guitar, piano [leslied], trumpet
  • Roddy Frame - backing vocals, guitar [mutron], acoustic guitar
  • David Ruffy - drums
  • Steven Skinner - guitar
  • Bernie Clarke - organ [hammond], keyboards, piano, synthesizer, accordion, violin, banjo, dulcimer, organ [wurlitzer], organ [wurlitzer], lute [electric]
  • Alex Grey - organ [hammond]
  • Bruce Dern - steel guitar [pedal steel]

More from Edwyn Collins: full discography