Wisdom, Laughter and Lines

Wisdom, Laughter and Lines is the second album by Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. It was released on 23 October 2015 by Virgin EMI and was produced by long-time collaborator John Owen Williams.

Wisdom, Laughter and Lines
Studio album by
Released23 October 2015 (2015-10-23)
Recorded
Genre
Length50:48
LabelVirgin EMI
ProducerJohn Owen Williams
Paul Heaton chronology
What Have We Become?
(2014)
Wisdom, Laughter and Lines
(2015)
Crooked Calypso
(2017)
Jacqui Abbott chronology
What Have We Become?
(2014)
Wisdom, Laughter and Lines
(2015)
Crooked Calypso
(2017)
Singles from Wisdom, Laughter and Lines
  1. "The Austerity of Love"
    Released: 3 September 2015
  2. "I Don't See Them"
    Released: 11 December 2015
  3. "(Man Is) the Biggest Bitch of All"
    Released: 25 March 2016

The album peaked at no. 4 in the UK Official Album Chart.[1] It was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry on 22 January 2016 for sales over 60,000 copies.[2]

Background

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Wisdom, Laughter and Lines was announced on 1 September 2015, coinciding with the release of its first single, 'The Austerity of Love' and details regarding its supporting tour.[3]

In the run up to the release of the album, Gigs and Tours interviewed both Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott about the album and their working dynamic. Paul mentioned that, “Jacqui is one of the best singers I've worked with and is also part of my past. This new album came together easily because we work so well together. The album title ‘Wisdom, Laughter and Lines’ derives from a line in one of the songs and it sort of sums up where I am in life.”[4]

In the same interview Jacqui talked about preparing to perform the new songs live, stating that “It’s just great to be singing again and I’m excited about playing these new songs live. We had such a good run together previously and it’s just a real pleasure to be working with him again and singing these fantastic songs.”

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [5]

Contemporary reviews for Wisdom, Laughter and Lines were generally positive. In a four-star review for AllMusic, Marcy Donelson stated, "Songwriter Heaton's comprehensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for pop music is on full display again, with songs that hit on Motown, reggae, honky tonk, post-punk, and Eastern European folk, among other styles."[5]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Paul Heaton, except where noted[6]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."(Man Is) The Biggest Bitch of All"Paul Heaton, Jonny Lexus3:41
2."The Austerity of Love" 4:28
3."I Don't See Them" 3:34
4."Heatongrad"Heaton, Lexus3:50
5."Sundial in the Shade"Heaton, Lexus6:34
6."Lonesome and Sad Millionaire" 4:00
7."The Queen of Soho"Heaton, Lexus3:26
8."The Horse and Groom"Heaton, Lexus3:42
9."When Love for Woman Stops"Heaton, Lexus6:03
10."No One Wants to Stay"Heaton, Lexus3:19
11."Wives 1, 2 & 3" 3:23
12."You, The Mountain and Me" 4:47
Wisdom, Laughter and Lines – Deluxe edition (bonus tracks)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."State vs Jeeves"Heaton, Lexus3:24
14."Real Love"Heaton, Lexus3:54
15."Fair Share of Breathing"Heaton, Lexus4:19
16."Capital Love" 3:47

References

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  1. ^ "Wisdom Laughter and Lines". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  2. ^ "[1] Archived 27 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 24 March 2016. Note: User needs to enter "Paul Heaton" in the "Search" field, "Artist" in the "Search by" field and click the "Go" button. Select "More info" next to the relevant entry to see full certification history.
  3. ^ "Paul & Jacqui release new Album and Tour dates". 1 September 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  4. ^ "Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott announce Second Album 'Wisdom' and Tour". 1 September 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  5. ^ a b Donelson, Marcy (30 October 2015). "Wisdom, Laughter and Lines - Paul Heaton, Jacqui Abbott | Songes, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". All Media Network. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  6. ^ "Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott – Wisdom, Laughter And Lines (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
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