Wet Wet Wet - Review

Wet Wet Wet are one of those bands whose name instantly brings a melody to mind whether you're a fan or not, and whilst I can't say I am a fan, I also can't ignore their impact. Formed in 1982 in Clydebank, Scotland, they grew out of school friendships and an early covers band phase before finding their own polished blend of pop, soul and soft rock. The classic line-up was Marti Pellow on lead vocals, Graeme Clark on bass, Tommy Cunningham on drums and Neil Mitchell on keyboards, with guitarist Graeme Duffin becoming closely associated with the group as their long-time touring and recording "fifth member". Their sound was warm, romantic and radio-friendly, but it also had enough soulfulness to keep it from feeling too glossy.

"Well love is all around me, and so the feeling grows" – A review of Wet Wet Wet.

Their breakthrough came in 1987 with the debut album Popped in Souled Out, which turned them into major UK stars almost overnight. Singles such as "Wishing I Was Lucky", "Sweet Little Mystery" and "Angel Eyes (Home and Away)" showed off the band's talent for catchy choruses, smooth arrangements and Pellow's expressive voice. From there, Wet Wet Wet became a fixture of late-1980s and 1990s British pop, scoring hits with a mix of original songs and well-chosen covers. They split in 1997, later reformed in 2004, and continued in different forms, with Kevin Simm eventually taking over as lead singer after Pellow's departure.

If one song defines their place in pop history, it is "Love Is All Around", their 1994 cover of The Troggs' song from the Four Weddings and a Funeral soundtrack. It spent 15 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK and became one of the decade's most unavoidable love songs - but reducing Wet Wet Wet to that single would be unfair. "Goodnight Girl" gave them another chart-topper, while their charity cover of "With a Little Help from My Friends" also reached number one. Across their career, they built up a strong run of UK Top 10 and Top 40 singles, along with several number one albums, proving they were more than a one-hit phenomenon.

Wet Wet Wet were named Best British Newcomer at the 1988 Brit Awards, and their debut album became a multi-platinum success. At their best, they captured a very particular kind of heartfelt, blue-eyed soul-pop: sincere, tuneful and unashamedly sentimental. Their music may not have been the most original, but it connected deeply with listeners who wanted romance, warmth and instantly memorable hooks. For that reason, Wet Wet Wet remain an important part of British pop history, remembered not only for one record-breaking ballad but for a catalogue that helped soundtrack a generation. Whilst I can't claim to have been their biggest fan, I can certainly appreciate their achievements.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney