Black Lab - Your Body Above Me

Back in 1997, Black Lab had a massive hit with their lead single, Wash It Away, from the album Your Body Above Me. For a brief period of time, you could not get away from this song. It was all over the radio and everywhere you went people were blasting it. Wash It Away was the first and last song I remember hearing by Black Lab on the radio, but based on the strength of that one song, I did go out and buy their record.

While Black Lab may be considered a one hit wonder, Your Body Above Me is a solid debut effort that is ripe with more than just the lead single. The overall sound on the disc is gritty alternative rock that was so popular in the mid to late 90s. Gritty guitar riffs mixed with dark lyrics and a deep, gloomy sound complete the album and form the core sound of Your Body Above Me.

Time Ago, the second single released (that not many people know) is another solid song, better than Wash It Away. With a catchy rhythm and a memorable hook, Time Ago is a song about remembering a long lost love and the tender moments that were shared. A mid-tempo rocker, this is a song meant to be played on a warm summer night when you want to float into your past and remember that certain someone that is no longer a part of your life for whatever reason.

Thin White Lie is a bass heavy song with a club beat folded in. Layered with many tempo changes and lead singer Paul Durham’s darker vocals, Thin White Lie was recorded in the vein of grunge rock. The chorus erupts into a high octane explosion of musical bliss, with Durham’s voice climbing slightly higher and the music crashing all around him. Thin White Lie is a solid rock song that stands the test of the time.

Durham’s vocals are highlighted throughout this record. He has a unique voice that hits the high and low notes with just the right amount of stress and emphasis. His voice pulls the music together and creates a solid foreground for the wonderful music that is being played behind him. Durham’s guitar work, combined with Michael Belfer’s guitar, and Geoff Stanfield’s bass produce the perfect blend of hard rock and light melody that encompass a worthy recording.

Overall, Your Body Above Me is a solid record that held up well over the years. Although not much has been heard of Black Lab since this debut release, this record is an amazing one that is worth adding to your collection. If you’re a fan of 90s alternative rock, or just great hard rock music, you should definitely give Your Body Above Me a try. It’s worth the time and investment and it’s bound to make you stick your fist in the air and rock out.

Ryo’s Rating: 8 (out of 10)

Track Listing
Wash It Away
She Loves Me
X-Ray
Time Ago
Can’t Keep The Rain
Thin White Lie
Anything
Ten Million Years
All The Money In The World
Sleeps With Angels
Bring It On
Gates Of The Country