Black - Sweetest Smile Original UK 7" Vinyl Single (A&M Records AM 394)

Immerse your turntable in the sophisticated, melancholic pop brilliance of the late 1980s British new wave scene with this original 1987 UK 7" pressing of "Sweetest Smile" by Black (led by the inimitable Colin Vearncombe). Released on the prestigious A&M Records label (Catalog Number: AM 394), this vintage 45 RPM single stands alongside "Wonderful Life" as one of the band's most critically acclaimed and enduring masterpieces.

Produced by Dave Dix, the A-side features the hauntingly beautiful, jazz-tinted title track driven by Vearncombe's rich, deep baritone vocals. The B-side includes the highly regarded, atmospheric companion track "Sixteens". Complete with its original, artfully designed black-and-white picture sleeve capturing Perry Ogden's iconic seaside photography, this British retail release is an absolute essential archive piece for collectors of sophisticated 80s synth-pop and alternative rock.

• Artist: Black
• Title: Sweetest Smile / Sixteens
• Format: 7" Vinyl Single, 45 RPM
• Label: A&M Records
• Catalogue Number: AM 394
• Country of Pressing: United Kingdom
• Release Year: 1987
• Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
• Sleeve Condition: Very Good (VG)

• Vinyl Record: Very Good Plus (VG+). The vinyl retains its original rich, deep brilliant mirror gloss across both sides. Visual inspection under strict grading light shows excellent preservation, with only minor cosmetic paper removal wisps and superficial storage hairlines from gentle handling over the decades. The silver-and-black custom A&M labels are flawlessly clean, crisp, and fully intact with clear typography across the spindle hub.
• Picture Sleeve: Very Good (VG). The original thin cardboard picture sleeve remains structurally sound and complete with no major splits or seam tears. The front and reverse panels show expected signs of vintage shelf curation, including light edge creasing lines, mild ring wear impressions on the stark white segments, and gentle corner softening. The reverse side beautifully preserves the clear track credits and PO Box information.

Tracklist

1. Side One: Sweetest Smile
2. Side Two: Sixteens