Divine Comedy - A Short Album About Love (Alternative Rock 1997)

Following the success of Casanova, Neil Hannon decided to indulge his Scott Walker fetish by recording a lush, symphonic mini-album with a 30-piece orchestra. Released to coincide with Valentine's Day, A Short Album About Love is, if anything, an even better record than Casanova, simply because Hannon holds nothing back. These are grandiose, extravagant songs that work because of their very pretensions. His deep, baritone croon has never sounded more affecting, and his songs are easily among his best, making A Short Album About Love much more than a record for hardcore fans. Several months later, a re-release of the album added four bonus tracks.

AMG Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine