Wikipedia

The Secret to Life

The Secret to Life is the debut studio album by the indie pop supergroup Fizz, released on 27 October 2023 by Decca Records and Universal Music Group. It was recorded over a two-week period[1] at Middle Farm Studios in South Devon with Peter Miles.[2]

The Secret to Life
Studio album by
Fizz
Released27 October 2023 (2023-10-27)
StudioMiddle Farm (South Devon, England)
Length38:21
Label
Producer
Singles from The Secret to Life
  1. "High in Brighton"
    Released: 2023
  2. "Hell of a Ride"
    Released: 2023
  3. "Close One"
    Released: 2023
  4. "As Good as It Gets"
    Released: 2023
  5. "You, Me, Lonely"
    Released: 2023

In the production of The Secret to Life, the band bypassed many production tools commonly used in contemporary pop music and relied on real instruments and recording live takes of songs directly onto tape. This approach, as discussed in interviews, imparts a nostalgic quality reminiscent of the music of the 1960s and 1970s.[3][4]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [5]
DIY     [6]
The Irish Times     [7]
The Line of Best Fit8/10[8]

The critical reception of The Secret to Life was diverse, reflecting various perspectives on the band's musical style, lyrical content, and overall impact.

The album was lauded as a noteworthy addition to the music scene, being praised for its distinctive sound and cited as a promising debut.[9] The Secret to Life has been characterised as a compelling body of work which resonates with contemporary audiences.[10] and has been commended for its thematic exploration in navigating a balance between reality and make-believe.[11]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Fizz, Peter Miles and Mathew Swales, except where noted

The Secret to Life track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."A New Phase Awaits You :-)" 1:08
2."The Secret to Life" 2:52
3."High in Brighton" 2:51
4."Strawberry Jam" 4:35
5."Close One" 3:55
6."I Just Died" 3:36
7."Rocket League" 0:51
8."Hell of a Ride" 2:59
9."As Good as It Gets" 2:44
10."You, Me, Lonely"
3:40
11."Lights Out" 3:46
12."The Grand Finale" 5:23
Total length:38:21

Personnel

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Fizz

  • Greta Isaac – lead and backing vocals; acoustic and electric guitars; percussion
  • Martin Luke Brown – lead and backing vocals; acoustic guitar; piano; electric piano, organ; percussion
  • Dodie – lead and backing vocals; electric guitar; clarinet; synthesizer; piano; percussion
  • Orla Gartland – lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass; percussion

Additional musicians

  • Peter Miles – bass; electric guitar; synthesizer
  • Mathew Swales – drums; percussion; tom drum
  • Soren Bryce – vocals; bass; percussion
  • Dan Hillman – baritone saxophone
  • Simon Dobson – trumpet

Production

  • Peter Miles – producer; mixing
  • Fizz – producer
  • Matt Huber – mixing
  • Soren Bryce – assistant engineer
  • Kevin Tuffy – mastering

Charts

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Chart performance for The Secret to Life
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[12] 8
UK Albums (OCC)[13] 31

References

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  1. ^ Savage, Mark (5 September 2023). "Happiness bottled: Meet indie-pop supergroup Fizz". BBC News. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  2. ^ Paine, Andre (16 June 2023). "Decca signs FIZZ featuring chart stars Dodie and Orla Gartland". Music Week. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  3. ^ Mylrea, Hannah (16 September 2023). "FIZZ: "This project is an act of rebellion against the industry"". NME.
  4. ^ Taylor, Ims (24 March 2024). "FIZZ: "WE'RE REALLY BIG ON STORYTELLING BEYOND SONGS"". DIY. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  5. ^ "The Secret to Life - FIZZ". AllMusic. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  6. ^ Wright, Lisa (13 September 2023). "FIZZ - The Secret To Life". DIY. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  7. ^ Murphy, Lauren (8 September 2023). "Fizz: The Secret to Life – a burst of engaging pop from a supergroup with a difference". The Irish Times. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  8. ^ Chatterton, Caitlin (27 October 2023). "FIZZ: The Secret To Life Review - gleeful rapture". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  9. ^ Vicente, Catarina (2 November 2023). "Album Review: The Secret to Life // FIZZ". The Indiependent. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  10. ^ Gokcemen, Yazzi (3 November 2023). "FIZZ: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Reality and Make-Believe".
  11. ^ Skeet, Lucy (1 November 2023). "Album Review: The Secret To Life - FIZZ".
  12. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
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