After the commercial success of 1988's FROM LANGLEY PARK TO MEMPHIS and the universal critical huzzahs following 1990's JORDAN: THE COMEBACK, Prefab Sprout could take its time crafting a follow-up, which is why the exemplary ANDROMEDA HEIGHTS wasn't released until 1997. In the meantime, CBS/Sony released the 16-track hits compilation A LIFE OF SURPRISES. Named after a track from 1989's previously U.K.-only PROTEST SONGS, the compilation includes classic Prefab Sprout singles like "The King of Rock and Roll", "When Love Breaks Down", "Faron Young", "Goodbye Lucille #1", and "Cars and Girls", along with a number of tracks from Prefab Sprout's five previous albums. There is also one new track, "The Sound of Crying". As brilliant as Prefab Sprout's individual albums are, this excellent compilation is the definitive introduction to Paddy McAloon's unique, Gershwin- and Porter-influenced songwriting.
King of Rock 'N' Roll When Love Breaks Down Sound of Crying Faron Young Carnival 2000 Goodbye Lucille Cruel I Remember That Cars and Girls We Let the Stars Go Life of Surprises Appetite If You Don't Love Me Wild Horses Hey Manhattan All the World Loves Lovers