Breathless/ There She Goes, my Beautiful World

Lifted from what is arguably his most aesthetically pleasing album to date, The Lyre Of Orpheus, ‘Breathless’ is ripe with poetic finery and endless elegance. Although some prefer Cave’s tortured, writhing energy, this single proves that he can also turn his hand to a splendidly tender and touching acoustic love song. By contrast, ‘There She Goes, My Beautiful World’ is a more upbeat though no less affecting affair, marrying Cave’s sombre baritone with the joyful sound of the London Community Gospel Choir. Predictably, it’s a near-perfect moment of life-affirming splendour.