"Wonderland" is the seventh studio album by British rock band The Charlatans, released on September 10, 2001, through Universal. The album marks a departure from the band's previous sound, embracing funk-soul and electronica influences. It evokes comparisons to artists like John Mellencamp, Oasis, and Primal Scream, with Tim Burgess's falsetto drawing both praise and criticism.
The album's creation was influenced by the band's experiences in Los Angeles, where vocalist Tim Burgess and guitarist Mark Collins wrote new material. Cocaine had a noticeable impact on the writing and recording phases. Initial sessions took place at producer Danny Saber's studio, Krevorkian's Lab, in Los Angeles. Despite working there for seven weeks in October 2000, only five tracks were completed. The band subsequently moved to their own studio, Big Mushroom in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, to finish the album in early 2001.
Wonderland combines funk-soul with electronic elements. The album reflects a drug-enhanced party vibe, with Los Angeles itself considered a significant influence on the band's sound. Burgess's use of falsetto, reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield and Kurt Wagner, is a notable feature of the record.
The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its sound, though reactions to Burgess's falsetto were mixed. It achieved commercial success, reaching number one in Scotland, number two in the UK, and number nine in Ireland. It was certified gold in the UK.
"Love Is the Key" was the lead single, released in August 2001, and reached the top 20 in Scotland and the UK. "A Man Needs to Be Told" was released as the second single in November 2001, making it into the top 40 in both Scotland and the UK.
To promote the album, The Charlatans held club nights where fans could preview it before its official release. They embarked on a UK tour in October 2001 and concluded the year with a three-date arena tour with Starsailor, who also supported them on their US tour in early 2002. Throughout the following months, the band performed at various festivals and headlined sporadic shows.
