Cupid & Psyche 85

A bit too fey for my tastes.

Not only is this not for me, the album absolutely sucks

perfectly fine generic 80's schlok

Bubblegum pop - not really new wave.

It's another one of those british synthpop/new-wave type albums on this list that is perfectly ok, but baffling as to why the author thought it was something you had to hear before you die.

About as "unremarkable, horribly aged 80s music" as you could possibly get before imploding into a black hole. If Breakfast Club had become an entire franchise, one of these songs would have played in the Direct-To-DVD sequel "Breakfast Club 6: Vernon's Revenge". So overproduced it makes your ears go numb. It's almost like a parody.

Had its moments, but not enough.

Move over Brotherhood of Man. Bugger off William Shakespeare (horrendous Australian singer back in mid-70s). We have a new candidate for worst song of all time: THIS WHOLE ALBUM! Every '80s cliche fronted by the most embarrassing voice since Crazy Frog. Somehow I avoided this nightmare back in the day and I know to avoid them now. It feels like a caster oil enema just exploded in my ears.

80s Soundtrack style. Easy listen. Nothing remarkable.

Really gives me prince vibes. Enjoyable listen

I wasn't really feeling this. It may have felt novel when it came out, but came off as a bit generic to my ears on this listen.

Small Talks synths are a vibe Absolute's opening sounds like a musical Some interesting things happening I notably enjoyed Small Talk as well Cool stuff, I dig it. Probably not playlist material for me but definitely a vibe

a lot of the production techniques are just dreamy ad infinitum, listening to this i feel as if im being played a very generic 80s album through a massive, ethereally glowing orb

I like British Pop, but this was a bit too Brit-Poppy for me. Favorite Track: "Small Talk".

absolute chore to get through this

Shit, Shit, Shit. Shame on anyone that gave this atrocity anything over a one, come on, you can't be serious.

UK 80’er pop, synth, mj-vokal

Best leuk

Definitely not for me

like almost any other 80s Record. Still liked a few songs more or less but overall doesn't add light to my room...

They had one hit off this album, and I haven’t thought about them in 30 years. Not great.

This sounds like the songs of a made up boy band on a tv show from the 80s.

I think I may be lactose intolerant, because the amount of cheese in this album gave me the shits.

This isn't the worst 80s era album I've ever heard but it's hard to listen to the cheesy synth and breathy vocals.

Just read what Christgau wrote about this album. It's all that needs to be said.

Why?

I was only familiar with the name Scritti Politti from seeing that it was an album on this list. The name led me to believe it would be something dark and heavy, like industrial music or metal. I definitely wasn't expecting adult contemporary 80s synth pop. Once I realized my error, I was pleasantly surprised...until the sophisti-pop and blue-eyed soul started coming through. Blegh.

Twinkly schlock-pop. ————————— …but since it’s Halloween, and you’re here looking for a treat, let me offer you an alternate record you should hear before you die that isn’t on this list: Goblin’s soundtrack to the film “Suspiria”

Were they incredible? No, but this was at least listenable compared to alot of the other nonsense on this list. Yeah it's a very reggae-ish 80s sounding poppy kind of sound but it's not bad. Honestly the group sounds kinda fun. 6/10.

Boring.

блюз 3/10

I really loved the vibe! It had a little hint of MJ x spice girls i think. But it afther a while it got a little repetitive imo

If this isn’t the most sugarcoated, made for the charts, junk food music crap I’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is. They wanted so badly to be Michael Jackson. I hate to break it to them - no one is. Was there substance here? Maybe. But I was so turned off from the music that I didn’t really listen to the lyrics. It just felt like they took what was on the American charts and decided to copy it. And that the author of this list (a Brit) heard that in his younger days, loved it, is nostalgic for it, and threw it on this list. It didn’t need to be here. I didn’t need to hear this. Please god let there not be any more of them on this list. Two stars. Standout Track: Perfect Way

Scritti 80’s Dance pop. The singer has a cool high breathey voice. Fun but kinda sterile sounding sometimes. I like Don’t Work that Hard and Hypnotize. Has Will LEE, Marcus Miller and Paul jackson Jr on

80’s vibes. Interesting changes at times but felt kind of stock and theres a lot of other 80’s music id rather listen to if im in this kinda mood

I lived this. Love how the keys and drums sound. Thought it was very executed.

Pfff, melow in a bad way, and I hate that Seinfeldbass

This album having terrible global ratings is baffling. This was very listenable and actually pretty good at parts. I will probably never listen to it again, but I wasn't bored.

I don't know what's up with all the low reviews. This album was an Absolute bop through and through. Yes, they are kind of like a discount Wham! The thing is, Wham! is perfect through and through, so what could they really do? I love the synths, the drum machines, the arrangements and note choices. Really, my only problem is that this album was mixed weirdly. Everything is a bit thinner than it should be, and that's why I think it sounds like discount Wham! They needed a bit more reverb on everything.

Vá hvað öll lögin á þessari plötu eru alveg eins. Þau renna öll saman í eitt og það var bara einu sinni þar sem ég heyrði að það væri komið annað lag að byrja sem fljótt varð svo aftur eins og hin. Pínu leiðinleg lög líka því miður

Mehh

The artist title is more memorable than the artist's tracks. That being said, I've heard Perfect Ways more times than necessary.

It’s okay

3.5. Sounds like MJ

Gorgeous, a classic

Nice that there are examples of ends that’s didn’t strength longer. Anyway. Can you and bro clea round here.

Not my thing

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti is often praised for its groundbreaking production, but when the polish outshines the songs, that’s a red flag. Once a band with post-punk roots, this album cemented Green Gartside’s solo takeover, erasing their earlier sound in favour of slick, radio-friendly pop. Partnering with producer Arif Mardin and keyboardist David Gamson, Gartside crafted a pristine sonic landscape, drawing inspiration from Thriller. Indeed, the album is a marvel of digital sampling and MIDI sequencing, arguably one of the most finely-tuned pop records of its time. But is that a compliment? While the production is pristine, the songs mostly range from average to merely good, but they’re hardly memorable. The hyper-produced sheen feels cold and emotionally distant, and despite all the technical brilliance, there’s little hint of heart. Session musicians fill the album, adding a “clock-in, clock-out” feeling that drains the tracks of further energy. Gartside’s philosophical musings are often touted, but if postmodernism or Marxism exist here, they're buried too deep to matter. Furthermore, it’s cheeky to claim Marxist ideals while ousting your original bandmates and chasing a purely commercial sound. Many of these songs sound like leftovers of Prince’s leftovers—tracks that wouldn’t even make his vault. In a decade full of timeless synth-pop and new wave, Cupid & Psyche 85 feels stuck in its own era, offering little to listeners beyond a slick and vapid snapshot of 1985. Did/Do I own this release? God no! Does this release belong on the list? God no! Would this release make my personal list? God no! Will I be listening to it again? God no!

Not good.

Synth pop with an ethereal yet earthy quality. Contains their four biggest hit (love a bit of Wood Beez, me) and the rest ain't bad either.

I enjoyed this quite a lot. It's sickly sweet, synth heavy, happy, upbeat 80's British pop music. It's quirky, a little funky and also a bit cheesy in places in a bubblegum pop kind of way. Most of the tunes are good with catchy hooks and interesting and pleasant vocals throughout, very enjoyable. The baselines are funky and it's got a hint of disco. It's just over half an hour of fun, which is just the right length of time before it starts getting a little too samey.

Most of the songs sounded the same to me. I could see why Perfect Way was a hit but nothing else on the album really stood out.

Enjoyed it

När jag skriver det här dagen efter, så inser jag att jag inte minns något av albumet mer än att det var beskedlig bakgrundsmusik

Bonito para pasar el rato

Love a bit of 80’s nostalgia. Baseline is funky and vocals are sweet. My favourite scritti politti song was a few years before this but enjoyed the album.

Funky and soulful pop. Nothing wrong with it in particular, but not super addicting either. Somehow feels like a cheaper version of MJ.

Wtf! Someone’s taking the piss now. This album shouldn’t be anywhere near the top 10,000 albums let alone the top 1,000!

This is way too saccharin and sweet for my tastes. Fave: Small Talk

Oof, my new wave rehabilitation hasn't stretched this far - this is way too poppy for my taste - I get that it's kinda pastiching pop music of the time, but still. 😒 Fave tracks - "Flesh & Blood" if that's allowed, as it's straight up reggae. "The Word Girl" as a a runner up, due to the dubby flavor - would have enjoyed this album a lot more if they went dub on every track...

bass ve piyano klipteki, bizim okuldakilere benziyor.

All the cheesy '80s pop sounds you could possibly ask for. Any of these songs could be on the Short Circuit movie soundtrack. I knew there was one song by this band I knew, but none of the titles sounded familiar, so I listen and waited for it to reveal itself -- it was Perfect Way. I'll give this a 3/5 for '80s nostalgia if nothing else.

So 80s. So below average. I did not enjoy this.

That was legitimately painful.

It was alright, singer had an interesting voice and it was a pleasant listen. Don't feel much need to return to it, the word girl might make a playlist but I don't know which one

It's... fine. I can't really imagine listening to this again in the future. 2.5 / 5

Offensively bland and monotonous 80s soft pop-rock.

It’s almost nauseatingly sweet, but the production is magnificent and ultra smooth. It’s not revolutionary. It’s doesn’t even progress that much during its runtime. It’s just there - and somehow enough.

kinda like prince but worse

This album has a lot of the same sound as The 1975. I actually dug this one. Yeah it’s British pop, but it hooked me.

Very quirky album. Is it reggae? Is it indie rock? I can't really pin this one down. I don't think it's as bad as this website would have you believe, but it's a little too all over the map to make a real impression on me. Favorite tracks: The Word Girl, Don't Work That Hard. Album art: Extremely boring, just the band name stamped a couple of times. Moving on. 2.5/5

Not really for me though I did enjoy the weird vocal effect near the end of Absolute. Honestly feels like an entire album of Michael Jackson uncanny valley.

Every song sounds like the last. Not bad per se, but doesn't really belong on this list.

Max 80s pop. Is that a good thing?

I always say I don't like 80s music. But what this project has shown me is that there were loads of great albums released in the 80s, but what I don't like is a certain *kind* of 80s music. And that is this kind of 80s music. This sounds like someone created some synthesizer music, tried to sell it to Paula Abdul, and when she passed, sold it to these guys. I do not like it, is what I'm saying.

Not my thing at the time, only slightly more bearable now.

i just hate the shit out of this record and i always have

Very short (under 40 minutes), but pretty decent. Clearly the work of a very tight band, or a single artist with a solid vision and a band happy to follow.

strange

Kinda boring. Doesnt fit on the list

Very reminiscent of Boy George/Culture Club and from the same era, but with quite a bit much polish and edge.

Not horrible, but did not need to be on this list.

80's brit pop, not terrible at least

Easy album to rate: 10/10. Band started off making typical 78-82 post-punk music and then at first sight became a mainstream pop-band, but it is just a format. All their work is great in every aspect.

Absolute was a nice trip down memory lane, but other than that, this was not enjoyable at all. Eighties pop at its worst.

A couple of sweet and notable tracks (the singles mainly) completed with stuff that need not be remembered.

Never heard of them before but it sounds like something out of a John Hughes movie.

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

Most basic of 80s albums

The eightiest album on this list

Sugary crap

**Album Review: "Cupid & Psyche 85" by Scritti Politti** Released in 1985, "Cupid & Psyche 85" is the second studio album by British band Scritti Politti, fronted by singer-songwriter Green Gartside. The album marked a significant shift from the band's earlier, more experimental post-punk roots to a sophisticated and meticulously crafted pop sound. "Cupid & Psyche 85" achieved both critical and commercial success, blending avant-garde elements with mainstream appeal. The album is often hailed for its innovative production, intricate musical arrangements, and poetic lyrics. In this review, we will examine the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also considering its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics The lyrics of "Cupid & Psyche 85" are characterized by their poetic ambiguity, intellectual references, and playful use of language. Green Gartside, the band's primary lyricist, weaves together a tapestry of abstract imagery, philosophical allusions, and romantic motifs. The songs often blur the line between sincerity and irony, inviting multiple interpretations. 1. **Intellectual Allusions**: Gartside frequently draws on literary and philosophical references, which enrich the songs with layers of meaning. For instance, the track "The Word Girl" explores themes of language and semiotics, with its title itself playing on the ambiguity of the term "word." "Absolute" contains nods to existentialism, while "Perfect Way" cleverly juxtaposes the ideas of perfection and vulnerability. 2. **Ambiguity and Wordplay**: The lyrics are filled with puns, wordplay, and ambiguous phrasing. Gartside's use of language is both playful and thought-provoking. For example, in "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," the title alone is a complex pun on "would-be," "wood bees," and a nod to the gospel influence of Aretha Franklin. This song, like many others on the album, is written in a way that can be appreciated for its surface-level catchiness while also rewarding deeper analysis. 3. **Romanticism and Irony**: Throughout the album, there is a tension between romanticism and irony. Songs like "A Little Knowledge" and "Lover to Fall" delve into themes of love and desire but often undercut their earnestness with a knowing wink. This duality creates a sense of complexity, making the lyrics both accessible and enigmatic. ### Music Musically, "Cupid & Psyche 85" represents a masterclass in the fusion of pop, funk, R&B, and electronic music. The album's sound is defined by its polished production, lush arrangements, and the use of cutting-edge technology of the time. 1. **Genre Blending**: The album effortlessly blends different musical styles. Tracks like "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)" and "Absolute" draw heavily from funk and R&B, with tight basslines, syncopated rhythms, and soulful backing vocals. At the same time, there is a strong influence of electronic music, evident in the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers throughout the album. "Perfect Way" is a prime example of this fusion, combining a catchy pop melody with funk rhythms and electronic textures. 2. **Sophisticated Arrangements**: The arrangements on "Cupid & Psyche 85" are both complex and meticulously constructed. Each song is layered with multiple tracks of instruments and vocals, creating a dense, textured sound. The basslines, often played by renowned bassist Marcus Miller, are particularly notable for their fluidity and groove. The percussion is intricate and varied, incorporating both live drums and programmed beats. The use of synthesizers adds a glossy sheen to the music, while also allowing for experimentation with different timbres and effects. 3. **Melodic Hooks**: Despite the complexity of the arrangements, the album never loses sight of its pop sensibility. Each song is built around a strong melodic hook, making the tracks instantly memorable. "The Word Girl" and "Hypnotize" are particularly effective in this regard, with their infectious choruses and catchy melodies. Gartside's falsetto vocals add a unique character to the songs, conveying both vulnerability and playfulness. ### Production The production of "Cupid & Psyche 85" is arguably its most distinctive feature. Produced by Arif Mardin, a legendary figure known for his work with artists like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and the Bee Gees, the album is a showcase of state-of-the-art 1980s recording techniques. 1. **High Fidelity Sound**: The album is marked by its crystal-clear production quality. Every element of the music is meticulously recorded and mixed, with a focus on clarity and precision. This high-fidelity approach ensures that each instrument is heard distinctly, while still contributing to the overall texture of the music. The production style is emblematic of the 1980s, characterized by a "big" sound that emphasizes both bass and treble frequencies. 2. **Technological Innovation**: "Cupid & Psyche 85" was recorded using the latest digital recording technology available at the time. The use of sequencers, samplers, and drum machines is prominent throughout the album. These technologies allowed for a level of precision and complexity that was not possible in earlier decades. The album's use of digital sampling, for example, enabled the creation of new and unique sounds that were crucial to its innovative aesthetic. 3. **Layered and Polished**: The production is highly polished, with multiple layers of instrumentation and vocals carefully balanced to create a rich, full sound. This level of detail extends to the vocal arrangements as well, with Gartside's voice often multi-tracked to create harmonies and counter-melodies. The result is a lush, textured sound that is both sophisticated and accessible. ### Themes "Cupid & Psyche 85" explores a range of themes, from love and desire to language and perception. The album's thematic content is both introspective and outward-looking, reflecting Gartside's intellectual curiosity and his engagement with contemporary cultural and philosophical ideas. 1. **Love and Desire**: Many of the songs on the album deal with themes of love, desire, and relationships. However, they do so in a way that often subverts traditional romantic tropes. For example, "The Word Girl" examines the way language can shape and define our understanding of love, while "Lover to Fall" suggests a more cynical view of romantic entanglement. 2. **Language and Semiotics**: A recurring theme throughout the album is the idea of language and its limitations. Gartside, influenced by post-structuralist theories, seems to question the ability of words to fully capture human experience. This is most evident in songs like "The Word Girl," where the lyrics play with the concept of language as a construct, and "Absolute," which explores the ambiguity of meaning. 3. **Irony and Critique**: There is a strong element of irony and self-awareness throughout the album. Gartside often critiques the very forms and genres he is working within, creating a sense of reflexivity. This is particularly evident in "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," where the homage to soul music is both sincere and tongue-in-cheek. The album's title itself, "Cupid & Psyche 85," suggests a blend of high art (the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche) with contemporary pop culture (1985 as a reference to its release date). ### Influence "Cupid & Psyche 85" has had a lasting influence on both pop music and more avant-garde genres. Its innovative production techniques and genre-blending style have been cited as an inspiration by a wide range of artists. 1. **Pop and R&B**: The album's fusion of pop and R&B set a precedent for many later artists, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s. Artists like Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, and even contemporary acts like Dua Lipa have drawn on the same mix of funk, electronic music, and catchy pop hooks that Scritti Politti pioneered on this album. 2. **Production Techniques**: The use of digital technology and sampling on "Cupid & Psyche 85" influenced a whole generation of producers and musicians. The album's clean, polished sound, its use of synthesizers, and its complex arrangements can be heard in the work of producers like Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and even in more recent electronic and indie music. 3. **Cult Following and Critical Reappraisal**: Over time, "Cupid & Psyche 85" has achieved a cult status among music critics and fans. It is often cited as a landmark album of the 1980s, both for its innovation and its enduring appeal. The album has been reappraised in recent years as a precursor to the genre-blurring, experimental pop music that has become more prevalent in the 21st century. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Innovative Production**: The album's use of digital technology and state-of-the-art production techniques set a new standard for pop music in the 1980s. - **Complex Arrangements**: The intricate musical arrangements showcase a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, blending different genres seamlessly. - **Thought-Provoking Lyrics**: The lyrics are poetic, ambiguous, and intellectually engaging, offering multiple layers of interpretation. - **Memorable Melodies**: Despite its complexity, the album never loses sight of its pop appeal, featuring strong melodic hooks and catchy choruses. - **Cultural Impact**: The album's influence on subsequent artists and producers is significant, particularly in the realms of pop, R&B, and electronic music. **Cons:** - **Overproduction**: Some listeners might find the production style too polished or overproduced, lacking the rawness or spontaneity of other contemporary albums. - **Abstract Lyrics**: The ambiguity and intellectualism of the lyrics may be off-putting to those looking for more straightforward or relatable themes. - **Dated Sound**: While the production was cutting-edge at the time, some aspects of the album's sound—such as the heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines—may feel dated to modern listeners. - **Lack of Emotional Directness**: The album's ironic and self-aware tone can sometimes create a sense of emotional distance, making it harder for some listeners to connect with the songs on a personal level. ### Conclusion "Cupid & Psyche 85" by Scritti Politti is a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of pop music in the 1980s. Its innovative production, complex musical arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics have earned it a place in the pantheon of classic albums. While some may find its polished sound and intellectual approach alienating, its influence on later generations of artists is undeniable. "Cupid & Psyche 85" remains a compelling example of how pop music can be both accessible and artistically ambitious, blending sophistication with mass appeal in a way that few albums have managed to replicate.

Never heard the album before. I think The Word Girl and Absolute were hits here. I remember some other parts. Maybe they were used as background music somewhere. I can't stand the singing. Makes it almost unlistenable. I'd swear I heard autotune on this record, but it hadn't been invented yet for another 10 years or so. Favorite song: Don't work that hard.

Bleh.

80's cheap pop

Wtf!

No. simply no. This is shit.

I liked this! Felt fairly upbeat and playful. Had a pretty poppy sound but that's fine by me. Nice to have some variety on this list, and from a UK source to boot. Wood Beez was my favourite track.

This was decent has a coop sound but didn't leave too much of a lasting impression on us overall. Would listen to it again in the future though as it probably deserves it.

Eh, not my speed.

Meh

Sickeningly saccharine. No idea why this deserves a spot on the list. It's not horrible, compared to some other albums on here, but it just doesn't stand out or appeal in any meaningful way.

why the fuck is this list making us listen to scritty fucking politti. why? did we warp into the 1001 albums you must play to prisoners in guantanamo bay list by accident? this is an album of fake songs they play in the background of 80s pornos. you expect an offshoot of a weird marxist artistic/musical collective to sound like, i dunno, laibach or something, not like wham if you kicked george michael in the balls first. everything bad about 80s pop is here: gated reverb, digital chorus and nasally pseudo-italo disco vocals without any of the alien charm of it. i'm sure gramsci is down there doing some solid RPMs after hearing this glowing tribute from a band so dedicated to his ideas that they created a perfect example of what capitulation to cultural bourgeois hegemony sounds like

This album was not very enjoyable. I was thinking that I would be more excited for a Brit-pop album but I found this to be pretty lackluster. Wouldn’t have this in my rotation.

A bit boring, not really my style, but not terrible.

This album doesn’t transcend the decade like some of the albums on the list. I thought it was solid, but being so jarringly 80s would keep me from putting any songs on a playlist or anything. It is cohesive, but maybe too cohesive in that it’s too niche, for me at least.

Between the heavy synth drums and the lead singer’s voice, this one didn’t cut it for me. It wasn’t the worst, but it definitely wasn’t that memorable. From what I read, there are samples throughout the album and that’s why it’s influential, but the only thing that sounded familiar was a potential Mario sample.

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. The voice. Why that voice?! If you run this album just a hair slower it could be the background music for a horror movie about a carnival run by murderous children. The music itself isn't bad. I just can't get over that voice.

Strange to think that this album came about with Scritti Politti trying to get off of Rough Trade and quitting Marxist groups. Whereas today, many major bands trying to get off major labels and reject capitalism. I really wasn't familiar with this band before but you can see why they'd have been big in the 80s and largely forgotten now. This music is heavily dated and the vocals sound like a Michael Jackson impersonator. But even for a band who didn't quite survive the test of time, the 80s really did have its charm. The music sounds vibrantly (or even blindingly) bright and purely synthetic. It's like rejecting the real world and deciding to live inside the set of Tron. 'Cupid & Psyche 85' is bound to be someone's guilty pleasure.

Was expecting this to be way worse than it was considering the average ratings It wasn't great - didn't like the guys voice and it was a bit cringe. But it was better than a lot of crap I've listened to on here so far 3 ⭐️

This album is one of the symbols of the 80's

Sounds like reggae? weird. I didn't love it, but I see why some do.

Crystal Light National Aerobic Championship anyone? Just like that video, this is disturbingly mesmerizing.

I feel like this is an album that had potential for one or two songs to make it big because they are classic sounding however the rest was just so boring and I really don’t see how they’re influential. I’m not disgusted or anything I was just bored.

Combining canned 80s pop-synth sound with fey faux-soft vocals and processed drums and putting it all to a Casio-sounding preset beat .... it's not so much that it's bad - and it really is - it's mostly that it all sounds like a Freshen-Up gum commercial I'd hear while watching afternoon reruns in the 80s. I tried to talk myself into a slightly more respectable mark here in trying to understand *why* this might be important.... landmark sampling isn't gonna cut it. Tools ain't songs. And man, his voice is killing me. A more perfect pastiche of cookie-cutter awful 80s dance pop tropes you will not find. Awful. "...Sunday night at 9pm - a new episode of The Beachcombers.....and now we return you the conclusion of Star Blazers...." 2/10 1 star.

Erst Deep Purple, dann diese Platte? Sorry, das fühlt sich an wie Gummibärchen nach Steak. Passt halt nicht!

Not my cup of tea!

OK for once, but won't remember this tomorrow.

Feels like a less talented version of prince at times but didn’t necessarily dislike it, also probably won’t listen to it again

Forgettable

Meh

I was around in the eighties and it was much more fun than this album. Very meh.

This album is what happens when the on first impact forward thinking Synthpop is abused into dull and one dimensional "wannabe" music that lacks both delivery and writing. The songs try to be "special" and "interesting" but end up beeing repetetive and dull after a couple of minutes. Most of it tries to throw in as much 80's synth work and "experimental" bits that then turn into an incoherent mess of slightly below average 80's pop tunes that aged like raw milk. While, yes, this is a pretty good description on how most songs of that era and within the R&B and Soul realm sounded, the result we get is very, very boring. All the work was put into the actually really good sounding production but once it came to deliver or just put in some emotion... well that's the part they stopped. 'The Word Girl' opens the album with a Raggae influenced beat and mindnumbing average lyrics about... well, a girl. The idea that they were going for is very present but what came out is pretty much the defenition of average. They were going for a very synthy Soul sounding song but what lacks is the soul in here. It's a shell, like most the album presents. The following 'Small Talk' might be a little more annoying at points but that makes it a "much" more interesting listen, even if I do not want to have any of this put near my ears anytime soon because it's definitely worse. One of the better songs here is 'Absolute' that goes a more Funk and R&B approach opposed to the very Pop start. It is pretty decent but still nothing I will come back to on my own decision. It's listenable, it's got some groove and isn't as dreadfully boring. Just your slightly below average song with average sound and average performance. Not the best sign if that is the description for the arguably best song on the album. The longest song here is 'A Little Knowledge', a track that sounds so fake and sterile that it made me feel ill. It is such a bad rip-off of Soul that I feel that they could've said the n-word and it would sound less racist. I'm normally all for sharing culture and don't really see cultural appropriation as a big problem but this?... oh god it's so bad. And let's not talk about the lyrics, they could've been written by 12 yr old girl that just startet writing "poetry". 'Don't Work That Hard' is just annoying. It might be even worse with the very annoying vocals and instruments that at one point seem to just repeat forever and loose even the little groove they had. The albums second half opens with 'Perfect Way' that continues what was already here. Songs that are so boring that they become annoying and even when they aren't boring, they're annoying on their own. And both of that is mixed together so well (or bad) that everytime you hear any sound start, you already want it to end because you heard what the song can offer. The slight seconds of nothing at the start. 'Lover to Fall' is just cringe and it is so bad that the moment the mf that put his voice on here stops to sing, a relief starts to flow into your body and makes you even enjoy the bridge after the chorus. With 'Wood Beez' we get a song that in comparison seems to be "good" but once you let the first few seconds of hope wear off, you find a song that sounds exactly like the rest with nothing that sounds good or original or interesting. This dreadful piece of "music" ends with 'Hypnotize' and I am so happy that that song title is mainly connected to Biggie and NOT Scritti Politti because the song is, again, pretty bad. The vocals are annoying, the instruments feel sooo arrogant and I just want to hear this album end. favourites: Absolute least favourites: Don't Work That Hard, A Little Knowledge, Lover to Fall, Perfect Way, Hypnotize, Wood Beez Rating: strong 2/10 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

the album I would get if I asked an AI to write an 80s album. Still fire tho

Yeah Cupid & Psyche 85 is terribly 80s :D and not in a good way, it's a very dated sound, doesn't do any of the genre's better things, just sits there and doesn't achieve anything. Not annoyingly bad, not even average, it's a low 2.

Vaguely aware of the name, hadn't heard any of their music before, and would be quite happy never hearing any of it again. It's the worst of 80s pop music, billy basic synth pop with cringey, patronising lyrics and nothing to make it stand out from the thousands of others like it. It's Wham without the infectiousness, or Duran Duran without the energy. If a badly made prawn cocktail could make music, this is what it would sound like. 1/5.

Some SOLID eighties sounds on here. Gotta be DX7 sounds. Not too bad!

If you castrated George Michael and made him sing against his will, he would still sound better than this group.

Horribly, irredeemably 80s production. It genuinely offended me.

At the time of writing, “Cupid & Psyche 85” is one of the twenty lowest rated albums on this entire site, and most pertinently, almost THE lowest rated album that isn’t a branch of experimental/noise/metal/industrial/avant-garde. Call me a square, but… I’m struggling to understand exactly why. With this album, Welsh frontman Green Gartside supposedly leaned into 1980’s pop production with a knowing and ironic side-eye. His aim was to write a love letter to the genre while warmly satirising it, with lyrical explorations of love, language, and music itself. So far, so Stephen Merritt: I’m in. Where does this approach get us over the ensuing 38 minutes (good length, by the way)? Well, cheery cod-reggae opener “The Word Girl” unpacks the use of the word “girl” in pop music, according to Derrida’s philosophy of deconstruction. There’s a synth-pop smash called “Absolute” which references the Kantian principle of absolution. And most famous single “Wood Beez” supposedly processes Gartside’s move away from materialist and Marxist views towards a rediscovery of linguistics, aided by Aretha Franklin’s move away from gospel into pop. Now, I’m not learned enough to truly understand the philosophical diversions Gartside is taking here, and whether they’re of any merit whatsoever (I have a sneaking suspicion the answer is no)… but credit to him for having the chutzpah to use such frames of reference in this context. What I can completely understand is that as a result, “Cupid & Psyche 85” risks coming across as an annoying combination of lightweight, insubstantial pop and a cynical smugness dressed as “ironic songwriting”. Sure. But, at the risk of turning like Patrick Bateman, let me declare there are no complaints from me: the whole set of songs here is damn enjoyable. What Gartside may lack in vocal power, he makes up for with a featherweight conversational tone and an absolute abundance of synths. He’s also joined by B.J. Nelson in “A Little Knowledge” and “Hypnotize”, who lends a very welcome extra dimension and ensures the songs don’t suffer when the tempo dips. The hooks throughout the record are masterful, being influenced by classic R&B and emergent hip-hop: “Perfect Way” is top-notch as a single, as is “Wood Beez”. I happen to be a sucker for such a range of chirping and cheeping synthesisers, all twinkling like stars around cosmic echoey drums. And bursting in are funk guitars, lead riffs (as in “Small Talk”), deliciously corny brass hits, or copious slapped bass (funk workout “Don’t Work That Hard” being possibly the best example of all of it together). For me, the unmistakably of-its-time production is part of the album’s charm, and doesn’t render the arrangements any less artful or intricate: there are some interesting textures, accompaniments and rhythms going on beneath the layers of superficiality. …Seriously, why is this so low? Lighten up, guys.

I am not sure if I have come across a more uninspired or more inconsequential album on this list. No reason for it to be included at all. This whole thing is just blah and uninteresting.

Unique sound, very enjoyable - nice background music but has a driving beat that gives you a bit of energy.

4 or 5 stars for me. Good album

This album is a pretty fun listen overall, but I don't really get why it's on this list. It's a solid 80s pop album, but that's also exactly what it sounds like. Perhaps this was influential in its time, but to my ears it sound very much of its time without pushing music forward in any way I can detect. Still, its some solid 80s pop 3/5

This one did nothing for me

I thought I’d love it more based on my memories but I didn’t

Me encanta max tundra y ahora por fin entiendo de donde puede haber venido gran parte de su inspiración. Hablando un poco mas del disco me parece increible la calidad de las colaboraciones, tener a marcus miller tocando bajo y a miles davis en un single es otra cosa, aunque el single no este en el disco.

what did i just listen to??

Hoeveel ik ook hou van de 80s als muziek-decade, creëerde het wel een milieu waarin groepen als Scritti Politti ongestoord en vooral ongegeneerd het pop-landschap konden verkankeren. 1/10

Zo, dit is echt zo'n plaat die altijd in de vinylbakken hangt. Peak-vinyl tijd ('85) veel van verkocht. Nu is niemand er meer in geïnteresseerd. De eerste song klinkt als een George Michael nummer dat is opgenomen met kinderspeelgoed. Een soort gastoptreden van Michael Jackson in Absolute maakt deze plaat niet heel veel beter. Zullen we deze lekker in de platenbak laten staan? 2/10 Highlights -

At first I thought "this is bad but it's not so bad" then it went on and on and I was very annoyed.

Tosi Michael Jackson tyylistä poppia. Ei mitenkään ihmeellistä.

Meh. 2/5

holy fuckin vibe

FFS

Liked Wood Beez back in the day and there are a couple of decent tunes here but nothing that matches up with the big hit.

Meh

Mid 80’s chart pop - exactly the kind of stuff I hated back in the day.

Ik denk dat team Scritti Politti stiekem tijdreizigers zijn, want dit album klinkt alsof ze A.I. hebben gebruikt om muziek te genereren met Michael Jackson als zanger. Track 1 is UB40-muziek met Micheal-zang, track 2 is Prince-muziek met Michael-zang, enzovoort. Een vleugje George Michael zit er ook wel in. Waar ik Prince al gedateerd vind klinken is het op dit album helemaal hommeles met een bak hele goedkope synth- en drumcomputergeluiden. Zo'n track als 'Don't Work That Hard' is bijna een persiflage. Vooruit, het is geen tyfusherrie of kattengejank en daardoor is het wel te luisteren, maar dit hoort niet in een lijst als deze. Ik heb in een lade tegenover me een Telekids cd liggen die een plek in deze lijst meer zou verdienen. Qua makkelijk wegluisteren zou ik een 3 kunnen geven maar ik moet in de geest van deze queeste toch een vol punt in mindering brengen omdat je dit absoluut niet hoeft te horen voor je je ogen voor de laatste keer sluit.

2.5☆/5 07.03.2024

This straddling the right on the line between a 3 and a 4. The glossy, chic production is something you either embrace or reject. My dad likes it though

Didn't find it that bad but I cannot justify 3/5 compared to other ratings I gave. Not sure if it should be on the list.

Oh hell no.

gefällige popsongs mit slapbass und bläser - mitte 80er gab es einiges in der sparte, Level42, Matt Bianco etc. .. tönt sehr ähnlich.

Zuerst dachte ich, das wird was mit den Ska Rhythmen, dann driftete das Album ins belanglose ab.

Hyper overproduction. It was just sounds they liked looped over whisper singing. Campy 80s

Weird attempt at being commercial

80s sucks ass

1/5 - feels like MJ but it’s nowhere near as good

Ok

Too 80s for me

This was in 1 star territory for the first 10 seconds but to its credit opened up into something much harder to hate.

Pretty bottom of the bucket 80s pop. Made for TV movie quality, not Hughes film quality

Nope. I have no need for music like this. It's a great example of an album that I need not hear every full song. This was so against my music DNA that it hurt. I don't doubt that it warrants inclusion, it's just simply grating to me.

It's very 80s and I think with other artists I would complain about the production with similar artists but this seems to work. There is some filler in the middle, but is feels special at times.

This record has aged as well as dental surgery in 1934 London

Never heard of it, and I now wish that was still the case. I'm not supposed to have that much sugar without a shot in the gut. I'm sure the 14 year old girls in 1985 were squeeing with delight.

Not my cup of tea.

Nice laid back easy listening pop-rock up front. A quite dated 80’s sound though, getting boring over the whole album

Un disco de pop, de un grupo olvidado. Muy ochentero, la producción es típicamente años 80 (bajo, sintetizadores, percusiones... que suenan electrónicas y frías pero en realidad eran analógicas) con la voz de Geen Gartside en tono muy similar al Michael Jackson más meloso (también a las canciones de Chaka Khan), ejemplo claro en Absolute. La producción de Arif Mardin es impecable. Los teclados de Dave Gamson suenan celestiales (al nivel de lo que luego harían Tearas for Fears) Perfect Way’ fue un éxito en los Estados Unidos . Miles Davis hizo una versión de ella en su controvertido y genial Tutu. Perfect way se acerca al reggae desde esas coordenadas, y suena de lo mejor del disco. New wave melódico, pero las letras tienen su nivel. Es algo similar a lo que pasaba con Housemartins con profundas reflexiones y referencias en sus letras. No tenían el gancho de otras bandas, pero tampoco lo buscaban. Este álbum ha envejecido mejor que muchos de aquellos éxitos olvidados, aunque es un álbum que o te gusta o lo detestas. 1985 es el año del C85, Psychocandy, This is the sea, Low-life, Once upon a time, Brothers in arms, Hounds of love, Steve McQueen, Love not money, This nation´s saving grace, Fables of the reconstruction, Around the world in a day, Rain dogs, Meat is murder, Slave to the rithym, Songs form the big chair, What Does Anything Mean? Basically , Rum, sodomy and the lash, Don´t stand my down y Picture book.

סביר מינוס 2

Nahh

This is definitely some 80s music. There's a couple of moments that are pretty good, but for the most part it's overproduced and cringy. Any moment that I start enjoying the music is ruined pretty shortly after. I didn't really find any whole song good or enjoyable. Favorite Song(s): Small Talk

Awful

The reason you hate synthpop

Couldn’t it

Holy shit, this album is TERRIBLE. Like, the only way this makes a list of albums you must hear is either as a joke or as a payoff. 1/5

This is the bullshit that I like.

An ok album

fun

I hate this band. I’m halfway through this, and it’s the worst workout experience I can remember. Horrid. I’ll update this if it gets better. But despite my option about most things, I have little hope for this. Screw you, Scritti Politi, you pablum spewing over produced 80-something-schlock muckers.

It aight. I was vibin - 7/10

This one has the makings of a compelling album. Each song starts off with nice instrumentals, very 80s vibes, and his voice is interesting. But as a whole the songs didn’t click for me. Giving it a solid 3.

This was fine. Low 4. I think that it didn’t do anything crazy but all of it sounded good. 6.5/10 maybe.

Not bad but not really my style. 5/10

6/10 - It was alright. It felt very 80s which makes sense since it was released in 85. I liked the end of absolute a lot, but the rest of it was decent but not amazing.

Aight this is ass. Don't get how this one made the list

I do understand this, I really do. I even respect it. But it’s not for me. Especially after having just done Princes’ 1999 a couple days ago. Nothing in this album stands out from its 80’s pastiche

Un projet baroque aux pièces foisonnantes. Efficace et bien de son époque (la voix m'évoque parfois Michael Jackson), mais un peu chargé à mon goût, à l'heure actuelle

Fun 80's pop sound. They don't sound familiar and don't maintain very many listeners but there was heavy sampling throughout which was unique

Before I press play just want to acknowledge yet another 80s Brit pop album. yay It’s fine. More listenable than many. Can’t give it 4 star, gotta be 3.

Nice

Easy to listen to. Never heard of them.

Piece of shit

WTF peak 80s awfulness is this bollox! I know everyone was fed up of prog/punk etc, and synths were now readily available to all, but I genuinely wish someone could explain to me why making music sounding like this emotionless fluff was considered entertainment. It just sounds like some 18yr old was let loose with a new Casio keyboard hellbent on using all the settings (I haven’t googled the making of this album, so there might not be any irony in that statement!). At best, the lively bits sound like filler between scenes in Ferris Beuler’s Day Off, and I guess the vocalist isn’t awful. I pity the fool who has to listen to this ever again, obvs I won’t be.

Good name, shit sound. Quite enjoyed the first song but then descended into mid 80s horror.

1.5/5

Not my favorite 80s album.

This is my second-favorite album. All of the rest are tied.

Sounded like the same song on repeat

Sounds like the synch-related 80's

No thanks. 80s gone wrong

This is forgettable 80's pop.

I'm struggling to find the right words for this album beyond, "Maybe the worst one yet on this list." It's not even that it's musically awful, it's just completely dated, boring and soulless. At least shit like Limp Bizkit is ATTEMPTING something that makes you listen. I don't know if I've ever tuned out of an album I'm intentionally listening to so quick.

Pritti shitti.

Ugh 1985 is the worst year. Couldn't finish this shit

Not a great inclusion. Rounds the week off appropriately though, what a rough run of albums.

Cut price Michael Jackson sings the soundtrack to a generic 1980s fish-out-of-water comedy.

The lighter side of new wave. A little silly, but always bouncy, tuneful, and fun.

This isn't something I typically seek out, but I'm two listens back to back on this one already and really enjoying the vibe. There is some 80s cheese, for sure (A Little Knowledge), but there are a lot of great upbeat synth-pop jams (Wood Beez, Absolute, Don't Work That Hard). Some of this feels similar to Prince in character, but less overtly sexual and generally cleaner. Plenty of lovely 80s bass, synth tones, and sex-guitar throughout with super clean production. Makes for some glittery music that feels perfectly suited to soundtrack montages of consumer culture. This one surprised and wooed me -- high 4 / 5.

Funny artist name that I have never heard of. Lotsa cheese on this one. I like the cheese, but I have heard better cheese.

Nope.

The amount of genres for this is overwhelming but I'm excited to listen. I'm immediately let down by the 80's cheez pop sound that I hate. The only redeeming quality a few songs in is some of the sounds they are able to make, I just hate them together. Looks like one dude used 10 different keyboards on this album. Fuck this. Future Kev do not listen to this. You DID NOT need to hear this before you die.

Terrible

This sucks.

Clearly out of time, standard rhythm of the 80s. It all sounds like Janet Jackson and similar artists of the time.

a lot of variety, super 80s pop sound

It's got that deep 80's sound. It's kind of a hard listen, it just doesn't break through the walls with me. There are a million albums from the 80's that sound just like this. It's generic, canned synth-pop cringy love songs.

Very boring, pretty bad. What is this album doing on this list? It's much worse than usual 80s stuff, just a waste of time really.

This album is a bit confounding. It is essentially a distillation of the most extreme elements of 80s synth pop. It relies heavily of MIDI, drum machines, and sampling. While I don't particularly like this album, I did find the song layering interesting. The beats were pretty decent at times as well. There are much better albums of this genre but this was an interesting look into a much maligned genre.

listened 1x. 1.7/5. not really interested in this, but not bad.

This album is so quintessentially 80s...I don't mean that as a compliment. I feel like I'm trapped in a bad screening of the breakfast club while listening to this. There's some interesting instrumentation with the synth and the bass but it doesn't do it for me. It's a very pedestrian album for the decade.

я кайфанул

я бы послушал синглы а это слишком приторно алкоальбом: суперслкадкие конфеты с коньяком

Шо-то как-то пресно. Как будто все поп-клише, ухудшить, и выпустить.

80s Brit Pop. Nothing outstanding, so no album for the 1001 List

Sorry maybe needed to spend more time with this, but just got middle of the road 80’s music from first listen, almost a poor man’s MJ that I can’t be bothered coming back to this.

couldn’t finish. this is too 80s for me and it sounds like discount michael jackson

"Perfect Way" is a decent song in a mix of '80s pop. And I generally love me some 80s pop. But listening to this whole album was a bit of a sugary overload in some way, and I found myself somewhat annoyed by the cutesy-sounding vocals. Maybe just because I was sick and grumpy when listening.

I think the Scritti Politti needs a dash of the snappy peppy to please my palate. I reckon it was fine, but didn't please me much...except Perfect Way, and maybe kind of one other track, but I don't remember which and don't want to bother to go back to it. I feel like I am also a bit difficult to please of late. So, I will give it a bit of a bump, assuming that it is me...not SP.

A fun trip to the 80s. I've always loved Perfect Way.

I was only familiar with “Perfect Way” going into this… I was a tad surprised this appeared on the list since I kind of thought of Scritti Politti as a one-hit wonder. The first song “The Word Girl” was ok with its reggae beat. Then the second song “Small Talk” sounded an awfully lot like an inferior rip-off of “Perfect Way.” At that point I needed to investigate why this made the list. The Wikipedia article was interesting - how this group emerged from a Marxist collective, then shed most its members and ended up here. Things started picking up midway. “Don’t Work That Hard” was a bit better, then “Perfect Way” stormed in reminding me why it dominates over all the other songs on this album. “Lover To Fall” was quite catchy… my second favorite track. “Wood Beez” is a very strange little tune that I liked well enough. “Hypnotize” ended on a decent note and was probably settling in as my third favorite track. Had I bought this album in the 80s, I suspect I would have felt a bit like there was really one great hit and been a little disappointed with the rest, but since I had bought it would have listened to everything many times to get my money’s worth and would have ended up liking much of this album more than I do now. Today, I admit I’m still a little perplexed as to why this made the list over a lot of 80’s albums I consider better, but after a second listen did enjoy it more. Maybe if I had owned that cassette this could’ve been a 4.

Green Gartside’s voice does indeed sound “permanently 14 years old”. I can see this getting some attention in 1985, while MJ was still the world’s biggest star. He sounds like Michael in his upper register. The music is absolutely, firmly 1980’s. It could only come from the middle of that decade. It’s not bad, not great either to me.

Hated Scritti Politti back in the day. However, saw them recently, and glad to see their live show has moved on.

Milly Vanilly.

half Seinfeld: The Original Soundtrack and half a demo disc for a 1985 syndrum kit

non I want Michael Jackson! we've got Micheal Jackson at home

Strange - a clear sign of an artist’s name not matching the music and a general feeling that Scritti Politti albums are the ones one used to find at the bottom of CD bargain bins. Not bad, but not my thing.

Perfectly sweet 80s pop, promising, not quite shaking the tree for me.

Pop con sintetizadores. No me ha gustado. Un 2.

A slog to get through, outdated 80s pop songs that all sound the same, doesn’t that sound amazing? Shocker, it really wasn’t.

Soou como pop dos anos 80, mas sem reconhecimento maior ou percepção da importância.

it's fine. 3.75

Cupid & Psyche 85 is the second album by the British pop band Scritti Politti. This artistic and soulful, synth-pop, electro-funk, R&B album is the band's most successful and was a surprise hit in the US. It has been certified gold in the UK. This album is lightly sweet with enough of a backing beat to keep it moving on the dance floor. The silky smooth synth-pop is not too artsy to be sickly or annoying, but it does sound like the run-of-the-mill pop music. Overall, it was a beautiful and catchy album that doesn't take itself too seriously.

This is SO 1985!

Pleasant surprise....easy listening

Cupid and Psyche 85 aims to capture the 1980s sound with its blend of new wave and pop, but falls short due to disjointed execution. Heavy use of synthesizers and whispered vocals overwhelms the music at times, making it challenging for me to fully connect. While it may appeal to fans of 80s nostalgia, its dated influences limit its lasting impact and prevent it from becoming a timeless classic. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None

many of the songs sound like what you hear when the credits roll for any popular PG movie made between 1985-1991. I know it is a sound they innovated but I think in its pure form it was a dead end, but as used by some pop musicians it was influentual.

Not really too sure about this album. To mean it sounds like the artist wanted to make a Michael Jackson album but didn’t have the chops or songs. The synth work is pretty good but when I think of 80s pop music, I think there has to be about 150 albums above this one.

This could be the most useless record on the list

I remember SP from the 80s. Wasn't a fan then. Not a fan now.

There are some interesting parts, but overall, not really my thing

Ah. It’s a collection of 80s disco light-hearted synth-based half-arsed love songs. Most certainly not my thing. There’s nothing I’m actually repulsed by, and there’s even some stand-out synthy sections. But overall, it’s really nothing more than what I outlined in the first paragraph.

Awful

80's pop.

ganz okay aber bissl monoton

Competent but boring. No interesting ideas. I suppose the synths were maybe newer for the time, but this is still a snooze fest.

File under 'hasn't aged well'. Hard to listen to, stock early synth sounds ("Orchestral Hit" preset), tons of reverb, and I just didn't enjoy the vocal styling.

What is this. Shitty 80s androgynous music. Nothing worth remembering. 1.5 stars, it did not make me actively hate it, but it came close.

Such generic, forgettable 80s pop. No thanks

This was very 1985

I liked this album. It’s a bit samey, but the songs are catchy and bright. I’ve had Wood Beez stuck in my head all damn day and night!

Relentlessly dance-y.

Sounds like they were setting out to make an album with only radio friendly song. The result is an album where no song stands out.

Really enjoyed the two listens. Nothing ground breaking, but I enjoyed the straight ahead pop and funky bass lines. 4/5!

I didn't really like Scritti Politti when this album was released, and I still find the excessively smooth production, lightweight pop stylings and Green Gartside's vocals a bit too much. But maybe over the years my dislike of this album has moderated. I can see why this is considered an album one ought to listen to, though I really can't give it a strong rating.

The 80s sound is strong...but dated. Decent album but obviously a band of the moment.

This was inoffensive but nothing really stood out

This is what 80's music sound like to people who don't like 80's music

Bland. So bland it makes nature yogourt and unleavened hosts a really tasty meal.

Bland and dull sophisti-funk. The definition of a soulless piece of music.

Eh. Good music. Not a fan of the theme/message

Welcome to the 80s

I thought I would like this but it feels like I'm trapped in a department store. Every song virtually sounds the same. Not worth being on this list, or really being an album.

WTF was going on in the 80’s

Meh. Perfect way is okay but everything on this album sounds the same.

There is a British bias on this list when something as unremarkable as this 80s pop is on the list

Thin and forgettable.

There is definitely a lack of bass on this album. A classic 80’s sounding album. On the other hand, there isn’t anything really catchy with the songs. It really seems like they were greatly fortunate in getting a hit with Perfect Way. Oddly enough, that song was the only song that broke them from the same monotonous sound. Choice Cut: Perfect Way

meh.

Mediocre.

I infuriates me that something so unlistenable in this day warrants consideration as a 'must listen' album. I have to wonder if the authors got to 900 albums and just added 101 UK pop albums they remember from their isolated childhood where they didn't get to go outside and play because they were locked in the basement with nothing but pop radio playing. 1/5.

My life certainly feels complete for now having listened to this album!!

Sounds like eightes pop, quite dated

has some synthy instrumentals but is extremely cheesy and dated

there are certain points in your life where your behavior goes to far that you actually see yourself from the outside, as others see you. as a fan of 80s music listening to Scritti Politti, this is one of those moments. is this what it sounds like when i'm getting deep into Prince and Cyndi Lauper?

Genuinely some of the least interesting music I've heard in a long time. Bland, soulless and overproduced. Can't be bothered to say much more.

Uninteresting 80's british pop. Not worth another listen.

Too much too much too eighties. And it all sounds the same. Nothing worse than a critic playing snob! ⭐⭐ because 80's have good things!

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die...If You're British?

A band from the 80s where the lead singer sounds like Michael Jackson but without the "hee-hee" part

Off the Wall Michael Jackson + WHAM! now make it fucking suck.

I generally don’t hate 80’s British pop, but this is just lifeless. Seriously, this is just all the stock instruments and effects of the era without any soul.

Such an 80's sound! Better than I thought it would be, though. Transports me back to that era.

1985 hätte ich das sicherlich abgelehnt, jetzt fand ich es gar nicht so schlimm. Aber ich glaube, in dem Stil gibt es aus der Zeit Stücke, die mir besser gefallen.

Quite a nice listen. Surprised

Well that answers my question of "what if a giant Welsh guy had the voice of Michael Jackson?" Very 80s. Very poppy. Very disco-y. But it kind of works. Not going to lie, even by the end of the 39 minutes I was slightly bored of it, but it had it's charm in places. 2.5*

The 80’s called, and Tears For Fears still reigns supreme 2/5

Interesting sound to this one and the name is just fun to say.

The Word Girl - No Small Talk - No Absolute - No etc etc Entire Album - No. Stick it in the microwave for 3:00 at 900. A boring pop 1 star