The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
1982
Album Summary
The Lexicon of Love is the debut studio album by English pop band ABC. It was released in June 1982 by Neutron Records in the United Kingdom, by Mercury Records in the United States and Japan, and by Vertigo Records in Canada and Europe. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number one and has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It features four UK top 20 singles; "Tears Are Not Enough", "Poison Arrow", "The Look of Love" and "All of My Heart". Though Martin Fry has declined to label it a concept album, the album features repeated themes in which the singer experiences heartache as he tries and fails to have a meaningful relationship. A longform music video/film, Mantrap, featuring songs from the album was released in 1983.
WikipediaThis list really is way too heavily skewed towards average 70s-80s British bands. God I hated this album.
This was really bad. All the reasons people think they don’t like 80s music wrapped up in one album. Feels like I just got “Rick Rolled”.
Well, that didn't age well, did it? Nope. This album exists in a very narrow slice of musical history and it should stay there. We've already got Bowie filling out the "weird 80s electropop" portion of the list. Let's just let this budget ripoff disappear into obscurity, alright?
Holy fucking shit what an opening! Every single song on this slaps with irresistible 80s groove... The Nile Rodgers-esque rhythm guitar, Phil Collins-y drums, slapping base, synth strings and keys, various other sond effects... And it's different enough to be individual and something that you couldn't substitute with some other 80s album... I had so much fun listening to this
Literally 0 understanding why it's in the "1001 albums you must listen before you di" list
One of my favourite albums of all time. Martin Fry's melodramatic crooning, the unabashedly cinematic romanticism and a clutch of finely honed songs make this an essential collection. I consider this one to be the Citizen Kane of New Wave. Big talk? Big album!
A proper, shiny, widescreen heartfelt unashamedly bombastic pop album. If your world is full of strange arrangements and gravity won't pull you through, this is the album you need.
The orchestral moments on this earned it an extra star. Way more depth than your average 80s pop album.
“Mom, can we have some Duran Duran?” “No, we have Duran Duran at home.” Duran Duran at home:
Quick-hitting, high energy pop album spanning new wave, disco, and funk at times. The Look of Love is an underated banger, and there are a few other great tracks for a relatively shorter album. Great job of getting in and out of songs without dragging on, and no wasted time trying to be gimmicky. Probably a 3.5 but getting the bump for being a guilty pleasure listen and the replay value.
Lounge music from the 80's. A time of great optimism. Business suits, boardrooms, thatcherism, consumer credit, and the beginning of the modern era. You could make a reasonable argument that the ills of today were birthed here, but I digress... Musically, big, bright and poppy, "The sound of a foot tapping on the classroom floor forever." That and trying to imitate Bryan Ferry. For all that some instant classics. A trip down memory lane if nothing else.
Full disclosure: I am absolutely not the audience for this album. I generally loathe 80s synth pop. Here are the main elements of Lexicon of Love: disco bass, the arch, pasty vocals of Martin Fry, ostentatious drum machines, thin and inorganic-sounding synths--I hate each and every one. And yet the ambitions of ABC are quite well realized. The music is danceable if you can keep from vomiting. There are ton of cringeable hooks, both melodic and rhythmic, that make this music memorable. There is nothing lazy, half hearted or timid about The Lexicon Of Love. And it's played and performed immaculately. Producer Trevor Horn (the man who remade Yes into an 80s AM pop band--there's a horrible thought) knew exactly what he wanted and achieved it in spades. How to score? 3 points for the high level of professionalism, -1 points because this music is so putrid it made my eyeballs ache.
I know people love it, but 80’s production is insufferable to me. The reverb, drum sounds, the focus on everything sounding clean and pristine. Early digital synthesis feels so cold and lifeless when compared to the analog synthesizers of 70’s. I can’t help but think of David Brent’s dance for charity in series 2 of The Office as Poison Arrow plays. Scratch that, you could probably sync that scene up with most of the tracks on this record. I have the feeling David Brent would love this record, so take that as an endorsement…maybe?
Per Wiki notes, the band's ambition was to create music that was more sophisticated but still had some attitude. Grade: F.
Took me until "the look of love" to get to a song that I recognized. Generally like this kind of sound but this one doesn't really grab me as an album. Like some individual tracks but the sound doesn't gel for me.
Hey what do you know, more from the UK. Thanks, Robert Dimery! Without you letting me know which UK artist I should listen to every day for 1001 days, I would've never even known the place existed! I'm glad someone's standing up for this unheard-of lil cultural gem called the "United Kingdom". Truly, you're doing god's work here mate. This isn't too bad though, just reasonably catchy pop numbers that are inoffensive, ultimately COMPLETELY forgettable, but it's nothing bad. I recognised a couple of them. As another reviewer said, "we have Duran Duran at home". hahaha. 3/5.
Feels heavily indebted to Bowie and Duran Duran. The songs are fine, but blend together after a while. Bass player puts in work, though. Favorite tracks: "Show Me", "Many Happy Returns"
Very 80s, doesn't quite hit the highs of other 80s albums
Love this album. In some ways a concept album. Superb arrangements and great production.
Great album. I loved this. "Poison Arrow" and "The Look of Love" are both pure 80s pop brilliance! Lead singer Martin Fry is from Bramhall btw.
Tengo debilidad por el synthpop/new wave y este disco es uno de los mas puros en escencia que hay en el genero. Mas atrás y te vas a los Pet Shop Boys y mas adelante a Depeche Mode, éste es un balance justo en lo poppy-techno-inocent que caracteriza al genero. La verdad me parece un discazo que quedó olvidadisimo en el tiempo. O quizás fué borrado del colectivo del pais ya que es un album britanico salido en el apogeo de la guerra de Malvinas.
Discazo. Tiene todo lo que está bien en mi cabeza. Bajos tremendos, vientos, pianos y una voz espectacular. Todo. Valentine's Day, Date Stamp (que me recuerda a Mundo de Quimeras de Soda Stereo) y Theme From "Mantrap" son los temas que más me gustaron. Hay algo muy Bowie en todo el disco y, en general, me hace acordar mucho al sonido que tenía Soda en sus primeros discos pero bueno, hay toda una generación de bandas de los 80s muy marcada por este estilo. De los discos que viene proponiendo esta bella plataforma, este es el que más me gusta hasta el momento. Sin duda, lo volvería a escuchar. 9/10 ludomatics.
Me gusto! No conocía esta banda, aunque quizás cuando iba a bailar a alterna seguro algún tema de ellos pasaban y yo ni sabía. Justamente por eso me llama la atención no conocerla. . Pop del bueno. Ideal para bailarlo. Lo ame. . Es un disco que lo escucharía mientras trabajo. Me hace mover la patita y concentrarme. 5 efes
Like punk never happened. Como Octavio Paz volviéndose liberal. Magnífico. Pop en mayúsculas, free market soundtrack. Probablemente uno de los mejores discos de pop de Inglaterra en los 80.
This was brilliant. Loved the disco aspect. Even when the lyrics are sad you want to bop.
Man, this album SLAPS. The clarity and strength of the vocals over these disco inspired backing tracks, what a melding. Completely gorgeous from start to finish, what a ride.
This makes me want to put on an Armani suit and get down. For the sake of clarity, my favored wardrobe consists of jeans and band t-shirts and I most certainly can't dance but this makes me feel like I have sartorial taste and an actual sense of rhythm. In an alternate universe this is the soundtrack to a colorful, early 80s movie musical that while very much of it's time and critically savaged upon its release is now considered a groundbreaking cult classic.
Those bass lines! Little kitschy lyrics at times but the synth instrumentation and use of reprise more than makes up for it
ABC seems like a more sophisticated 80s band… something smooth and the 80s equivalent of big band music about them. Martin Fry’s voice and the lush arrangements create a really great, big sound that still sounds amazing today. I loved the hits they released off this album when they were released, but in the mid 80’s purchased it and really fell in love with the whole album. Big sound, clever lyrics, and hook-filled bass-driven 80s numbers are as compelling now as they ever were to me. Something about this album makes me want to listen to it in some open-air vehicle (a convertible? A biplane? A powerboat?) while sipping on champagne. I’m so excited to see this come up on this list!
This was my first listen for this album, although I knew a couple of the tracks. I loved the album!
This was one of my favorite cassette tapes in the 80s but I hadn't listened to it for over three decades since the transition to CDs. So much fun to listen to again today. I forgot how much I loved ABC.
wowow great stuff all around, never been one for the 80s psych pop aesthetic but every moment of this album is filled with things to dig into. The opening track with its lush instrumentation leading naturally into the infectious poison aarow, the lyricism in tears are not enough and the groovy bop that is the look of love. Of course the cheezy hand claps and background vocals subject of the 80s pop sound pull me straight out of the immersive strings and sax as well as the very one tone idealism that is a love songs album with lacking overall depth or storyline to follow both hurt the personal enjoyment for me, but the depth of the instrumentation, tasteful samples, and the beautiful singing of Martin Fry gives this album a second or third full listen in my book. 9.1/10
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Show me, Poison arrow, Many happy returns, Tears are not enough, Valentine’s day, The look of love, Date stamp
4.7 was very tempted to give this a 4 as can't see it becoming a regular listen. very tempted to pick up the album however. enjoyable all the way through with some clear stand outs, even lesser tunes are good.
Groovy, funky, very easy listening and upbeat, I like it, it truly feels like an energetic love letter to someone
Wow, that was quite the surge of primary school nostalgia, and I probably even did not like this kind of music at the time.
Still a great album just like Dare or Dazzle Ships. Very well crafted. Strong songs and the perfect sound. I following concensus here and say that this is the best album from ABC but the follow-ups, Beauty Stab and Zillionaire, are excellent too.
I only knew Poison Arrow, but the rest of this album is great in the same way. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Probably my favorite 80s pop album yet. Felt like it could be a soundtrack to a musical, it was so theatrical. Great mix, lots of fun.
Je ne connaissais pas, j'ai hoché de la tête tout le long. Le meilleur de la musique des années 80. Je réécouterai certainement.
Unexpected good pop from the 80s. It will have earn a 5 stars if the mixing wasn't so harsh.
Never knew this bands name but have heard these songs a lot. Some of its just 80s so bad that it’s good. I dig the hell out of wobbly baselines and the glorious synths.
I know I’ve hear The Look of Love, but I couldn’t have pulled the band name ABC out of anywhere. Solid 80s album.
some histrionic proto-vaporwave vibes. feels kind of like Sade. A good back-pocket recommendation.
Saved Prior: Poison Arrow Off Rip: Show Me, Many Happy Returns, The Look of Love - Pt. 1, Date Stamp, All of My Heart, Theme from "Mantrap" Cutting Edge: Tears Are Not Enough, Valentine's Day Overall Notes: Nice juicy drama, synths, and drum machines. The cover captures the theatricality of this album perfectly. Big fan. Popcorn music, was close to giving it a 5.
A good 80s pop album, it has some great songs and not so very good ones, but it always delivers. I was going to give this a 3 but after The Look of Love (Part 1) it does get better.
I had a pleasure time with this band. Although I am not sure how much it was swing or pop or something else.
Pretty good example of the 80's. A lot of the songs sound like they could be played at a disco party. Bops: Poison Arrow, Theme From "Mantrap", Tears Are Not Enough, The Look Of Love - Pt. 1 Dislike: N/A Overall Score: 7.5/10
Totalmente inesperado, muy bueno, las trompetas le dan mucho juego y el violín en ciertos momentos es fantástico.
Hyvin samankaltaista (ja onneksi samantasoista) kasaritykittelyä kuin Duran Duran ja Talk Talk. Suurin osa biiseistä oli jo ennestään tuttuja, kun olin altistunut levylle joskus lukioaikana kaverin ABC-fanituksen kautta. Levy on täynnä äärimmäisen tarttuvia sävellyksiä ja vaikka kasarisoundi on melkeinpä kasarimpaa kuin edellämainitulla kaksikolla, ei se oikeastaan haittaa. Erityismaininnat aivan maagiselle Look of Love-hitille. Muutamia tylsempiäkin välibiisejä mahtuu mukaan, mutta kokonaisuus toimii. Arvosanana ylöspäin pyöristyvä 3,5.
Думаю, тут следует отметить, что с определённого момента стал игнорировать все бонус-треки. Яндекс мне сходу предлагает 2-дисковое издание, где уже на первом аж 17 треков. Не, товарищи, в 1982 году было выпущено 10 треков, их и будем судить. Хоть я и понимаю, что порой в бонусах попадаются треки, что не встречаются на других альбомах, да и впечатление от альбома могут только улучшить. Сходу вспоминается, например, Deep Purple - Black Night. Но дело в том, что альбом Deep Purple in Rock и так прекрасен. Так что последним треком альбома The Lexicon Of Love рассматриваем The Look of Love Pt. 4. Альбом крепкий, сразу окутывает мощной атмосферой 80-х. Репрезентация "Новой романтики", о которой узнал не так давно, в процессе поиска трека Culture Club - Do You Really Want To Hurt Me. Согласно Википедии, направление возникло в качестве оппозиции панк-культуре. Занимательно, что когда речь идёт о противостоянии субкультур в 80-е, то порой хочется искренне встать на каждую из сторон: панк - новая романтика, glam - thrash. Одного из оппонентов, правда, всё равно хочется поддержать больше, и тут я всё же встал бы на сторону панка скорее. Просто когда речь идёт о современных направлениях, порой хочется найти графу "против всех". Что, собственно, касается альбома. Довольно странно, что при своей доступности мотивы сходу не врезаются в память. Припевы построены по вроде бы проверенной годами классической схеме - повторяются фразы, соответствующие названию. Только вот сколько не переслушивал альбом, фразы эти не воспринимаются как мощные хуки. Не дотягивают хуки - не дотягивают припевы... так по принципу домино пусть и не разрушаются, но, можно сказать, "не достраиваются" треки в целом. Как полновесный хит звучит разве что 4 Ever 2 Gether. Но пусть порознь треки и не звучат хитово, в целом альбом достаточно сильный, чтобы вернуться позже. 7/10
I was honestly really surprised by this album. I'd never heard of it, which was surprising because I'm pretty familiar with 80s stuff. This is really cool. It's dramatic, like the soundtrack to an 80s movie. The music is all really fun, with great hooks. 4/5
Groovy and fun. Very "New Romantic" in mood, with a strong influence from Roxy Music. Lexicon of Love is a singular creation, a pop album with the feel of a theatrical production, but built for the dance floor. There isn't another album that really captures this mood and this sound. It’s full of rich arrangements that build off essentially a disco groove, embellished with everything from studio strings to harps and horns. The songs are campy and occasionally outlandish, but romantic and heartfelt as well, thanks to Martin Fry's strong vocals. Fave Songs: The Look of Love, Poison Arrow, Tears are Not Enough. “Tears" is the deep cut that really deserves to be heard more.
Feels like a movie. I can hear New Romanticism inspiration. Each song builds up and gets straight into the action. Transitions are seamless from track to track. As I've said many times before, I'm a sucker for synth. But this is really good this time I swear. It's energetic and full of great innovative synth sounds from beginning to end. There isn't a track I'll dance off to. I'd only heard "The Look of Love" before but damn. Gets milder but still carefully crafted on the 2nd side. I really love this, but I admit a huge part of it caters to my interests. The songs go a bit too far unnecessarily at times, and some songs may sound repetitive if you don't groove to them.
Melodramatic? Poppy? Of its time? Unmistakeably 80's? Of course it is... and no more than any number of classic records which capture their era in a snapshot. Not everything has to sound "timeless" to be great. Fortunately for me, I also happen to have a weakness for shameless 80's synth pop, and this record has it by the glittering plastic bucket-load. Fulfilling the hallmarks of the genre, the sound quality is pristine. Trevor Horn (shortcut to creating a classic "80's album") provides suitably bombastic, in-your-face production, with everything compressed, dialed-up, close. Seismic drums, plenty of reverb, hits of brass mingling with synth stabs or arpeggios. Instrumentally, the highlight is the unrelenting basslines, often threatening to eclipse the rest of the track (see "Show Me", "Poison Arrow"). If it all sounds unbearably 80s, just listen and try not to have fun: it's the perfect tempo to strut to, irresistible melodies to mimic (Date Stamp's call-and-response chorus, "Poison Arrow"'s glide into falsetto). The lyrics may not be poetry, but for me they had enough cohesion and clarity to stand up well alongside the music. “The Look of Love" is undoubtedly the apex of it all: obvious single, stylish pop, simple and ornate instrumentation. It's a dramatic, brooding kind of synthpop, cinematic in scope: "4 Ever 2 Gether" is a crashing climax, and the sweeping orchestral flourishes bookending the album seal it in a package of grandeur (though maybe a closing medley would have been nice). True, there isn't a great deal of variety musically - but I can't complain too much about this when there are so many great melodies and musicianship woven in. I may not enjoy it without being in the right mood for it, but today it was a really entertaining listening experience. It's the look (and sound) of love!
Stank Face (n) A human facial expression identified by a flaring of the nostrils and raising of the upper lip which is caused by '70s influenced funk bass playing.
Had a good time with this one, some nice bops. Can really get into it if I'm in the right mood. Sounds a bit like Aha
Is there still grand ambition in music? You listen to that orchestral intro to 'Show Me' and it's the sound of someone wanting to make a big impression. This continues throughout. Has the death of people paying for music meant minimising time spent in the studio working on songs and the halcyon days of the 1980s of throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the mix are long gone? As a 1982 album, the singles from the album are songs on the radio and Top Of The Pops from when I was first becoming aware of music. Over the years. those singles (Poison Arrow and Look of Love) have been diminished somewhat due to over-familiarisation and use in adverts. I've never listened to the album in full but it really works together as a body of work. An album of its era but you have to admire the craft from the Art of Noise people.
it was pretty good. The sound felt a lot newer than what I was expecting. Rating: 7/10
One of the staples of my early-80's listening. The hits punctuated every party and dance, enjoyed by all as we shared Martin's sense of drama.
Disco entretenido, pienso que, aunque es de inicios, me suena a que encapsula bien el sonido del pop ochentero. No me gustó ninguna excepcionalmente, todas son parecidas en calidad y nivel (?). 8/10
"Iiiiiiiiiiiii don't know the answer to that question." Ah, the 80s. Not all tracks hit the heights, but still one of the best examples of that early New Wave sound.
Very good polished pop, occasionally a few of the songs seem a bit similar. Still one of the better 1980s pop albums.
"Like a Phoenix coming back from the ashes, I know what's good and I know what trash is." The lyrics are fall over funny and I think the guy who wrote them had the biggest laugh of all. The orchestration, production and arrangements, especially the keyboards, are top drawer and there are hooks a plenty. Methinks this is a contribution of the studio musicians vs the band, who are more hairdoo focused. At times the rhythms they lay down remind me of Simple Minds, albeit a schmaltzy version. Compared to Duran Duran, ABC's 2 mega hits are stronger and several other tracks stand up well on their own, so I'm going +2 on my Duran Duran score.
What is pop? This is absolutely pop, but not the low-level pop. These songs are the greatest pop that I've known. +1 point for this project to show me this album.
Happy synthesizers and funky guitars - it must be the 80s ! I know the singles but didn’t know the album - produced by Trevor Horn. I love the album cover - like the music colourful and glamorous ! Party music. Trevor Horn, the engineer and others working on this formed the Art of Noise 1 year later.
Classic 80s pop! Some brilliant choons, reminds a of my big brother and people who I’ve come to know living in my adopted city of Sheffield. Great bass lines, quality synth and some really sublime vocals from Martin Fry. Excellent.
A real pleasant surprise, from some interesting bass lines, and composition as a "love album".
One thing I'm realizing, after having heard the hits from ABC for years, is that their basslines were KILLER. So good. Obviously, the hits are hits for a reason (The Look of Love, Poison Arrow), but there's some really good other stuff here (Really liked Show Me, Date Stamp and All Of My Heart). I would definitely listen to this one again.
incredibly fun to listen to >:)!! not much else to say, but would definitely revisit it
p484. 1982. 4 stars The sound of a thousand UK early 80's nightclubs. This isn't about ABC, its all about Trevor Horn and his production. Quality work, fabulous orchestration, instantly recognisable and still fresh despite the 80's synths and sax. Some great tunes here, let down by dodgy lyrics. And it's all slightly pretentious... but fun. It's a bit like eating candyfloss, you know it's not good for you but you still enjoy it at the time. "Like a phoenix coming back/From the ashes/I know what's good/But I know what trash is"
A friend whose tastes usually run more to prog and metal once said this was one of his favourite albums. I was so taken aback by what I felt was the utter unlikeliness of this that I had to listen to it immediately. He was right. This is about as good as this sort of thing gets.
If this journey has taught me anything, it is that I like postpunk as a genre of music. Especially when it is as committed, catchy and luscious as this. 'The Look of Love' is increadibly catchy. 4/5.
Early 80s pop; similar to new romantics like Duran Duran. The rhythm section is really good here, as is the production, courtesy of Trevor Horn. This is very good. 3.5/5
wasnt expecting orchestral disco, but this was quite good. really liked the b side, especially theme from “mantrap”. the a side had a few songs with awkward lyrics, but overall was fine.
Simply a great pop album. Clever, sometimes too much, cheesey, fun, tongue in cheek, sumptuous arrangements, superb production and guaranteed to get you out of your chair.
A pop classic from the off. Such style, an iconic record, not much point writing more. Launched a lot of inferior rips, but not their fault.
Okay yeah I love this. I know this would be considered "Cheesy" by most but it's my wheelhouse for sure. minus 1 point for ABC being an awful band name.
Loved this album - how had I never come across this gem before? The epicenter of 80s Pop with catchy songs - lots of lyrical puns and for some reason economic terms like Supply and Demand, Law of Diminishing Returns make up for the quintessential Me record for the Me Decade.
Awesome album, very exciting. Some of the bass reminds me of New Order. Lyrics are probably the weakest part
I really enjoyed this album. Loved the bass sounds combined with the 80th synth-pop era.
4.5 Duran Duran + The Smiths = ABC? I really liked this. It’s grooves were so infectious. It’s bass was everywhere and I had a blast. It almost felt like 80s RnB (Lionel Richie-esque) with an awesome rock edge. I particularly liked how they weren’t afraid to give each member a big moment for a cool solo or something. It sounded like a cohesive work in a way that I really appreciated
Some real classics on here. I didn't know the non-single tracks but I enjoyed them. This is my era so not a surprise that I enjoyed it.
I had no idea this was considered an essential album by the critics. Not that I am complaining as this is a brilliant slice of 80s pure pop. ABC were a great band
Wow I love it. Feels a little Talking Heads. The first 30 seconds or so faked me out at first but wow. Already on my second round, it’s so good.
Going into it I didn't think I would enjoy it but they already had me on the first two tracks. The songs 'Poison Arrow' and 'The Look Of Love' stood out to me.
Valentine's Day is goin in my playlist, other tracks were alright but didn't stick out
Loads of catchy tunes, all the "sound effects" seem very cheesy but not over the top at a point where you can still take the production moderately seriously.
I had never heard of ABC and then Poison Arrow kicked in and I was like, oh, THEM. Martin Fry, what a voice, I'm sure I've heard him on a thousand other things. I really liked this and I can see now where Duran Duran hatched from.
You know when you look at old fashion and think 'that is so 80s!' and then realise it is actually from the 90s? Well that doesn't happen here. You know it is 80s to the core. Poison Arrow holds a special place in my memories. I remember the film clip and a lot about my life at the time. The bass sound is really special in this recording. Viva ABC
Unmistakable 80's sound with so many songs you forgot you knew. Not every song is as good as "The Look of Love" or "Poison Arrow", but the album is definitely iconic.
I know the hits and loved them then as now but the rest is bland and formulaic. If you can get your head around the stylised posturing and synth effects it was a great moment in pop music but that was as far as it went.
At first I didn't really care for this, but it ended up being fairly catchy. I liked it alright, but I wasn't in love with it. 3.5/5
Love that bass! Production on this album is crazy; so dense and massive. I don't know ABC, but I really like this record.
2.5/5. Same old new wave. Maybe when this came out it was considered good, but it definitely did not age well. Sounded generic, most of the songs sounded the same.
This is an 80s pop album for sure. Interesting in that it really embodies part of a decade and definitely catchy but not something I feel attached to.
Ondanks dat ik dacht deze band niet te kennen, kende ik het nummer "poison arrow" en "the look of love". Klassieke rock met interessante compositie, zoals gebruikelijk in die tijd goede mastering en muzikale nummers. Many Happy Return vond ik niks, Tears Are Not Enough is dan wel weer leuk. Voor mij beetje mixed bag dit album, met niet echt toppers.
Pretty 80s new-wave. I'm generally not a huge fan of new-wave, but this is pretty good in that regard. "Tears are Not Enough" and "Look of Love pt. 1" are prob the standouts for me.
Some of this just sounds like an honest to God disco album to these ears, but I gotta say - the Rufus Wainwright fan in me really liked the super over dramatic moments where there are more strings in the instrumentation than slap bass and dance beats. The “mantrap” tune makes me think one could remix this album into some cabaret-meets-Portishead thing of beauty. But first they gotta change that band name. ABC? Seriously, brah?
We had MTV in about day one back in 1981, and this band was in rotation back when the album was released in ‘82. “poison Arrow” and “Look of Love” were pretty popular. I thought it was ok pop, but not really my thing back then. Things haven’t changed much. “Theme From Mantrap” is cool. It’s good, but I’m rounding average.
Pretty fun album that made grinding through an hour of document review more fun and tolerable. I wouldn’t listen unless I had something boring to grind through, though.
This was a fun new discovery — some good additions to my 80s playlist. By the 2nd half it was wearing on me a little bit. Also why do bands title songs things like “4 Ever 2 Gether”
Liked the horns and the arrangements, some of these songs were pretty good. But I found it a bit overwhelmingly schmaltzy and hard to sit through the full thing. Close though.
Liked this a good bit. Want to come back to it since I only listened all the way through once, but this was a good album
Some brilliant pop songs with poetic lyrics and a distinctive sound. A bit exhausting though with every song going like the clappers and that Duran Duran / spandau ballet 80's singing style gets a bit annoying.
On the surface this album appears to be just another 80's synth pop record, and one that isn't terribly unique at that. However, this album has larger musical themes and an almost operatic approach with overarching movements and refrains of previous songs. While this may have brought others around to this concept, it sadly is still built on weaker musicianship.
When I quickly saw the album cover I was dreading some easy listening jazz or something theatrical. Pleasantly surprised by some fun and funky pop! The bass really stood out in this, especially in my favourite 4 Ever 2 Gether, which went a little bit Depeche which I liked. The Look Of Love is good but ruined by the eBay ad. Not something I'm eager to return to, but good nonetheless
This album was alright. I previously knew the songs The Look Of Love Pt. 1 and Poison Arrow and I really enjoy them, but the rest of the songs were about average. 3.5/5 stars.
its a fun, sexy, borderline white people funk-pop album with some schmaltz layered throughout. i get serious showtunes vibes (as the cover implies). 80s sex album, yo. its an interesting and energetic affair, but also maybe a relic of its time. give it a go.