The Lexicon Of Love

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

“Mom, can we have some Duran Duran?” “No, we have Duran Duran at home.” Duran Duran at home:

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”.

This list really is way too heavily skewed towards average 70s-80s British bands. God I hated this 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.

Literally 0 understanding why it's in the "1001 albums you must listen before you di" list

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?

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?

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!

The orchestral moments on this earned it an extra star. Way more depth than your average 80s pop album.

Per Wiki notes, the band's ambition was to create music that was more sophisticated but still had some attitude. Grade: F.

Listened while transferring a batch of beer from fermenter to keg. It did not distract me from anything I needed to pay attention to, so that’s a plus. I expected to want to turn this off, but it wasn’t that offensive, and if I’m being honest, I may have enjoyed a track or 2. Not that I looked up from what I was doing to check the song names. It’s not anything I’ll go back to intentionally.

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.

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.

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!

"Yippie ai yippie aiay!" One of my more favorite nonsensical lyrics in a song. "The Lexicon of Love" is the debut album from the English pop band ABC. New Wave, synth-pop and spohisti-pop are also descriptors. The band's ambition was to fuse punk and disco. I hear the disco. But, I'd say this it is more a pop album. The album was produced by Trevor Horn and the orchestration arrangements by Anne Dudley who would go on to form Art of Noise. I hear that in the way the songs are constructed; one of the strengths of this album is the detailed placement of multiple instruments (keyboards, synths, strings, horns) throughout each of the songs. Very well-crafted. The band consisted of Martin Fry (lead/backing vocals), Mark White (keyboards, guitar), Stephen Singleton (alto/tenor sax) and David Palmer (drums/percussion). Fry denied this was a concept album as for the most part each song is about heartache in a relationship. Yeah, if this is autobiographical, Marty had had a pretty rough go in the love department. A grandiose, lush orchestration with strings and horns begins "Show Me" which slides into a bass-heavy dance/pop beat. You can already hear the top-notch production. He wants his girl to show him they're serious. The second single and song "Poison Arrow" continues the great pop production and sound. Keyboards. Horns. Strings. Great chorus. A Girl broke his heart. "Tears are not Enough" was the lead single and there's jangly guitars, horns and more of a disco/dance beat. Interesting keyboard bridge. Tears are not enough for Marty not to break up with her; he doesn't love her anymore. Marty continues his misery on the fifth album single "Valetine's Day." This song kind of grooves. More music, less singing. Great use of keyboards in the chorus. He's looking back at the wasted time with his girl. Their biggest single "The Look of Love (part one)" opens the second side. Another grand intro that builds. That classic-pop groove. Marty's getting suckered in by her looks. He can't find love. "All of My Heart" might be my favorite song on the album. It's lighter sounding. Great strings in the middle and end. He goes falsetto and this is his most impassioned singing. Hey, it's hopeful sounding as he wants his girl back. This is a very well-crafted and produced albums. Really no bad songs. On the 80's station I listen to (First Wave), I hear "Poison Arrow" and "The Look of Love" all the time so at least these songs have stood the test of time and remain quite popular to the 80's crowd.

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.

My schizophrenia is getting worse by the day

Holy God this is an awesome album. Like damn this is gonna be a new classic for me

Shoot that poison arrow to my heart (indeed). Very solid album from A to Z...

Yes, please. I will take all the snappy drums, splashy synths, and electric keys you have.

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.

Aucun souvenir de cet album à part qu'à un moment quelqu'un joue de la basse.

Funky

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.

Poison Arrow is so bad that it's actually good.. It's pretty cheesy 80s but not in a good way.

my depression amplified

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"

Other than The Look of Love, this felt almost unlistenable.

As far as I can remember, Patrick Bateman never ranted about this album in the novel *American Psycho*. I'm quite surprised by that, it's right up his alley. To be perfectly honest, I'm glad producer Trevor Horn could try his hand on all those 80s synth shenanigans on this one. He would put that training to good use on that other truly extravagant Frankie Goes To Hollywood opus later on (you can actually spot those sorts of production shenanigans on the short intro of "Date Stamp", for instance...). The orchestral touches are also quite effective, giving a little depth to the whole cheesefest ABC is so keen on building with this strange record... The thing is, as sophisticated as those arrangements are, they are still a little too overblown just for the sake if it to have aged as well as in other Trevor Horn's productions. And the songs are themselves not convincing enough. Where are the truly beautiful melodies? Where are the catchy hooks? Where are the moments that can tell you those songs could actually work on an acoustic guitar as well? Well... They're... nowhere in sight. So what's the point, really? I guess that in that electronic pop realm, ABC just can't compete with Eurythmics and their white-soul-meets-new-wave flavors, or with Depeche Mode and their dark elegance conveyed through subtle harmonies, or with Heaven 17 and their snarling, biting irony, or circa-*Dare* The Human League and their...well, *humanity*. Even electronic novelty pop needs something a little more profound and personal than the formatted elevator muzak *The Lexicon Of Love* has to offer. To return to *American Psycho*, here's a lesson that Patrick Bateman has never understood. But because humanity was his nightmare--and possibly Bret Easton Ellis' one as well--it doesn't mean that such nightmare has to become ours, too. There was still hope for mankind, even during the 80s. It's just that such hope won't be found in ABC's stifled and stifling... musical lexicon. So next, please. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 800 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory: 106 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 49 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 45 (including this one)

Utterly shit. A couple of kinda not horrible songs but lame from beginning to end

Very 80s, doesn't quite hit the highs of other 80s albums

Äntligen något bra. Varit på tok för mycket skit på sistone. ABC släppte många fina hits på sin storhetstid. Hade bara hört en handfull av låtarna på denna platta och de låtarna jag inte hört förut var inte kattskit. Ett album man blir glad av.

great 80s pop band ,brought back good memories thank you

Surprisingly good..

I love this album. This is one of my favourite albums on the list so far. I love the vocals, the backing vocals, the band, the sax etc. The singles are clearly insanely good, Poison Arrow, Look of Love, Tears are Not Enough But the album tracks are incredible too. The flow is great, the reprise of look of love, its all good. Perfect album 5/5

It is a very very interesting album. One of the best pop I ever listened. Music is really driving!

I doubt I'm gonna rate any New Wave album below a 4 but this is an easy 5 top notch New Wave-synthpop-new romantics, may be one of my favorite albums now

Forever classy. One of the best albums of the '80s

Great album, 80s at its best.

It's rough. It's outdone by MANY other 80s albums. It shouldn't be on this list, frankly. AND YET THE DOPAMINE FLOWS ??

Very 80s in both good and bad ways. The subject matter is sappy but not in a way that gets too grating. The instrumentation is super snappy and tight though. Lots of amazing studio flourishes that really pop and some KILLER bass.

Never heard this album and usually not an 80s fan but good god this was solid

ABC's 1982 debut, The Lexicon of Love, is a landmark album, a synth-pop masterpiece that transcends its genre and era. Let's delve into the intricate layers that make it so enduring. Lyrics: Passionate Wordplay Martin Fry's lyrical prowess is a cornerstone of the album. He paints vivid pictures of love's highs and lows, using clever metaphors and a touch of theatricality. "Show Me," the opening track, throws us into a whirlwind of emotions with lines like "Love's a loaded gun, but never seems to scare you none." Fry's vocabulary is rich, weaving in references to literature and film, creating a sense of intellectual romance. The album doesn't shy away from heartbreak either. "The Look of Love" chronicles a devastating rejection with a heartbreaking simplicity: "I thought my heart was safe in your care." These relatable themes, delivered with both humor and sincerity, resonate with listeners across generations. Music: A Tapestry of Sound Musically, The Lexicon of Love is a playground of textures. The foundation lies in the pulsating basslines and intricate synth arrangements, courtesy of Mark White. Tracks like "Poison Arrow" showcase a clear influence from Chic, with its infectious disco groove. However, ABC doesn't rely solely on synthesizers. Layered strings, horns, and flourishes of piano add warmth and depth, particularly on ballads like "All of My Heart." Martin Fry's vocals are a key instrument. His expressive baritone, with its dramatic flourishes, perfectly complements the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Production: A Masterstroke of Innovation The production, helmed by the legendary Trevor Horn, is a masterclass in studio wizardry. Horn's meticulous layering creates a lush yet cohesive soundscape. He's not afraid to experiment, with unexpected sonic elements like the dramatic breakdown in "The Look of Love" or the spoken-word interlude in "Date Stamp." The crisp, clean audio allows every element to shine, whether it's the intricate synth melodies or the subtle nuances in Fry's vocals. Themes: A Celebration and Dissection of Love The overarching theme is, of course, love. The album explores its various facets – infatuation, desire, disappointment, and heartbreak. However, it avoids sentimentality. Fry's lyrics often hint at a cynical edge, questioning the nature of love and its power to both build and destroy. "Show Me" questions the sincerity of love, while "The Look of Love" exposes the devastating side of rejection. There's a sense of exploration, a youthful yearning to understand the complexities of this universal emotion. Influence: A Legacy of Synth-Pop Innovation The Lexicon of Love's influence on music is undeniable. It paved the way for synth-pop bands like Pet Shop Boys and Erasure, proving that synthesizers could create sophisticated and emotionally resonant music. The album's focus on melody, clever wordplay, and theatrical delivery continues to inspire artists today. More importantly, it established ABC as a band with a unique sound and a knack for crafting timeless pop music. Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective The Lexicon of Love isn't without its minor criticisms. Some might find the melodramatic vocals and theatrical delivery a bit over-the-top. The synth-heavy production, while innovative for its time, can feel dated to some modern listeners. However, these elements are precisely what make the album so iconic. They contribute to its charm and memorability. A Final Verdict: A Timeless Classic The Lexicon of Love stands the test of time as a groundbreaking and influential album. It's a masterclass in songwriting, production, and performance. Fry's passionate lyrics, ABC's innovative sound, and Trevor Horn's masterful production create a cohesive and unforgettable listening experience. While minor stylistic elements might feel dated, the album's core strengths – its emotional honesty, sonic inventiveness, and sheer brilliance – ensure its place in the pop music pantheon.

I don't usually listen to this type of music, but oh man, it is filled with bangers. Whole album can easily be broadcast 24/7 on any station, and probably no one would mind. Just an amazing pop record, with great vocal, nice instrumentation and really fitting orchestral music in the background. This album probably won't change my view of pop music, or 80s music, but I have just found a needle in a haystack of crap.

that was way more fun than i expected. the 80s really was the peak of bass playing.

Amazing

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.

9/10 super fun album!

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

Look of Love was first dance at my wedding for a reason Possibly best album of the 80’s and brilliant from the first note till the last

First song and I'm already into it. Let's see if the rest delivers. Okay, it is as good, the album is so much fun 😍

Way better than it has any right to be.

This is brilliant - 37 minute album packed with quality.

I was reeling feeling this 80s nonsense - loved it.

Top Album

I didn't know this band at all and my expectations weren't all too high. After two-three tracks these guys had me hooked though. Under the right circumstances I'm a sucker for well-positioned melodrama and oh boy, do these guy deliver full-on tongue-in-cheek first-class-kitsch melodrama. I'll revisit this one.

Je ne connaissais pas, j'ai hoché de la tête tout le long. Le meilleur de la musique des années 80. Je réécouterai certainement.

Love this album. In some ways a concept album. Superb arrangements and great production.

I love this thing, it can be goofy as fuck sometimes (especially in 4 ever 2 gether (which is also it’s best track)) but it’s just great. It also has a great set of singles with the look of love, poison arrow and all of my heart. 5/5

The pinnacle of pop. And intelligent pop, at that. What an outstanding debut. The storytelling, the production, the songs - it's all there. I use to listen to this on repeat 40 years ago (!). It transported me as I visualised stories and experiences around the songs. So many memories. It still sounds incredible, four decades on. Lexicon of Love II is half decent as well.

Perfect pop - smart, sleek and sophisticated, but with an edge of something I can't quite put my finger on. I wasn't familiar with the whole album, but it does work as a full suite of songs. The two 'versions' at the end seemed a little bit like overkill, but I would give this 5 stars for the singles alone. An 80s classic.

A practically perfect pop confection, over-the-top and irresistible. Never has being a loser in love felt so good.

Favourite song: Valentine's Day

An absolute banger, well deserved on the list

Very good

Forgot this one and I loved it !!

This was brilliant. Loved the disco aspect. Even when the lyrics are sad you want to bop.

It’s a 5, don’t believe Luke ❤️

I had never heard of this band or album prior to listening. Let me tell you though, that I was hooked. That wailing saxophone, energetic bass and synth, was all led with campy/theatrical lyrics and vibes that put me right into this era. I literally spent the rest of the day listening to 80's tracks and understand how much music was influenced by ABC's sound. I also love how it jumps from The Look of Love Pt. 1 to Pt. 4. That is something I would do if I wrote an album. Catch me wearing a crop top and some short shorts like Tom Selleck in Magnum PI while I absorb some pure 80s vibes. Stand out track: The Look of Love Pt. 4

I know every moment of this album from start to finish and wore my vinyl copy out before buying it on CD. One of the greatest debut albums ever. How much is ABC and how much is Horn is open to debate, but the results are spectacular. The exact moment that post-punk gave way to 80s pop. Rewards listening on the best stereo/headphones you can find.

Wow, that was quite the surge of primary school nostalgia, and I probably even did not like this kind of music at the time.

Groovy, funky, very easy listening and upbeat, I like it, it truly feels like an energetic love letter to someone

I only knew Poison Arrow, but the rest of this album is great in the same way. Thoroughly enjoyed.

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.

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

An epic album from one of Sheffield's finest bands. Majestic, sweeping, and glorious.

New Wave all day

Best album I've heard so far.

Brilliant album. Best New Romance album I have heard

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.

All of my heart >>>>>>

Beautiful album. The 80s at its best.

nice album, really liked it

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.

Perfection. One of the greatest albums ever made.

This absolutely rules. That is all.

Ну хорошо. Приятный попец

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.

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.

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.

This was my first listen for this album, although I knew a couple of the tracks. I loved the album!

This is in my top five of all time. A perfect album.

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.

I loved it when it came out in 1983? I loved it yesterday in 2024. Great rhythm and clever lyrics.

5/5. Great mix of disco, post-punk and new wave with songs about love and heartache. Not really a bad song on here and super catchy and great instrumentation. Each instrument throws itself in the forefront and yet the vocals give an air of Smiths that mixes well with this slightly dark and upbeat aesthetic. My foot was constantly bouncing, who said disco would not age well? Best Song: Show Me, Tears Are Not Enough, 4 Ever 2 Gether

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.

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

Those bass lines! Little kitschy lyrics at times but the synth instrumentation and use of reprise more than makes up for it