Reviews (page 6 of 9)
The year of my birth and new wave pop was never really my thing. This has that 80's sound. Not to say it is bad but I would not go out of my way normally to listen to this genre. Well produced pop, some nice bass lines and lots of 80's hits. Overall this is a really really good album will definitely pick it up on vinyl when I come across it. Stand out tracks: - Poison Arrow - Tears are not enough - The look of love pt1 - Dare stamp - All of my heart - 4 ever 2 gether
A spray fart in album form.
It’s like if the Pet Shop Boys all had lobotomies and then sat down to recreate what a white Prince would perform at a retirement home
Like a parody of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark done by somebody who hates that kind of music
Had I been old enough in 1982 I would have absolutely fucking hated Lexicon of Love. I’ve listened to a lot 80s music in this project, this is the first time I’ve really disliked it. It’s pop trash 2.7/10
Perfectly bland.
show me- 5 or 6 poison arrow- 5 or 6 many happy returns- 5 tears are not enough- 5 valentines day- 7 or 8 the look of love pt 1- 7. "GOODBYE" date stamp- 7 or 8 all of my heart- 6 or 7 4 ever 2 gether- "I stuck a marriage proposal in the waste disposal, If that's the trash aesthetic, I'd suggest that we forget it, Your 12 disciples might kiss and tell, But you can tell me much more than they can" ok. 5 the look of love pt 4- 2 and 3 dont matter. 7 theme from mantrap- man trap? 6 favorite track- valentines day or date stamp
Great stuff!
Holy smokes this album. So many things i hate but i can't help but enjoy it. Poison arrow/look of love are absolute bangers too.
one of the first vinyl records I ever bought. It's still great and deserves to be listed to how it was intended...start side A, finish side B. Great lyrics...
Really good eighties sound. Had never heard of ABC but this was original and quite enjoyable. 4.1
Surprisingly good, especially for the time and not having heard any of these before. Cultivates that new wave sound mixed with some disco funk
Loved this much more than expected. I absolutely love the singers voice. The themes were very interesting and timeless in some ways, while totally 80s in others. I think this sound is also very current for the 20s. I think I’m also a sucker for anything inspired by the grandness of cinema.
A great sampling of one of the most unheralded staples of 80s pop - the frenetic bass line. Other than that; meh. The Look of Love is a solid addition to any 80s playlist. But the vocal affectations and synth sounds haven't aged particularly well.
Wow. That was forgettable.
Pop shit. Not offensively bad pop shit, but just pop shit
This was headed for a high 4-star rating until it reached All Of My Heart. If forgotten how perfect that song was.
6,54
Too 80s for me.
Solid album. Fun and funky
I wonder about some of these albums. This is one of those. I don't understand it. It is passionate, but def not my jam. It sounds like everything 80s in one place, and not in a good way.
1.5 too much 80s again
1 nummertje goed
Well, despite this list creating a dislike of the majority of British music for me, this album holds up and was a fun listen. Reminded me of something David Bowie would make as I was listening through.
Never gets above mediocre
No
Got me grooving - 8/10
Very 80s, it almost feels like a parody of itself at times. Even then, it’s still enjoyable because it sounds like 80s songs. I was going to knock it for 4 ever 2 gether because it sounds like Outta Touch by Hall and Oates but turns out this came out before it. Low 4.
I liked a few of the songs in the second half of the album. I don't love the woman's voice. Groovy but theres only a few songs on here id listen to again and even those weren't crazy or anything.
Really liked it! 8.5/10
6/10 - It was pretty decent. I liked the look of love and all of my heart a good deal but omg poison arrow got on my nerves so quickly. And the way they brought it back in the theme from "mantrap" just upset me. If that song was not on there it would probably be a 7/7.5. I liked the overall vibe.
Mid
Ok this was promising, I like it
There are 80s and 80s. I don't understand this one...
I have always meant to listen to this album. I think it was really this one that got Trevor Horn to become the producer that he is. As an album it's... okay. I can't say it's my favorite style of music. I will say the singer is okay, but it's this trying to "modernize" a Cole Porter feel which doesn't really work. The elements were all there, I liked the bass, and the keys and such. It just... didn't do anything for me. "Poison Arrow" was probably my favorite of the songs there. The lyrics were cutting, and the music was fitting. The reimagining of the song which for the bonus track ("Theme from 'Mantrap' ") was neat, too. Production was great, but the songs themselves just didn't hit for me. Maybe this is another one I need ot listen to again, I don't know. Top tracks: "Poison Arrow"
I mean, it's fun and all but I'm kind of surprised this album is on this list. Did ABC combine a bunch of different styles? I hear funk and dance, with orchestral backing. I see punk mentioned a few times about this album but I don't get that at all. So yeah, there's some ambition there that is more than your standard 80's fare. But is there a lasting impression? Poison Arrow is a perfect example of this album and group. It comes on and you're likely to say "oh I love this song, it's so 80's" but halfway through you're looking for the next cheesy fun 80's song to put on. I'm probably not going to remember I listened to this album after tomorrow.
It was pretty average, great basslines though. Overall didn't enjoy much.
1.5 Disco Duran Duran Sucks
I’m torn because this shit bops but I love 80’s music. So is it really that good? Or is my biases just overpowering the mediocrity that could possibly be this album? Ahh who cares this shit bops!
Favorite Tracks: Poison Arrow 4 Ever 2 Gether
This would be fine for the days I’m feeling like listening to Brit synth-pop, which almost never happens.
It did make me grin to hear what is the quintessential sound of the 80s. However, that doesn’t make it automatically good. The only song here I know/remember is “The Look of Love” and that is easy to pass over.
Actually pretty good pop. Recognized a couple songs from my youth, which is always fun when you've almost forgotten them. Some good instrumental work, too, the bass in particular caught my interest on several tracks. 3.5*
Notable tracks: The Look of Love Pt.1, Poison Arrow, All Of My Heart
V 80’s and dramatic. Some good funky elements
Wore quick.
Soooo 80's 3/5
It’s wild just how intensely 80s this album is. It’s so deep into it that it comes out the other side to be kind of awesome
Album was fun and interesting. Very typical 80s sound, so I bet it was trailblazing for the time. Lots of lounge-y elements, which was different.
It was a vibe when hearing it. Rick Ashley has a similar sound and I thought that was interesting how that decade had a particular sound for pop music. Love the bind reference oh the album cover
Not worth it
Super
Is this a fashion shoot or an album? Some likable hooks and strong vocals, but the ultimate ‘80s synth-sax combos is just too much to look past. Not terrible – the ‘80s was a golden age of stylish pop, after all – but this is mostly valuable as an authentic (and overly coiffed) artifact of that era’s dance pop.
You can Date Stamp this one. Tears Are Not Enough to describe it.
too 80s too theatrical
Bastante inofensivo y no se destaca tanto. Creo qué hay pop ochentoso que ha sobrevivido mejor a lo largo del tiempo. Bowie y Duran Duran great value, cómo dicen acá
I always found Poison Arrow a weird song, but maybe it's just jarring on the radio. It fits well here. This is a banger of an album.
i once had a life and moved in a direction, i once had a gun and a fire of questions, i once had memory and a song in my tongue, i once had to starve, ive a broken heart, ive a mind for none albums pretty good ig
Poison Arrow has been a Own Personal Rics staple for as long as I can remember but I was pleasantly surprised with the rest of this album. Great range, kept things interesting, bit Bowie adjacent but that's not a bad thing
Very fun album Standout songs: Tears are not enough The look of love p1 Date Stamp
Ok
i was excited cus its new wave but it was just mid. 2.5/5
Okay, hear me out. I like this album. I think it's pretty alright. The instrumental sound is interesting. It's very 80s. I really like the bass. The singing is alright. It fits the vibe. The writing is pretty decent. There's some good songs. However, while I like the album, if someone told me that they hated this album, I'd kind of get it. With albums that I've seen people complain about that I liked like Aja by Steely Dan, I don't really get the hatred. It's not for everyone, but I think it's great and don't see why someone could just despise it. I can kind of see it with this album though. The writing is a bit repetitive, it could be seen as a bit generic, and I can kind of see how someone would think that the album hasn't aged all that well. I mean, is it really one of the best albums of the 80s? It's not even the best album of 1982. I liked albums like Thriller, Pornography, and even Rio more. Overall, I can see why someone wouldn't like this album, but I think it's perfectly fine. 3/5.
This was enjoyable.
I grew up in the 80s and never realized how funky a lot of this New Wave stuff was. That bassline to kick off the first track is funky as hell. Bassline in "Tears Are Not Enough" is slappin' too. Overall, I think this is a good but not great album. 3/5
yus. so gud. funky fresh realness
Lead singer reminds me of someone - was surprised at how much I liked it considering my expectations with the album art.
new wave romantic, once it's enough
Not the biggest fan of his singing style or silly lyrics but this at least held my interest & had some very cool bass playing. 2.75.
On the one hand, this is the music I desperately wish David Bowie made, given how much Fry’s voice sounds like Bowie’s, just with more tact. On the other hand, I think I’m just a sucker for new-wave sophisti-pop, a horn and/or strings section, and a killer bass riff (crazy considering that ABC lacked a steady bassist during recording). I’m also just a fan of camp, and this is Camp with a Capital K™️. It’s one of those ’80s records you pick up because it has one hit you kinda sorta remember, but once you actually put the record on, it hooks you from the start and only keeps getting better, and because the hit is buried so deep in the record, by the time you actually arrive at it, you’re already so sold on the record overall that the hit blows your fucking mind. Every time I think ABC is about to lose me by being a bit too much, they’re somehow able to hold it all together and ride the chaos beautifully without breaking the pop music vases they’re juggling. If I have any critique, I’d say I prefer Side A to Side B overall – the contrarian opinion, from the looks of it – but that may have to do with the fact that Side A is more clearly disco-adjacent. Whenever I pull a cheesy pop record on this list, I try so hard to tell myself that my preference for cheesy pop music shouldn’t influence my rating, and I try to initially rate those records lower. And normally, I fail at being my own Devil’s Advocate, if only because I subjectively adore dorky pop music, and I’d be lying if I tried to claim otherwise. The Lexicon of Love needs no justification, though. This is pure pop crafted with meticulous care and respect for the tradition of the pop song. It’s so undeniably infectious, and only gets better with each listen. A must-listen for every poptimist!!
started off very funky then got bland
A Sheffieldian's idea of disco. There are fat funk bass lines throughout this smooth album. A combination of disco and new romanticism with gold suits and gold hooks. Best Tracks: Poison Arrow; The Look of Love - Pt. 1; All of my Heart
The first songs were groovy as hell. Got boring quick tho.
it was groovy woovey but then middy widdy
Had some good moments, more interesting than I expected from the other user reviews.
What can I say... this has always been one of my favorites since it came out! A fun romp with some great bass. "All of My Heart" - sublime! Listen to this one often.
Fun 80s sound.
pretty decent feels like i've heard this stuff before
Yes, please. I will take all the snappy drums, splashy synths, and electric keys you have.
Like the album. Early 80s and quite fun 7/10
The Lexicon of Slap Bass.
This is like the template for 80's sound snd aesthetic. Lots of synth, electric drum kits, trying to sound like David Baowie (at least on Poison Arrow). I get there is a theme of heartache but the sound portrays it as something you'd hear at an 80's nightclub. Its fun, its poppy, I liked it. Tears Are Not Enough is probably my standout track on this. Also Look of Love pt. 1 then going to Pt. 4 cracked me up. And Date Stamp giving me Pink Floyd "Money" vibes at the start. Its fun!
Very 80s. Would fit well on a record shelf near Duran Duran and Haircut 100
Pop, Disco 1982 -> 3
1.6/5 catchup on 6/14/24
It's not ashamed to be pop, but also not be afraid to put it out there with a strong arrangement of drums, guitar and strings and a powerful vocal to match. The instrumentation is quite prominent and innovative for a pop album, e.g. on the last two songs. It's some of the best pop I've heard - I'm almost tempted to give it a 5, but it doesn't leave a deep impression the way the best rock albums do, so I think it has to be a 4.
Wasn’t really sure who this was until I heard “The Look of Love, Pt. 1”. Easy listening.
Bad 80s.
This is better than I was expecting based on the reviews and commentary. It is 80's, but it doesn't have the hollow production that a lot of other 80's albums suffer from. There's driving, funky bass, and lots of interesting instrumentation with strings and brass. The songs are dramatic. It's got plenty of catchy grooves and a lot of energy. It's still not really my thing, but I can see why it has it's place in this list.
14/1001 Ok, this was a fun ride. I really liked this album, it feel funny and danceable. I not have too much things to say, just that I really liked.
This was alright. I could see how this could have been really important album in the 80s. Listening to it now, though, a lot of the songs are similar and repetitive. I didn’t hate this, but nothing much stood out. I was going to give this a 2, but “4 Ever 2 Gether” was a nice departure from the rest of the album, and I quite enjoyed it. But over, this was just okay.
wow
A nice surprise. Very chad bass and catchy songs.
One half decent song but largely I couldn't wait for it to end.
Some good songs, mostly bland doe. 3/5
Preferred this significantly to the Pet Shop Boys, who we listened to the day before. This one seem to have a little bit more of a pumpkin influenced groove to it, and that connected with me. Still, I can’t say I really really know this band very well. Glad to have listened to something that was not on my radar.
Already knew and liked two tracks (The Look of Love and All of my Heart) but that is not enough for a whole album. In total this is an album I don't really care for.
I like it more than the soft cell and I think I have that a 3 so…4
Why is there so much 80s British pop in this list? This was another band I wasn't familiar with until today. And another 80s British pop album that underwhelmed, though not to the extent of some of the others. The positives I found here are that this album is extremely well played & produced. There's some solid depth to what's actually going on in the music with multiple layers of sounds on several songs - much more so than a lot of the other albums from this genre that I've listened to. That at least kept me from counting down the tracks until the album was over, and I didn't really hate it as much as I expected to. But, it's not something I'll ever come back to.
All these types of bands sound the same to me
2 80s 4 me
I was really surprised by this one. The album cover looked corny as hell and 80's music is generally not my favorite. But there wasn't a song on here I didn't enjoy. I generally found the songs to be very dynamic and the album offered a rich soundscape. I don't know that there were any stand out songs, but that's because I liked the whole thing pretty well.
sickeningly fun the same way you eat too much of your favorite food because you can't stop yourself. I really didn't believe they could keep the energy they did without it all blending together and getting stale, but they really mix it up with addicting melodies on new instruments and fresh funky basslines throughout.
Musically I would say I generally enjoyed this album. I thought the baselines were funky and where the album was at its best. I'm not a huge fan of Fry's voice, it's trying to be seductive but sounds more whiney. I would listen to more Mark White compositions but I dont see myself coming back to this group. If I could give half stars this would be a 2.5
Don't have much to say about this.
Eh not my thing.
I loved it when it came out in 1983? I loved it yesterday in 2024. Great rhythm and clever lyrics.
3.75
C'était vraiment cool
Above average early 80s English Pop album. There's an undercurrent of funky grooves throughout and the radio hits pale in comparison to the rest of the album. Quite enjoyable.
This inoffensive and upbeat 80s music that just kind of puts you in a happier mood. Overall a good album with a few odd lyrical choices.
This was much better than I expected! Full confidence 80’s pop that didn’t hold back
Un album qui sonne "trop" de son époque. Ce n'est pas si mauvais, mais ça sonne vraiment comme tout ce qui se faisait à l'époque. J'ai vraiment aimé "4 ever 2 gether", mais rendu à la fin de l'album il est un peu tard pour se rattraper. 5.5/10
All aboard the ship of love We're going full speed ahead, toot toot! The ocean is full of broken hearts And the captain is a kiss! Ship of love, full of tender hugs I must steer the course right to the island of love There are pineapples and crabs there But I cannot eat them, because I am too heartbroken today It's the ship, it's the ship The ship of love I drive the ship, drive the ship The ship of love Look out for rocks, big scary rocks The rocks are metaphors for my broken heart! https://youtu.be/ZmmPLeXEtzU?t=45
All of this music, and the lead singer's voice seem so familiar. But I have never heard of the band by name or the songs by name. I did enjoy it, though.
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
Pure generic 80s pop.
Fun, upbeat, not really my vibe tho.
Great
I first heard these songs when MTV was a thing. I liked the video for "The Look of Love", so I went out and bought the album. I think it is still in my collection, but I'm not quite sure because I haven't listened to it in 40 years. It's a good album of 80's pop. It's ok, but I'm not really that into it.
Really cool
This is a nice fun albom
Schöner Gitarrenrock tolle Harmonien.
Lovely
Very solid just not a big fan of the guy's voice
Not my genre, too pop for me. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t excite me.
Dear God. This is terrible.
ABC's "The Lexicon of Love" is a brilliant synthesis of new wave, pop, and orchestral elements, creating a stylish and sophisticated sound that defined the 1980s. Released in 1982, the album is a concept record that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption, all set against a backdrop of lush orchestration and infectious melodies. The album's standout tracks, including "Poison Arrow," "The Look of Love," and "All of My Heart," showcase lead singer Martin Fry's smooth vocals and the band's knack for crafting catchy, yet emotionally resonant pop songs. The production, overseen by Trevor Horn, is pristine and innovative, incorporating elements of classical music and dance-pop to create a sound that was both timeless and ahead of its time. "The Lexicon of Love" is a masterpiece of 1980s pop music, showcasing ABC at the height of their creative powers. Its blend of sophisticated songwriting, lush production, and emotional depth has ensured its status as a classic of the era.
I'll be honest...I was expecting to hate this way more than I ended up doing so. It's still not great or groundbreaking in any way, but it is clearly art. Favorite track: Tears Are Not Enough
Another weird choice for this list. Countless UK 80s pop albums on here. This one reminded me a bit of Talking Heads but bad. Soulless lyrics and vocals. The instrumentals had their moments. Some funky bass playing.
This would have been so refreshing at the time and now sounds so similar to what came after it.
It's a fun album with some bombast. It shows its age, but in a charming way. I probably liked "Valentine's Day" the most.
Meh
Not bad, but really cheesy.
This was such a fun album, if a little repetitive. Still, the amount of camp and kitsch here is unbeatable.
Not a fan of sophisti-pop. The look of love and poison arrow are fine cheesy 80’s singles. The rest didn’t leave an impact.
Some classics on here. I get it, but do I love it? No.
This may be the most 80s thing I’ve ever heard.
The era of diminished returns.
British new wave is always cool. Very distinctly 80s.
In the early 1980s, ABC burst onto the UK music scene with a wildly refreshing cleanly produced pop music. ABC didn't sit well with my tastes at the time (severe post-punk) with its combination of polished pop and occasionally really trite lyrics. In retrospect, the album is quite an achievement of pop production though quite where it should sit in the firmament of the greatest albums I'm not sure. It's difficult to pick out the best tracks - the whole album seems to me at the same level.
Clever, polished, knowing songs full of artistry and artifice but utlimately it's souless, vacuous, contrived and artificial music that may just have made the mark it if the singing were not so weak. Good bass playing, arrangements and production though but as soon as the singing starts... yuk. I hate it.
Musical production and composition of ABC is really nice, but the lyrics seem forced and sub -standard for a group this interesting. On whole however, when I tune out the lyrics I like what they've created. 4/5
Чета все ругаются на этот альбом, а я вот ругаться не собираюсь. Вполне себе песняки театральные такие, для нью-вейва вполне себе. Хуй сосите короче
This is what pop should be!! When you think of the 80's I bet you're thinking of this. Every song does sound the same, but, I can smell the hairspray 40 years later.
3.75
This album was a decent 80s pop album with synth pop and new wave influences. The music is very much of its time, but I can't really gauge if this album should be considered influential or groundbreaking. It was certainly enjoyable and is a great example of its genre though so I'm giving it a three.
The voice is pretty terrible. It sounds like he’s trying to sing for a musical, and it comes off as “sing-saying”, which I hate. Also, his chorus hooks tend to come off as annoying, especially when he repeats it a billion times. However, barring his voice, everything sounds good and catchy. The backing tracks are just good pop/disco songs. If there was a different singer, I would probably like this album way more. Favorite track: Valentine’s Day
This album sucks. There's no other way to say it. It's not always a good thing to be different, and this album is different from other 80s albums by going for the classic, super clean, pop sound of the 80s but absolutely sucks shit at production and mastering. The production is so tinny and crackly I can't decide what to make of it. The lyrics, dear god. The lyrics are a bunch of nothing burgers with no consistent cadence or rhyme. I'm pretty sure its not even on beat for most of the album. Absolute garbage. Have no idea how it could make it on to this list.
The lyrics are pedestrian but the execution provides entertainment. Luckily a good bass and disco beat can save anything.
Really it would be a 2.5/5. I was excited when I saw that it was 80s new wave from the UK, but I didn't find the songa very interesting. Look of Love and Tears Are Not Enough are good, but not like to be on my rotation
Ну хорошо. Приятный попец
It was a fun album, in a department store kinda way. Where are part 2 and 3 of 'Look of Love'?
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.
With albums like this, I understood that I don't like certain type of 80s music. In some new-wavish style with eclectic instruments, synths and repetitive drum patterns that are interrupted occasionally by baffling decisions in the form of quirky noises. But this, at least it's not as sonically insulting as others. It's well thought and complex, pleasantly.
Still very listenable today. It is a good album, not a great one.
Did not realize that ABC really helped define that new wave sound so early in the 80's.
It is a very very interesting album. One of the best pop I ever listened. Music is really driving!
Peak 80s Not enough soul for me
I had no idea what to expect going into this. I hadn't heard of the artist or the album, and the album cover didn't give me any meaningful clues. I guess I can continue to round out my 1980s listening. There's melodrama on this record. I started picking up on it during the second track. The songs are catchy and flashy, creating a listening experience that alternates between fun and occasionally grating. But mostly fun. I like the prominent bass guitar, what can I say. It's a strong debut album that gives concept album energy without being obviously a concept album. It's a collection of good early 80s pop songs about love and its trappings. I'll be revisiting the highlights. Highlights: Show Me, Many Happy Returns, The Look Of Love Pt.1, Date Stamp
Stopped before the end of the third song, if you want to call it that…what a bloody shambles…if this is what is needed to help my neuroplasticity, I think maybe I’d rather go petrified…not even worth a star, but the app won’t allow me to go lower
The Lexicon of Love is emphatically and unashamedly 80s. It's like Duran Duran, Phil Collins, Rick Astley, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17 and anyone else, even some later Bowie, all thrown into a blender and you end up with something not quite any of those individually, but somehow they make it work as their own sound. I don't love it because it's SO 80s and new wavey that it'll never properly appeal but it is undeniably fun, has a great bouncy energy to it and songs that make you feel; Tears Are Not Enough and Valentine's Day are a terrific back to back punch and the second half of the track that follows, The Look of Love (Part One) is pretty iconic. I can't hate it, it's an easy 3, and if we've gonna have 80s pop on here I'd rather have this than many other albums.
Even the title is cringey this is over the top, mega 80s, super cheesy electro pop. Some of the lyrics are so painful that I actually quite enjoyed them. Will I ever listen to this again, probably not, but definitely raised a few smiles. 3/5.
Vibed with this, fun album
Not heard of this, 80s pop apparently. Quite a fun vibe. High 3 so far.
Great album, love the singers voice.
I don't get why this album is so polarizing. It's incredibly "of it's time" and incredibly average. It it the worst album of all time? No. Has it changed forever the way I think about 80's British pop music? Also no.
‘80’s Brit rock - felt more like an one hit wonder group
Very, very 80’s album
Good
Actually very good, not too many skips and some great instrumentals that I really enjoyed all the way through. Standouts were the look of love part 1 and 4 ever 2 gether
It is becoming clear to me that I don’t really like the 80’s and I wasn’t generous enough with Tears For Fears. The Look of Love - Pt. 1 had some cool horns, but that wasn’t enough to save this.
Not a fan of synth pop
Actually a decent UK pop album! Especially as a debut. Pretty balsy to take the name ABC.
Not very interesting I'm afraid, a forgettable new-wave pop act that I'm not even sure meets the "one hit wonder" threshold. The Wikipedia page is fighting me though, apparently this did really well in the UK and is generally well-regarded critically. But I ain't critics, and I've heard plenty of more interesting '80s new wave pop. The one song I really dug on here, "The Look of Love," is actually their highest charting UK single (reached number 4), and I have to look farther down the line to see their highest-charting US hit, "When Smokey Sings." That song I do know, but it's not here, and it's not too much of a hit if I'm being honest. Look, nothing against these guys, the music isn't bad, but if we're looking to represent an era of sophistipop and new wave, we can do a lot better (and this list has done better, with Duran Duran, a-Ha, Prefab Sprout, Tears for Fears to name a few). Won't be returning to this one. Favorite tracks: The Look of Love, parts 1 and 4 (?). Album art: Very fitting '80s pop cover, guy with gun holding fainting woman, but the framing, the text and font, it all screams new wave to me. Not a bad cover overall, but there's quite a bit going on here. 2.5/5
Some very pretty songs
As an early 80s teenager, this is right in my wheelhouse. Love Trevor Horn as a producer, so this gets a thumbs up!
Fun 80s music
Interesting blend of music. I was familiar with this group from only a few of their songs. This is a solid 80's album.
2/5 nope
The hits still hit. This band is fun 80s blue-eyed soul pop. There’s some good stuff here. It’s cute. Gets better as it goes. It was probably more of a sensation when it dropped in ‘82. Today it feels a little dated. Not sure how it earned a spot on this list. It’s very good, but not exactly essential. Definitely polished. I can see how this fuller sound influenced a lot of the British pop that followed. Can’t get Pet Shop Boys, Tears for Fears, Style Council or Duran Duran without this record. That said, Look of Love is still fabulous and impossible not to love. This is what Sam Smith thinks he sounds like. He does not.
80s synth pop to the max, with dramatic/campy vocals
full of the 80s synthy excess. really catchy.
Mediocre, inoffensive 80s schlock.
3.1
Filled with drama, ABC were successful in their quest to combine the politicism of punk with the sophistication of disco. The whole album is filled with catchy gems and comes off like watching a play
Good 80's jams.
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
Superior pop, but not to my taste.
Eh, I thought it was pretty good. Sounded like a quintessential 80's album, so it was fun to listen to.
Not necessarily my jam but well done. Kinda like cheesy synth pop meets disco.
Some of the worst of 80s music.
What a fun little album. Kind of a shame I’d never heard of ABC until now.
Very 80s, but not in a bad way.
I was excited when this popped up as it was a huge album with my group of friends back in 1982 with many hours spent dancing to some of the songs in clubs. I was disappointed to find that as a whole, the album doesn’t quite stand the test of time, though the singles from the album like Poison Arrow and Look of Love do in fact hold up. Still, Martin Fry’s crooner vocals are fun and the sophisti-pop stylings and music make it impossible not to want to get up and groove to it.
Oh hot damn. What a nice surprise. Love this band. The hits still hit. This band is fun 80s blue-eyed soul pop. There’s some good stuff here. It’s cute. Gets better as it goes. It was probably more of a sensation when it dropped in ‘82. Today it feels a little dated. Not sure how it earned a spot on this list. It’s very good, but not exactly essential. Definitely polished. I can see how this fuller sound influenced a lot of the British pop that followed. Can’t get Pet Shop Boys, Tears for Fears, Style Council or Duran Duran without this record. That said, Look of Love is still fabulous and impossible not to love. This is what Sam Smith thinks he sounds like. He does not.
Mid 80s music
This album is a lot, all the crooning and whispering. It's very dramatic and it's not for me.
This was really fun, but nothing about it felt outstanding or remarkable. Almost gave it a four, if there had been a few more standout bops I think I would have
Very polished, slightly bloodless, over-produced, completely lacking any sort of edge, only emotion is a sort of general whining about "feelings". However, 'All of my Heart' is one of the best pop songs of the 80s, and the other two big hits (poison arrow & the look of love) are better than I remembered. 3 🌟
Surprising how fun this album was. Great bass lines, some kooky 80s synth, it was great. Probably won't be on my rotation anytime soon but glad to be introduced to this artist. Bonus points for how many people rated this a 1 because it was "way too 80s" lmao.
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.
Ouch. That was painful.
Cool 80s music and hat somehow I was not familiar with. Liked the sound. I will be listening to this again. Favorited a couple songs.
Some really good songs, but maybe I've had too much coffee so far... it seems very frenetic. Maybe it's just all the energy.
A bombastic romp of 80's sounds mixed with layers of instruments. Look of Love and All of My Heart seem the strongest though nearly all have a dance energy and a general frivolity. There a couple times where the vocal delivery is a bit painful, such as the middle of Many Happy Returns. An interesting journey.
zu poppig... radiomusik
If you put all the 80's synth-wave records into a blender, this is what would come out. Cool disco bass lines, lots of synthesizers, overly dramatic vocals. It's certainly fun although I don't think I'd call this absolutely something you have to hear before you die. I can appreciate that this is not everyone's jam, and although I enjoyed it, there are better examples from this era that I would imagine are forthcoming on this list.
At best, in the right hands this has some meme potential a la Rick Astley, at worst it's cheezy and completely forgettable 80's synth pop from... you've guessed it... UK! 2 tacky tacks out of 5 📌📌
Modestly interesting style and sound, clear influence from Bowie
This band was everywhere in the MTV mid 80’s. I’m still not a fan.
Conocida: The Look Of Love (Pt. 1).
местами похоже на всякое (логично, артисты не работают в вакууме), но не прилегло на душу пока
Good
80's pop charms me
The instrumentals on this album are phonomenal, but I really couldn't get behind the vocals and lyricism. It worked on some of the songs, but not on the majority of them.
I think I had previously heard "the look of love", if I hadn't, then it sounds very similar to a different popular song. Overall this is a pretty standard new wave album. I didn't think it was really anything special
Some of the music was really fun, but the lyrics mostly ruined it. So many bad love songs..
Wow, I loved this. Poison Arrow & 4 Ever 2 Gether go insane.
If they let this record breathe a bit I think I could love it. It desperately needs space in the arrangement. Or maybe if they did less cocaine. Maybe thats it. All jokes aside, insufferably 80s. Awesome bass and drums that suffer from overdone vocals, synths, and other bad 80s production/arrangement. Nothing stood out.
i unexpectedly loved it?? will definitely listen to it more, lovely groove
It didn’t sound like the singles I remember.
2/5. Definitely a throwback to the 80s with that patented feel of that decade. While I didn’t mind this album at all, there was nothing special that set it apart.
In a nutshell: a copy of a copy. Why listen to ABC’s Lexicon of Love when you can listen to a-ha, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes To Hollywood or The Buggles? The production is good though (courtesy of Trevor Horn). Overall: 2/10
Decent early-'80s new wave.
Very sugary 80s pop. I like this, but I don't love it. I saw them live this year & they did a great job. 3.5 stars
I like ABC well enough, I guess. But when I wanna take a trip down 80s New Wave "memory lane" they're pretty far down the list of things I'd pick out.
This is not something I would listen to again, but I appreciate it probably inspired later 80s pop music. The slap bass and some drum patterns were decent on some spots.
-i have never heard of ABC before -excited to see what this is -oh yeah this is 80’s MUSIC!!!!! -this is giving fun dance music -i really like how cherry this is. fully makes me want to get up and dance -the songs do all sound very similar to each other tho -i do really like the look of love part 4 -yeah overall this is three stars for me! theres drama theres lovely instruments theres groove!
I hated this
A cool pop/new-wave synth sound that took you on a journey through love and heartbreak. With most of the songs quite catchy and great to bop your head to. Best: Poison Arrow Worst: Theme of "Mantrap"
Cool energetic new wave Torn between 3 and 4, could enjoy again
Not my favorite. I kept waiting for it to be something i recognized but halfway through i realized i was just waiting for it to be the Pet Shop Boys instead. Very boring and I didn't like the lead vocalist's voice. Might go listen to the Pet Shop Boys now.
Yep. That's a new wave album.
I love a good 80s pop album. It was fun! And certainly wasn't boring.
it was perfectly average 80s music. I expected worse based on the cover, but also I wasn't blown away. Poison arrow is pretty good, the rest was listenable
Sure! Okay! Vibes! Kinda weird though.
Dull, run of the mill new-wave, yawn.
great 80s pop band ,brought back good memories thank you
Surprisingly good..
Gotta love that 80's funk
git yo 80's vibes
bass lines are pretty sick. but i dont actually like this very much. i'll let it slide with a 3
Good pop
Wow, surprised.
I like this style of 80s pop! I would listen to more in the genre one day 3.8
Head bobbing and funky with heavy bass and disco galore
pela capa, achei que era um album de big band ou swing dos anos 60. qual não foi a minha surpresa ver que era um álbum de new wave dos anos 80 que eu nunca tinha ouvido falar? infelizmente, o motivo pelo qual eu nunca tinha ouvido falar antes provavelmente é porque esse álbum é péssimo. datado e sem graça.
I discovered this group. Very nice 80s rock pop, some funky rythms too. 3.5
I'm 90% sure this was a Culture Club cover band that somehow got a hold of a bunch of actual Culture Club b sides and recorded them. This is that band without the great hooks.
Awful. A true Worst Of the 80s
Pffft, wat een over-the-top album. Niet echt goed, maar goed genoeg voor een extra ster.
Thoughts before listening: I've heard of this band and the album cover looks familiar, but I've never listened to them. My initial thought is that they are 80s synth pop, but I'm not really sure. This is the type of album where I'm often surprised to recognize a song or two, but I definitely can't name any of their hits. Review: This isn't for me. The bass player is really good...kind of has a disco feel to his playing that I'm enjoying, but everything else isn't really doing much for me...and I might even call it annoying. This is the sound people are thinking of when they say they hate 80s new wave music.
Favourite songs: Poison Arrow, Show Me, Tears Are Not Enough, Valentine's Day, "The Look of Love, Pt. 1" Least favourite songs: 4 Ever 2 Gether, Theme from "Mantrap" 3/5
Despite I think being earlier than a good chunk of bands I would compare this to, I still can't shake the feeling that this is like if an AI was told to make a sophisti-pop album. It is certainly surface level solid, but past that nothing here grabs me, with it being funky, but no baseline being memorable, and the singer has a great voice, but I'd never be able to pick it out of the crowd. I'll give it credit for being something I'd say I enjoyed, but it doesn't go much farther than that.
nah im good
Classic sound. Great listen.
nah 2*
Weird and 80's
Get in loser, we’re headed to the 1980s and this album is your fucking passport.
Pas si raté que ça
et si tous les albums des annees 80 n etaient en fait que des side projects ratés des cure ?
All style no substance. It doesn't really go anywhere.
It is precisely, unapologetically, and quintessentially synth-pop. I don't care for it myself, but it can't be under-appreciated for the influence it had on an entire decade's worth of music. The rating reflects my own personal tastes, but I completely get why this album is on this list.
Not the best and very dated
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
The Lexicon of Love is the debut album by the English pop band ABC. This synth-pop, new wave album is sort of a concept album of love songs and heartache. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and has been certified platinum in the UK and gold in the US. It's a great British pop album from the 80's with danceable songs about love. The productions is well done and the pop music stands the test of time by being just as good today as when it released. If you like pop music, then this is an album for you.
Good new wave, new romantic album. "The Look of Love" parts 1 and 4 are the standouts and the former is necessarily a big 80s hit. The rest is of its time.
OK I'm a sucker for the 80s and this was enjoyable!
I love this.
Alright got me moving with first song
80s romance ballads ok
Show Me 5.7 Poison Arrow 5.9 Many Happy Returns 5.2 Tears Are Not Enough 5 Valentine's Day 4.9 The Look of Love (part one) 5.1 Date Stamp 4.7 All of My Heart 5.4 4 Ever 2 Gether 4.8 The Look of Love (part four) 5.5 Too many annoying synth sounds and the melodramatic vocals are often cringe. 2.5 stars,
Very poppy and 80's sounding. Some enjoyable tracks, but just kind of bored me.
Top-notch, catchy pop tunes with the perfect amount of orchestral backing, but with really cheesy lyrics.
Saw the cover and thought I’d get it, i didn’t. Very theatrical and fun. Had some humour worked in. Got me boppin’ around a bit, can’t guarantee I’ll return to this but i liked it. 3.5 stars
10/18/23. Another band and album I’ve never heard of, and another pleasant surprise. A lot of fun, interesting pop songs with good lead vocals.
One of those bands you didn't listen to much and then one song comes on and your like OMG I forgot they sang this and you want to listen to more
This is clearly a movie soundtrack, but i dont hate it! 3*
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.
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.
British pop. Nice easy listening. Puts me to a certain time period and still holds up as a nice pop sound from the 80s
This is just fantastic. All of the "this sounds like the 80s" negativity....Yeah it does, this some of the best the 80s has to offer
These fuckers were on the precipice of shaking a 5 out of me for this terrific, spirited album. But then somewhere between The Look Of Love Parts 1 (a goddamn beautiful 5 all by itself) and Parts 4, I couldn't tell the difference between ABC, Spandau Ballet, The Human League or even some goddamn Bryan Ferry. Maybe that's the point. You'd think someone from the second coming of the British Invasion would distinguish to themselves as best in show. Americans surely suggest Duran Duran deserves the title, which is a sad commentary on the states. The Durans have their moments, but don't have an album as consistently great as this. It doesn't matter that the so called second British Invasion didn't have The Beatles, just like it matters not that ABC never got to Duran Duran levels of popularity in America. In the end, all that matters is the music.
Too much disco and pop for me.
This reminds me of all the music I didn't like in the 80's. Highly produced, cheesy Brit synth-pop of forgettable, syrupy generic sounding drivel. Okay, it wasn't that bad, it was listenable and it did take me back to the early 80's, at a time I was rejecting this type of pop music. Now it just sounds dated and maybe a slight guilty pleasure, just a tiny bit.
This album sounds like everything I hate about 80’s music yet for whatever reason is slaps so fucking hard
Ihan ok!
Had heard the Poison Arrow song before and enjoyed it, and liked that the album felt cohesive.
Didn't really do much for me, not a huge new wave fan.
And at last a 80s album i like. Mostly (there are some dodgy handiclaps in there)Tunes (4 massive hits) and its got those orchestral bits linking stuff together. 3.75
great stuff
Very 80’s - too dated to really be enjoyable
Meh
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
Not bad. Theme tracks of the 80s. 4/5
It's really okay to leave a crappy album off the list even if it hit #1 in the UK. Best track: The Look of Love - Pt. 4
If there's one thing I've learned from 1001 it's that I do love some early 80s new wave. This one didn't scratch the itch as much as some others, it feels a bit more kitchy or something. But it was alright.
80s pure pop. Enjoyed and had never heard of the band prior to this. 3/5
Not my style