101 80s Hits - Various Artists

...and uninteresting with the numbers 101 being prominent in blue, cerise and yellow respectively, with 80’s hits written in white on a black background just below. What actually grabbed my attention was the track listing, rather than the album cover.

So what did I get for my money. Lets start with the first disc.

Tracks on disc 1
1.: I Want To Break Free – Queen

One of Queen’s later offerings, probably ...
...doing the hovering whilst in drag amongst other similar activities. A huge hit as Queen enjoyed a renaissance period following their unbelievable success at Live Aid.

2.: Heaven Is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle

Undoubtedly Belinda’s biggest hit following her split from the Go-Go’s. I wasn’t a big Belinda Carlisle fan but this wasn’t a bad tune. Fairly typical of the eighties, with its upbeat poppy type style.
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As many of you will know from my earlier reviews, one of my great passions is music from the 1980’s which is synonymous with my formative years, when I was full of testosterone. Some people will argue that I haven’t changed, but undisputedly the music has, although I would argue not for the better.

I had seen this particular offering in WH Smiths a few months ago, and thought about parting with my hard earned readies, but have only recently plucked up the courage once it was to be found in the bargain basement section for the princely sum of £3.99. Boy what a bargain.

All in all one hundred and one tracks from the greatest era music has ever produced (ok maybe I’m going a bit over the top but it’s my review so I’m allowed to be biased) on 5 CD’s – by my maths that works out at less that 80p for each disc.

OK So what attracted me to this offering?

I would like to say that the Album Cover shouted at me come and buy me but sadly I would be lying. As I said before, one of my great loves is eighties music and that was the main reason for me buying this offering.

To be honest with you, the cover is pretty bland and uninteresting with the numbers 101 being prominent in blue, cerise and yellow respectively, with 80’s hits written in white on a black background just below. What actually grabbed my attention was the track listing, rather than the album cover.

So what did I get for my money. Lets start with the first disc.

Tracks on disc 1
1.: I Want To Break Free – Queen

One of Queen’s later offerings, probably best remembered for the video which showed various band members doing the hovering whilst in drag amongst other similar activities. A huge hit as Queen enjoyed a renaissance period following their unbelievable success at Live Aid.

2.: Heaven Is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle

Undoubtedly Belinda’s biggest hit following her split from the Go-Go’s. I wasn’t a big Belinda Carlisle fan but this wasn’t a bad tune. Fairly typical of the eighties, with its upbeat poppy type style.

3.: Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves

Before enjoying Eurovision success, if there is such a thing, with Love Shine a Light, Katrina enjoyed mainstream success most notably with this pop ditty. It was good at the time but has undoubtedly aged in the ensuing period (both the track and the artist). It’s hard to be too critical of it but conversely it isn’t one to go overboard on either.

4.: Power Of Love – Huey Lewis & The News

One of three songs sharing the same title all released during the same period in the 1980’s although all were completely different. Personally, I thought this was the worst of the three different versions, which is going some to be worse than Jennifer Rush.

5.: Call Me – Blondie

Blondie, fronted by Debbie Harry, were probably the most successful female based group of the 1970’s, and probably helped pave the way for the likes of Bananarama and Madonna to make their mark in this mainly male dominated industry in the 1980’s. Not as powerful as Heart Of Glass, which is my all time favourite Blondie track but a fairly decent quasi punk type track.

6.: Let's Dance – David Bowie

This track signalled another phase in the career of Bowie, with this representing a more melancholy and tranquil period of his career. This record probably demonstrated to me the genius that is Bowie given that he could change his music at a whim to reflect the times he was operating in, or predicting the change in musical tastes to such an extent that he always remained at the forefront of the business.

7.: Gold - Spandau Ballet

The BBC usually hang their hat on this track whenever the Olympics or Commonwealths come round given its obvious connection so I’m sure that if you have a sporting affinity you will have heard it many times before. . Not their greatest offering but fairly routine pop music which was in keeping with the period.

8.: Reflex - Duran Duran

A bit more electro than Simon and the gangs earlier records. OK but not brilliant.

9.: White Wedding – Billy Idol

Billy, bless him, tried to play the punk role with his peroxide blonde spiky hair, but I just couldn’t take him seriously. The video for this was pretty funny though.

10.: Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds

Undoubtedly the most successful hit for Jim Kerr and the boys, along with Alive and Kicking. Jim is probably as famous for his unsuccessful marriage to Patsy Kensit as he is for the offerings his band provided.

11.: Dancing With Tears In My Eyes – Ultravox

Ultravox, and Midge Ure in particular, never really got the recognition that they deserved until after Live Aid which Midge, together with Bob Geldof, was instrumental in getting off the ground. A typical 80’s type tune with a very poppy electro feel to it.

12.: Temptation - Heaven 17

Another group embroiled by New Romantic fever, they never really escaped from The Human Leagues’ standing as Yorkshires leading group of the time. Typical eighties fare.

13.: Together In Electric Dreams – Phil Oakey & Giorgio Moroder

This corroboration between the lead singer of The Human League and Giorgio Moroder was a huge European hit, which once again was very much in keeping with the electro, pop, new romantic feel of the time.

14.: Good Heart – Feargal Sharkey

The former lead singer of The Undertones showed that there was a more mellow side to his voice than originally thought. A monster smash, although he never quite enjoyed the same level of success subsequently.

15.: Don't Go – Yazoo

The original electro pop masters, and undoubtedly the best. Yazoo were Alison Moyet on vocals and Vice Clarke on the synthesiser who later found success with Andy Bell in Erasure. A wonderful electro pop classic.

16.: Little Respect – Erasure

I don’t know if this was deliberate when the album track listing was put together, but low and behold Vince Clarke appears again in this Andy Bell duet. It is interesting to see how electro pop developed in between these two singles, with this one enjoying a slightly higher tempo than its predecessor.

17.: Church Of The Poison Mind - Culture Club

The original exponent of gender bender pop (am I allowed to say that, well if not you know what I mean), Boy George was nothing if not controversial. Is it a man, is it a women, no it’s Boy George !!! Culture Club were always going to struggle to emulate the success of their debut single Do you really want to Hurt Me, although this wasn’t a bad attempt at a follow up.

18.: We Close Our Eyes - Go West

Pete Cox had been somewhat forgotten about until he appeared on one of the many reality TV shows not so long ago, and this was by far his groups biggest hit. Once again, fairly typical 80’s electro poppy type stuff.

19.: Criticize – Alexander O'Neal

A wonderful soulful tune from Alexander O’Neal which manages to break up the electro pop which pretty much dominates the first CD.

20.: Let's Go All The Way - Sly Fox

One hit wonders, although after listening to this pile of rubbish it is not surprising. Amazingly this managed to reach the giddy heights of number 3 in the UK charts, although much of that I suspect was down to the rude lyrics which they managed to sneak in (they managed to squeeze the F word in there !!).

21.: Straight Up – Paula Abdul

For those of you that watch American Idol, this is the same Paula Abdooooooool that Ryan Seacrest manages to introduce each week with such relish. Before she criticises the acts she should listen to her own work – it’s not pretty.

So now that that’s whetted your appetite do you want to find out about the next CD? Of course you do, so here goes ….

Tracks on disc 2
1.: We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – Tina Turner

Probably best known from the Mad Max movie, this song helped Tina Turner to enjoy a renaissance period which culminated in the success of Simply the Best (see later on in this review). To be honest this is typical Tina Turner stuff.

2.: Vienna – Ultravox

One of the decades greatest offerings although how this was kept off the top of the charts by Joe Dolce’s Shaddupa your face I will never know. For all those of you who bought it (you know who you are) you should be shot. This is an absolute classic (Ultravox not Joe Dolce !!) which has not aged.

3.: Only You – Yazoo

This song was ruined when the Flying Pickets covered it without the use of instruments, which is pretty much nigh on impossible given its extensive use of synthesiser pop. Undoubtedly Yazoo’s finest single.

4.: Save A Prayer - Duran Duran

I was never a big fan of Duran Duran but this was their best track in my opinion. Haunting vocals and a great musical backing.

5.: Souvenir - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

OMD had their own little niche in the 80’s pop market and their own unique style, which was pretty much get on your nerves electro pop. However, this one broke their mould and whilst displaying these traits is pretty catchy. Not as big as Enola Gay which was a huge hit, this isn’t a bad second effort.

6.: Come Live With Me - Heaven 17

Very poor when compared with Temptation. Heaven 17 in my opinion never really took off.

7.: Cambodia – Kim Wilde

Kim had musical blood in her given that her father Marty was a major pop star in the 1960’s. Not a bad effort from her here but not a patch on Kids in America

8.: Kayleigh – Marillion

Marillion, led by Derek Dick who wisely changed his name to Fish, were traditional rockers but this rendition was anything but rock with quite a poppy feel to this huge single. Very much a break from their norm.

9.: China In Your Hand - T'Pau

This was T’Pau’s debut single and headed straight to the top of the charts. Carol Decker’s vocals are unmistakeable.

10.: Time (Clock Of The Heart) - Culture Club

You would be forgiven if you thought this was a Culture Club compilation album, but as they were probably the biggest band of the decade this is hardly surprising. Slower and less upbeat than their other numbers, nevertheless this is still one of those tunes that you never really tire of hearing.

11.: It Started With A Kiss - Hot Chocolate

This is typical Hot Chocolate with Errol Brown at his soulful best. Fairly melancholy and tranquil track.

12.: Classic – Adrian Gurvitz

Adrian never really enjoyed mainstream success but if he could have consistently produced tracks of this level then he would have done. Another easy listening track.

13.: She Makes My Day – Robert Palmer

Robert Palmer had a wonderful soulful voice which was very evident on this smash. Whilst not as rocky as Addicted to Love, this remains a wonderful release.

14.: Nothing Has Been Proved – Dusty Springfield

This effort was produced by the Pet Shop Boys and featured in the film Scandal, concerning the Profumo affair. Not a bad track and helped to re-establish Dusty with a new audience.

15.: Never Never – Assembly

The Assembly were a synth pop duo consisting of Vince Clarke from Erasure and Yazoo fame, and Eric Radcliffe. However, the band only ever produced this one single for whatever reason, before Vince formed Erasure with Andy Bell. Interestingly Feargal Sharkey appeared as a guest singer on this track.

16.: Black Man Ray - China Crisis

China Crisis pretty much disappeared as quickly as they arrived on the music scene and disappeared back to their humble Liverpool roots. If they had continued to produce tracks as good as this one with such haunting lyrics their musical careers would have been seriously extended.

17.: Room In Your Heart - Living In A Box

Living in a Box’s attempt at a follow up to the self titled debut single never really took off although in hindsight it probably isn’t that bad a track. I suppose that’s the price you have to pay if you achieve success too early in your career.

18.: True - Spandau Ballet

I love this song, not least because I won a £5 bet on it entering the charts straight at number 1 back in 1982. £5 may not seem like a lot nowadays, but 25 years ago it was like Gold dust. Darren, if you’re reading this review, thank you. My biggest disappointment with this track on the album however, is that the iconic saxophone solo has been omitted. What a scandal. This is Spandau Ballet’s best record by far, even without the saxophone solo.

I know it’s hard to contain yourselves but I must continue with the next disc.

Tracks on disc 3
1.: Too Much Too Young – Specials

The Specials were at the forefront of the Ska / Two Tone movement which was sweeping the nation on the back of depressing times in Thatcher’s Britain. This helped to raise the profile of people having children too young which was and remains a major problem in our country. Haunting music and lyrics although not as distinct a sound as Ghost Town.

2.: Our House – Madness

A typical Nutty Boys single, which helped cheer the mood of the nation. The video’s they produced were nearly as good as the singles.

3.: Geno - Dexys Midnight Runners

Geno was Dexys Midnight Runners debut single when Kevin Rowlands knew how to dress properly !! If you think Come On Eileen is Dexy’s at their best you obviously haven’t listened to this one.

4.: Tide Is High – Blondie

Blondie never quite achieved the same level of success as they had in the 1970’s, but this was a huge success, with their quasi punk style of music coming to the fore.

5.: Do You Really Want To Hurt Me - Culture Club

To say that Culture Club were the biggest influence on pop styles in the 1980’s is an understatement. They were truly iconic in their style of music and dress sense, and men were openly dressing in womens clothing and coming out. Before you ask I did neither. A truly truly great song which changed British pop forever.

6.: Too Shy – Kajagoogoo

Kajagoogoo are remembered as much for Limahl’s haircut as they are for their music, although this is probably a little unfair as they could play some decent pop music as evidenced by this single in particular. One of those tunes you just can’t help singing along to.

7.: Kiss Me - Stephen 'Tin Tin' Duffy

One hit wonder, this was very catchy and should really have been the catalyst for a successful solo career. For whatever reason, this never happened.

8.: Rio - Duran Duran

I particularly enjoyed this at the time it was released but I guess that was more to do with the scantily clad females in the video rather than Simon Le Bon’s dulcet tones !!. Fairly typical eighties pop stuff.

9.: Stop – Erasure

Not to be confused with the song of the same title by Sam Brown this was typical Erasure i.e electro pop stuff. Not their best effort by ant stretch of the imagination but not their worst either.

10.: Living In A Box - Living In A Box

This was somewhat novel as it isn’t very often that a group sings about themselves !!. The forerunner to Room in your heart, this was another monster hit..

11.: Hey You The Rock Steady Crew - Rock Steady Crew

What do you know, just like buses along comes another one ie a group singing about themselves. By far The Rock Steady Crews biggest hit, they took a lead from Living in a Box by singing about themselves. This effort signified their peak in the charts.

12.: Kids In America – Kim Wilde

Without a doubt this was Kim’s finest release, and one of my favourite tracks on the album. Very electro rock and catapulted Kim to worldwide fame.

13.: Wired For Sound – Cliff Richard

The Peter Pan of pop obviously needs no introduction, but how this was ever a hit I will never know. Cheesy fashion, and a cheesy video of Cliff on roller skates obviously did something to enhance sales. Not one you would admit to liking.

14.: 9 To 5 – Sheena Easton

The theme from the TV programme of the same name helped Sheena to conquer the US market. Strangely enough her dulcet Glaswegian tones helped her make more of a success in the States than in the UK. She followed this up with Modern Girl which followed a similar trait of Glaswegian pop.

15.: I Got You Babe - UB40 & Chrissie Hynde

This corroboration between UB40 and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders (Brass in Pocket) fame was a huge hit and to be honest their various styles complemented each other excellently on this track.

16.: It Ain't What You Do It's The Way That You Do It - Fun Boy Three & Bananarama

This effort was a bit of a strange offering but in many ways helped to promote the virtues of both groups and both went on to enjoy further success. Surprisingly, it was Bananarama who had more success and were the original pioneers of girl power. This was quite a fun bouncy number, which was very successful.

17.: Tarzan Boy – Baltimora

Baltimore, AKA Timmy Mallett, was first introduced to the UK audience via Saturday morning TV, and this period was synonymous for the many spoof records out there including Mr Blobby and The Tweets in particular. Whilst this wasn’t as bad as those two tracks, the monotonous wailing at the start doesn’t put it far behind.

18.: Body Rock – Maria Vidal

Undoubtedly this was Maria’s biggest hit (it was her only hit so you can’t argue with me on that one !!). Quite a rocky pop type number but instantly forgettable once the next track starts.

19.: We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off – Jermaine Stewart

Fairly typical eighties pop tune which achieved great success, albeit he never had another hit afterwards. Very strange lyrics which was in keeping with this huge musical decade.

20.: Hand On Your Heart – Kylie Minogue

Fairly typical Kylie pop tune of the early 80’s period which was very poppy and cheery Aussi soap type stuff. Kylie had a ready made audience ready to buy her offerings given her leading role in Aussi soap Neighbours but to be fair to her she would have probably enjoyed great success without the stepping stone which this provided her.

21.: I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) – Proclaimers

The Scottish twins have recently enjoyed a renaissance period with a re-issue of this single for Comic Relief. Whilst being somewhat nerdy they enjoyed a cult following, and you can’t help but love their cheery smiley music. This definitely promoted use of the guitar.

22.: Best – Tina Turner

A wonderful Turner anthem, which signalled many a furtle on the dance floor towards the end of the night. Undoubtedly Turners biggest hit of the decade.

Don’t worry, only two more discs to review so here goes

Tracks on disc 4
1.: Ghost Town – Specials

This track was totally in keeping with the mood generated by Thatcher’s Britain, painting a picture of no jobs and high unemployment which was certainly a major issue at the start of the decade. The two tone / ska influence dominated the track which helped push The Specials outside of a localised audience.

2.: Ashes To Ashes – David Bowie

Another classic Bowie track, most notably remembered for the hideous outfit he wore in the accompanying video. Great track.

3.: It's My Life - Talk Talk

Talk Talk never really got the credit which they deserved for their unique brand of electro, new romantic pop music. This offering was one of their biggest hits and certainly helped promote their style of music.

4.: Echo Beach - Martha & The Muffins

Quasi punk number from Martha and her muffins, unbelievably they never followed up the success of this offering. Wonderful lyrics and vocals.

5.: Enola Gay - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

OMD if you’ve never heard them were very much dominated by their music over their lyrics with many of their tracks being instrumental influenced, hence their title. This track got the balance between the instrumental and the vocal just right. A huge hit.

6.: Girls On Film - Duran Duran

Similar to Rio, the video for this track caught the eye before the vocals got you, given once again the bands choice of a plethora of scantily clad females in the video. I suspect this was their way of appealing to a male audience which certainly worked for me. In actual fact this wasn’t a bad track and I never tire of watching the video !!

7.: Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On) - Spandau Ballet

Whilst not as big a hit as True or Gold, this single helped to establish Spandau Ballet. One of their better offerings.

8.: 19 – Paul Hardcastle

This was a very clever track from Paul which broke the mould with everything that the 80’s had previously been responsible for. This track attempted to highlight the plight of the forces during the Vietnam War, where the average age of the combat soldier during this war was nn nn nn nn nn nineteen. Haunting music, with the vocals being sung as backing vocals. The hairs still stand on the back of my neck when I see the video to this. Simply brilliant track.

9.: Road To Nowhere - Talking Heads

Another group who never got the acclaim which they truly deserved although much of that is as a consequence of never really producing anything to match this monster smash. Another great track.

10.: Whole Of The Moon – Waterboys

How The Waterboys never had another hit I will never know. This is one of those upbeat rock type numbers where you just cannot help but fail to turn the stereo up full blast.

11.: Golden Brown – Stranglers

The former pioneers and frontrunners of the punk movement had a major style change to coincide with the changing musical tastes of the period. This was as far removed from their previous style as you could probably get. Their renaissance period lasted as long as this one track which was a big hit.

12.: Every Day Is Like Sunday – Morrissey

Morrissey enjoyed reasonable success following his split from The Smiths, thankfully his lyrics were slightly more cherry although he did do songs about the guillotine !! Whilst this track had pretty depressing lyrics, its tune was pretty cheery. After the success of his debut album he never really followed it up.

13.: Our Lips Are Sealed - Fun Boy Three

Unfortunately FB3 did not take any notice of the lyrics to this track and insisted on sharing this rubbish with us all. One of the weakest tracks on the album.

14.: Mary's Prayer – Danny Wilson

Similar to The Waterboys, it is amazing that Danny Wilson never had success after this monster smash. Another one to turn the stereo up full blast to.

15.: Labour Of Love - Hue & Cry

I never really got the idea of Hugh & Cry and which sector they were trying to appeal to. There style of music was never new romantic nor pop, and as a consequence they never really enjoyed great success. Another track best forgotten.

16.: Embarrassment – Madness

This should really have been the title of the previous track, but maybe I’m being a little harsh. Another wonderful offering from the Nutty Boys, which was very much in keeping with their unique genre.

17.: Turning Japanese – Vapors

Amazingly yet another one hit wonder. This managed to combine various genres of music including rock, pop, and electro to great success. Wonderful record although some of the lyrics leave as bit to be desired.

18.: Rebel Yell – Billy Idol

Despite Billy enjoying reasonably limited success in the British market this is his third offering on this album, although to be fair that is probably the full extent of his musical success. Pretty decent track if punk floats your boat.

19.: Here I Go Again – Whitesnake

Yet another group who re-invented themselves to coincide with the change in musical tastes. Whitesnake were and still are one of the original heavy rockers, and they lost a lot of their heavy head banging side with this track. All in all a pretty decent track.

20.: Alive And Kicking - Simple Minds

Very similar to Don’t You (Forget About Me) which appears on the first CD of this compilation. A decent mild rock track.

And finally onto disc 5

Tracks on disc 5
1.: Red Red Wine - UB40

Although UB40 had been around for years they had only enjoyed relative mainstream success until this huge hit was released. This typified their depressing style of beat and lyrics, but somehow seemed to capture the depressing mood sweeping the nation not long after Maggie T had come to power.

2.: Karma Chameleon - Culture Club

Following the success of Do You Really Want To Hurt Me was always going to be difficult but somehow Culture Club managed to pull it off with this rendition which managed to dominate the music charts in the summer of 1984. I didn’t really like this tune at first but once it got adopted as a terrace song down at Maine Road during our successful 1984/85 promotion campaign it went up in my estimation !!

3.: Baggy Trousers – Madness

One of The Nutty Boy’s finest, although it was hard to take the record or the group serious which is probably what made them as successful as they were.

4.: Message To You Rudy – Specials

The leaders of ska music which grew in the Midlands with such groups as The Selector and The Beat. This sort of integrated the mod style of music into a more popular form.

5.: Don't Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Bobby attempted to combine reggae with pop which culminated in this feel good song of the late 80’s. This was huge in the States but didn’t quite achieve the same level of success on this side of the pond.

6.: Thinking Of You – Colourfield

The groups first single, fronted by Terry Hall of the Specials and Fun Boy Three fame. Quite a tuneful number although they never really followed it up.

7.: Lavender – Marillion

This was part of Marillions new style softer rock music which to be honest didn’t do an awful lot for their credibility as they lost many of their former fans and didn’t really gain any new ones. This featured such wonderful lyrics as Lavender blue dilly dally, lavender green, when you are king dilly dally, I shall be queen. Truly memorable !!

8.: Missing You – John Waite

Dreadful, dreadful ballad which was his one and only hit thank goodness. Need I say more?

9.: I Just Died In Your Arms - Cutting Crew

Whilst they may have been one hit wonders, this was and remains a massive hit, with its serious lyrics and tuneful beat.

10.: Rush Hour – Jane Wiedlin

A one hit wonder and it’s not hard to see why. Best forgotten.

11.: Leave A Light On – Belinda Carlisle

Not as successful as Circle in the Sand or Heaven is a place on Earth, but nevertheless still a very catchy tune in keeping with Belinda’s style.

12.: I Want That Man – Deborah Harry

Deborah’s attempt at a solo career never really took off after the success of Blondie although she did re-invent herself a few years ago with the wonderful Maria. This was quite a female rock sort of number, containing those dulcet Harry vocals.

13.: Respectable - Mel & Kim

Successful pop ditty from the Appleby sisters, ok track, nothing particularly spectacular.

14.: Good Life - Inner City

This track demonstrated the cross-over from dance music to mainstream pop which Inner City were able to pull off with both this track and Big Fun.

15.: Solid - Ashford & Simpson

Vomit inducing ballad from these two heavyweights. As you have probably gathered, not one of my favourite tracks.

16.: Keep On Movin' - Soul II Soul & Caron Wheeler

This record helped introduce the concept of corroborations with Caron Wheeler adding her vocals to this number from one of the original exponents of house music.

17.: If Only I Could – Sydney Youngblood

This one hit wonder was a happy summer pop type tune, which talked about making the world a better place. As we all know, he never managed it.

18.: King Of Wishful Thinking - Go West

Not as successful as We Close our Eyes but very similar in style. OK as easy listening material.

19.: Never Ending Story – Limahl

Limahl’s attempt at going solo after the relative success of Kajagoogoo commenced with this number. A little bit electro in style, it wasn’t really that different from when he was with Kajagoogoo. He should be ashamed of his haircut which looked as if a cockatoo had died on his head.

20.: I Should Be So Lucky – Kylie Minogue

Who would have thought that the sweet innocent Kylie who achieved her fame through Aussi soap Neighbours would go on to be the International Superstar that she has become. It is quite interesting watching the way Kylie has changed her musical style over the years from this bit of Cheesy Pop.

And there you go – one hundred and one hits from the greatest decade of all time. If I have one criticism to make it is that certain artists dominate the track listings with Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Billy Idol, Simple Minds, Belinda Carlisle and Duran Duran in particular being extremely prominent. Conversely, the likes of Wham, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Haircut 100, and ABC not getting a look in. I suspect that much of that is due to contractual circumstances but nevertheless they played a huge part in forming the 1980’s musical scene and it therefore takes a little bit away from this album for me. However, the general quality of the tracks is immense, with a few notable exceptions, and therefore I can forgive them for this transgression.

Apologies if the review has gone on a little bit, but I felt I had to bring you enough info on each of the tracks in case you have never experienced this wonderful era.

Thank you for taking the time to read. 

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