Atomic - Blondie

Advantages: Not many
Disadvantages: Getting scrappy

...After the triumph of 1978’s Plastic Letters, Blondie seemed to lose their way somewhat. By 1979, they were getting more coverage in The Sun than they were in Sounds: they were a pop group with a capital P. Their 1979 album, again with Mike Chapman at the controls, was Eat To The Beat, one of the first albums to be simultaneously released as a video. A little strained in places by comparison with Parallel Lines, it was still a tremendous hit, a number 1 album that yielded another three major hit singles in Dreaming, Union City Blue and Atomic. Parallel Lines had been massive and was impossible to follow up - Eat To The Beat was not the answer.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Atomic, variety of styles, Debbie's vocals
Disadvantages: a couple of the tracks are rather weird

...This was the first Blondie album I bought and after this, I continued to buy their albums and collect memorabilia on Debbie Harry. This began a love of their music, which has lasted over twenty years so far. Eat To The Beat has twelve tracks on it, with the overall style definitely being rock, but there are some beautiful, deep and meaningful songs in here too. Side One begins with Dreaming, which is a song I used to sing with my friends at school. I still remember all the lyrics, although I don't think this song is generally very well-known, especially when compared to some of the great classic songs on here. Union City Blue is the most famous track on Side One, but was never one of my favourites. But the other smash hit on the album is Atomic, which must still rate as a classic, one of Blondie's best songs and a great track which... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Collection of classy pop
Disadvantages: Either you like Eighties revival or you don't

...This compilation from Blondie covers the gamut of their greatest hits from the early punk-pop days to disco/pop in the mid1980's. Lasting from 1975-82, Blondie comprised Debbie Harry on vocals, Chris Stein, guitar and vocals, Frank Infante, guitar, Clem Burke drums, Nigel Harris on bass and Jimmy Destry on keyboards. They were recently inducted into the USA Hall of Fame, but don't let that put you off. ~~ Backtracking Their best known albums are Parallel Lines (1978), from which the tracks Picture This, Sunday Girl and Heart of Glass are taken, and 'Eat to the Beat', from 1979, with Dreaming and Atomic. During the mid to late 1980's, their singles experimented more with different styles, such as cross over rap. Debbie Harry's inspirational look, a mix of glamour and defiance and their outstanding music definitely influenced... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful