Welcome To The Pleasure Dome - Frankie Goes To Hollywood > Reviews > Welcome!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Truly classic 80s pop
Disadvantages:	Maybe a little too adventurous in places? Otherwise none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

When I was a kid, like may other kids I detested the clutch of smarmy, self-satisfied radio 1 DJs that ruled the airwaves back then- so gratifyingly lampooned by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse.

Mike Read was one such smarm, and bizarrely Frankie Goes to Hollywood fans such as I have something to thank this man for- helping to bring this band not only to their attention but to the attnetion of the masses. By the end of 1984 Frankie Goes to Hollywood were arguably the biggest pop band on the planet, due in part to Mike Read's refusal to play their single "Relax" on the radio on the grounds that it was "disgusting" I believe. Granted, it's a bit rude but really quite tongue-in-cheek, like much of their material, and this really showcased the lack of any sense of humour at the BBC more than anything else.

So what happened? "Relax" went to number one, "Two Tribes" went to number one, and "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" went to number one- and correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they were the fist band in history to have three consecutive number one singles to debut with.

Back to the album. All three songs are on this album, including the full glorious version of "Welcome to the Pleasuredome". There are also some filler tracks, including a couple of dodgy ones, although "Ballad of 32" is beautiful in its strummed simplicity.

By far and away the best track on the album though is "The Power of Love", probably also the best ballad of the entire decade and one of the greatest songs ever written. even now when I play this song it makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. It is, quite simply, beautiful beyond comparison, and the slightly naff lyrics somehow serve to make it even more so.

What happened to FGTH after this? They released one more album, "Liverpool" (which is best left forgotten) in 1986, and then disappeared completely. I believe singer Holly Johnson is now an art critic or art musuem curator or possibly even an artist now. Either way, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" is essential listening for any 80s pop completist. And it's also the only Frankie album you ever need to buy, unless of course you like to collect remixes. ;)