Get Those Shoulder Pads Out! (Greatest Hits Of The 80's)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Greatest Hits Of The 80's
Date:	24/09/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good choices

Disadvantages: artwork

Another eighties hits compilation, spanning three discs and including an impressive 44 tracks, so you certainly get a lot for your ten quid. I am less impressed with the bland cover artwork, which has clearly been knocked up in five minutes. Anyway, let's see the highlights.

Duran Duran seem to figure on every eighties album and here they are with 'The Reflex.' A wicked piece of pop music with exuberant vocals from LeBon and a very catchy chorus. To me, this epitomises the sound of eighties pop music. For some synth bliss, Giorgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's 'Together In Electric Dreams' is just glorious with such nostalgic sounds and a commanding vocal from Oakey.

Ultravox's gloomy yet hypnotic 'Vienna' is dark, oppressive and oh so very splendid with a haunting vocal and those unearthly drums. On the subject of spooky, the kooky woman from the woods, Kate Bush delivers on the sprightly and weird 'Babooshka.'

I can pass on Billy Idol though, which does not stand up so well and is too growly and full of angst, head instead to the soothing tones of Ali Campbell as UB40 turn in 'Homely Girl.' Mellow enough to chill out to without being boring, it is a pleasing reggae tinged pop track. Hue and Cry's stunning 'Looking For Linda' is a tour de force thanks to a gripping vocal from Pat and some lovely lyrics with genuine sentiment, as he searches for his lost love.

Hazel Dean and Mel and Kim are at hand to cater for the poppier end of the market with some SAW produced gems. Then we have T'pau turning in a magnetic ballad, with intense vocals from fiesty Carol Decker.

Marc Almond and Gene Pitney's 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart' is a fearless retake on Pitney's old song and the two work really well together. Almond's deep and absorbing tones bouncing off Pitney's high pitched falsetto with style and grace.

My final tip is the delightful 'She Makes My Day' by the late Robert Palmer which is an understated mid tempo affair with one of the most hummable choruses on the whole album.

There is a really good selection on here and most tastes will be catered for. Recommended!

Summary: super