The new wave era of the 80's had many different groups define that
time in music. One of those groups was ABC. As far as I am
concerned they were not new wave, they were classy pop with some jazz
influences around the perimeter of their core sound. The focal point
of their smooth pop center was lead singer Martin Fry. Fry's dress,
demeanor, and voice were similar to the suave Bryan Ferry of Roxy
Music. Mark White (guitar) and Stephen Singleton (saxophone) were
the two original members that started the group, and then Fry joined them.
You tend to forget how many great songs a band puts together over
the course of a career, particularly if it is a short lived one like
this group. They quickly faded away into the back corners of my memory
just as the 80's did.
This CD compilation of their best brought it all back quickly for
me. Even though their sound was a fluffy and pop oriented, I genuinely
enjoyed them. I always found appreciation for Fry's smooth vocal delivery
and the above average production and musicianship in each song.
I like everyone else remember the big hits like "Smokey Says," "The
Look of Love," "Poison Arrow," and "How To Be A Millionaire." I found
myself singing right along as I went on a long drive while giving this CD a spin.
This was a lot of fun to listen to and their really is a lot of great
music on this collection. If you have a soft spot for pop and some
good memories of the 80's you will not find it a problem getting into
this. Just the same, if you appreciate good pop music, you will enjoy this.
1. The Look of Love (Fry/Palmer/Singleton/White) - 3:29
2. All of My Heart (Fry/Palmer/Singleton/White) - 4:49
3. Poison Arrow (Fry/Lickley/Singleton/White) - 3:23
4. When Smokey Sings (Fry/White) - 4:18
5. That Was Then but This Is Now (Fry/Palmer/Singleton/White) - 3:33
6. Tears Are Not Enough (Fry/Lickley/Singleton/White) - 3:28
7. How to Be a Millionaire (Fry/White) - 3:34
8. The Night You Murdered Love (Fry/White) - 4:52
9. Peace and Tranquilty (Fry/Kentis/Palmer) - 4:03
10. One Better World (Fry/White) - 4:30
11. S.O.S. (Fry/Singleton/White) - 4:24
12. King Without a Crown (Fry/White) - 4:40
13. Be Near Me (Fry/White) - 3:37
14. Ocean Blue (Fry/White) - 3:38
15. Vanity Kills (Fry/White) - 3:33
16. The Real Thing (Fry/White) - 4:55
17. Blame (Fry/White) - 5:02
Group Members:
Martin Fry
Mark Lickley
Andy Newmark
David Robinson
Steve Singleton
Alan Spenner
Mark White
David Yarritu
David Palmer
Fiona Russell-Powell
Dave Wyndham
