NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"MADONNA"   1983 LUCKY STAR - The opening track is a Disco Pop song, which became her trademark for this debut album before moving into more Pop areas in her next few albums.  Its mid tempo beats and twangy guitars and elctro synths made this an accessible staple to radio airplay connecting to a variety of listeners.  Classic Madonna. BORDERLINE - A change of direction after the first upbeat song, this is a kind of Pop ballad set to a Disco track.  Some lovely harmonies and became her first top ten hit in the USA.  A Reggie Lucas written composition and it gave Madonna chance to explore her vocals and conveying emotion in her songs.  One of my favourites. BURNING UP - One of my top songs by Madonna.  Similar to the later "Gambler".  It is a fast paced Disco beat laden track with a rockier twist with random guitar riffs.  A real gem.     I KNOW IT - This track is keyboard led and has a nice 60s Pop/Rock N' Roll vibe akin to the later "True Blue".  A

"NIGHT LIFE" 2017 NIGHT LIFE -  This opening track reminds me of Heaven 17 with a hint of Kraftwerk's electronic vocal backing on the chorus.  Bright and breezy with a great vocal, a pumping electronic beat and catchy chorus.  Sets you up nicely for the nostalgic glimpse into your 80s past that is to come.     HAVEN'T I TRIED - Starts with a person walking and whistling before the footsteps change into a throbbing electrobeat, synths and handclap sounds.  The verses are clearly Erasure-like but the chorus somehow changes into Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys! Great song, the chorus is sing-a-long catchy and the vocals and composition are perfect Electro Pop. WHEN YOU FALL - A powerful and emotive Electro Rock ballad with an eerie atmospheric style.  As a big fan of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet it reminds me a little of their very early albums.  The chorus is akin to David Sylvian of Japan, with that low, almost monotone dark vocal

"HUMAN RACING" 1984 DANCING GIRLS - The debut album by incredibly talented singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw opens with this fast paced Synth Pop track.  The clever orchestrated synths and whirrs over the chorus fill the sound out.  Nik was always inventive and that what set him apart from other Electronic acts of the 80s.  This single reached number 13 in the chart.  Its catchy Pop at its best. WOULDN'T IT BE GOOD - The memorable opening guitar riff kicks off this classic 80s song and when the melody hits in, its just perfect.  Add a catchy chorus and stunning video and this made Nik a star.  Reaching number 4 in the UK chart it paved the way for continued success throughout the mid 80s.  Brilliant song.   DRUM TALK - A really unusual track, based solely on synthesised drums and special effect but its infectious tempo keeps it engaging.  The lyrics are very simple but the overdubbed chanted and effects laden vocals make it a very clever song and I loved singing along to t

 "HUNTING HIGH AND LOW" 1985 TAKE ON ME - The band's debut album opens with the classic 80s track and unmistakeable Synth Pop intro.  Loved this song instantly on first listen and was then hooked on A-ha and Morten Harket's incredible vocal range.  The track finally charted after a couple of attempts and reached number 2 in the UK charts.  Its accompanying video was groundbreaking using animated and live action scenes sequenced together.  A masterpiece. TRAIN OF THOUGHT - The third UK single release and reached number 8 in the chart and was their third successive top ten hit.  This has a typical Synth Pop fast paced drumbeat with a surprisingly slow tempo vocal by Morten, showing off his complete range in the song.  It grows on you after a couple of listens. HUNTING HIGH AND LOW - A beautiful slow minimal ballad reaching an anthemic, operatic crescendo to finish.  Great emotionally charged vocals and a captivating backing. THE BLUE SKY - At just over two and a half