Okay, let's just forget the inane sequential title of the album (don't worry, Martin, it didn't work for Joe Jackson, either) and look past the fact that I didn't order my copy in time to acquire one of the autographed CDs. Instead, let's just focus on the music because, while it isn't as good as Traffic, it's still a good album. Lots of strings, synths, romanticism, and, of course, Martin Fry's immediately recognizable voice (which has aged well, I must say).
A solid attempt to recreate the sound of the 1982 album, but let's be honest, without Trevor Horn at the board, this didn't have much of a chance to succeed on that count. That dadgum album title set my expectations too high, but the writing is strong enough (read: eightieslicious) that its an enjoyable listen from start to finish. Recommended for summer car listening on a bright afternoon with the top down (Wayfarers optional).
Metacritic has this album at a 70/100 based on eight reviews, but many of those reviews focus on the lyrical content which I usually ignore. Lexicon of Love II is good & you should buy it, but it's no sequel. Trevor Horn - accept no substitutes.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks: Let's rank 'em!
- The Flames of Desire
- Viva Love (and I'll lump the reprise in with it here)
- The Ship of the Seasick Sailor
- I Believe in Love
- Kiss Me Goodbye
- Brighter Than the Sun
- Singer Not the Song
- Ten Below Zero
- Confessions of a Fool
- The Love Inside the Love
Previously revisited for the blog:
Traffic (2008)
Absolutely (1990)
The Lexicon of Love (1982)
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