Rock — All Formats  

A nice change in sound for Debbie Harry – thanks to Chic production from Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards – who really help the solo singer find a groove that's quite different than her work in Blondie! The style's a mixture of the funky club that Chic did so well, with elements that lean a bit more towards an early 80s rockish dancefloor – almost with a vibe that echoes some of the UK imports trickling over to these shores at the time, but with a definite New York vibe underneath! The setting gives Harry's vocals a great way to hit a more playful nature – that sound that was creeping in a bit in Blondie, but which some folks thought was wrong for the group – and Chris Stein is still on hand to bring in some street-sensitive riffing guitar. Titles include "Backfired", "Military Rap", "Oasis", "Surrender", "Chrome", "Jump Jump", and "The Jam Was Moving". CD features 3 bonus tracks – "Backfired (special long version)", "The Jam Was Moving (extended)", and "Inner City Spillover (extended)".

A sweet mix of 80s pop and soul from Limahl – an artist who, despite his haircut and silly name, actually sounds better here than in the group Kajagoogoo! The rhythms are usually upbeat, but in kind of an 80s crossover mode – slight echoes of new romantic touches, which are perfect for the gently cresting vocals of Limahl – and really help him hit some blue-eyed soul high points here. And we'll admit, we really only wrote off the guy as more of a top 40 artist – but there's some added depth here, in kind of a Simply Red way, that's a nice surprise. Titles include "Don't Suppose", "That Special Feeling", "Tar Beach", "Only For Love", "Never Ending Story", "Your Love", and "Oh Girl". CD features 2 bonus tracks – "Never Ending Story (12" mix)", and "Only For Love (dance mix)".