Since September 2010, this blog has recorded the journey of this music junkie as I attempt to listen to all the music in my CD collection. CDs revisited in their entirety from start to finish - no skipping tracks, no shuffle. Compact Discs only - no vinyl, no tapes, no files.

Friday, April 7, 2017

ABC - The Lexicon of Love II (2016)


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!
  1. The Flames of Desire
  2. Viva Love (and I'll lump the reprise in with it here)
  3. The Ship of the Seasick Sailor
  4. I Believe in Love
  5. Kiss Me Goodbye
  6. Brighter Than the Sun
  7. Singer Not the Song
  8. Ten Below Zero
  9. Confessions of a Fool
  10. The Love Inside the Love
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Traffic (2008)
Absolutely (1990)
The Lexicon of Love (1982)

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