TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT - The opening track and debut single was the epitomy of the New Romantic Pop phenomenon that took over the first couple of years in the 80s. The Synth New Wave sound, medieval like percussion and Tony Hadley's big booming vocal are just fantastic.
REFORMATION - An almost repetitive, rhyming lyric over a typically 80s Electronic Synth Pop backing. Again there is a dark, almost eerie medieval sound running through the track. Catchy in a strange way, but great track.
MANDOLIN - A little more anthemic and bigger sound to the previous tracks and with a funky bassline that hits the mark. A mix of Ultravox pomp and Soft Cell vocals. Not a single but I love this track.
MUSCLEBOUND - A New Wave track, a slow tempo backing track with Tony giving it his all to lifet it to new heights, then the annoyingly catchy chanted chorus kicks in and you can't help but sing along.
AGE OF BLOWS - The equivalent of an 80s band jam with elements of Rock, Pop, Electronica, New Wave. Engaging enough but not one of my favourites from the band.
THE FREEZE - Great New Wave Pop Rock, Gary Numan style with a little Bowie thrown in.
CONFUSED - Has a backing of the Synth version of Big Country's big "bagpipe" guitars. This is a usual 80s Pop track. Again it lacks something to get me excited about it.
TOYS - Almost Progressive Rock, New Romantic style. A little 70s and 80s Rock elements and its dark, moody backing really work. A 6 minute epic track that is one of my favourites.
1982
CHANT NO 1 (I DON'T NEED THIS PRESSURE ON) - The band's second album opens with the first single released from it. It reached number 3 in the UK chart and although keeping with the Medieval sound of the debut album this track is New Wave funky Disco! Add the catchy chorus to this sublime 80s track and its a gem.
INSTINCTION - One of my favourite Spandau tracks, although a little repetitive it is anthemic funky New Wave Pop at its best. Tony Hadley's booming vocal gives it an extra lift as usual. Released as the fourth single reaching number 10 in the UK.
PAINT ME DOWN - This is a repetition that I don't hink caught on as musch as other 80s tracks. It isn't one of my favourites but its chorus can be annoyingly stuck in your head. A New Wave "filler" although strangley released as a single. It only reached number 30 in the chart and surprisingly was released before "She Loved Like Diamond", a far superior song.
COFFEE CLUB - Mostly instrumental track that has a movie soundtrack feel to it. Lots going on and its a decent listen. Unusual Disco Funk.
SHE LOVED LIKE DIAMOND - Criminally reaching number 49 on the UK singles chart, I love this song. Tony gives a passionate, emotive vocal and the melody is really nice. It has a strange summery Medieval feel but is instantly memorable as a New Wave ballad of the time.
PHAROAH - Another instrumental coming in at over 6 and half minutes long. I think this was a chance for the band to have an experimental jam. It is a nice listen with the odd chanted lyrics but not really a "grab your attention" song, more easy going listen in the background.
INNOCENCE AND SCIENCE - Another instrumental, this time with an Eastern feel to the sound. I think maybe this is why this album isn't considered a favourite among fans. The overlong instrumental indulgence was not where the foundations of Spandau Ballet's legacy will be. A little bland.
MISSIONARY - Sadly the album ends with this overlong, over 7 minutes kind of Gothic and Progressive Rock hybrud which doesn't match up to the usual sound and quality we already expected in the short time Spandau were around. The fact is that the overlong indulgences scrub out the classic tracks, which is a shame.
"TRUE"
1984
ONLY WHEN YOU LEAVE - The first single from the album and reaching number 3 in the UK chart making it their 8th Top Ten single. At the peak of their powers after the global success of "True" this was a slick, smooth piece of New Wave Soul. Tony Hadley's voice again carries the song to new heights. Catchy chorus and one of my favourite Spandau tracks, beautifully crafted and a class song.
HIGHLY STRUNG - More rocky than previous tracks with the prominent guitars, also has a hint of Funk. New Wave Pop and again an irresistible chorus that you can't help but sing along to. Another classic Spandau track. Only reached number 15 on the UK chart as the album's third single.
I'LL FLY FOR YOU - Possibly my favourite Spandau track. Love the saxophone on this, akin to "True" in powerful emotion. I just like the feel of this track, its light, emotive and pure. Tony holds back a bit here but its really nice and then kicks it up a notch on the big chorus. The second single in the UK reaching number 9. Brilliant song, New Wave Pop at its best.
NATURE OF THE BEAST - Unfortunately every Spandau album throws in a duff track and this is it this time. An unremarkable Pop track that fails to deliver for me.
REVENGE FOR LOVE - Melodious Pop Soul with a little Funk. Not as good as the first three tracks and only a touch better than "Nature Of The Beast". Only a good chorus saves this one.
ALWAYS IN THE BACK OF MY MIND - A mid tempo, light Pop Rock track with a hint of Folk and Blues elements in the keyboards. Great saxophone again by Steve Norman. Lyrically not the best but a good song.
WITH THE PRIDE - One of the stand out non-singles on the album along with the final track. One of my favourite tracks by the band. Could have been a single I think. An easy song to sing along to with a great mix of keyboards, drums, guitar and saxophone. Both of these final two tracks eliminate the disappointment of the previous two and end the album on a high. This is a great track.
ROUND AND ROUND - One of my all time favourite tracks by Spandau Ballet. It is beautifully sung by Tony giving us full on emotion. It is sad and uplifting in equal amounts. Pop Soul in full effect. Fabulous track with a great chorus and lyrically on a par with the 80s classics. Love this, except for a couple of tracks this is a worthwhile successor to "True".
