Rhino does it again with this five-disc set chronicling the top hits from the first half of the '80s (each disc was originally released separately). And what a strange time it was: while
disco gasped for air and
new wave was on the rise, the new face of
pop made its bloated and steely debut. Hear how veterans like
Diana Ross ("Upside Down") and
Tina Turner ("What's Love Got to Do With It") fit into the '80s frosty soundscape; witness the
new romantic hegemony of the Thompson Twins,
Spandau Ballet, and
Culture Club; secretly hum along to forbidden pleasures by
Journey and
Hall & Oates. But wait, there's still close to 40 songs to go, luckily including sides by
Blondie and
KC & the Sunshine Band. And who hasn't wanted to drastically change the mood at a party by blasting
Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" or
Michael Sembello's "Maniac"? Get ready for the spandex. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
