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The Jam’s 1977 single “The Modern World”, produced by Vic Smith and Chris Parry, received largely negative reviews. Critics acknowledged the band’s energetic instrumental attack but found the melody weak, vocals poor and style overly indebted to The Who. The…
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The Jam’s 1981 single “Absolute Beginners”, backed by “Tales From The Riverbank”, received mixed reviews. Critics welcomed its improvement over “Funeral Pyre” and praised Paul Weller’s confident, versatile vocals, but found the brass arrangement out of place and the disco-influenced…
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Secret Affair’s 1981 single “Do You Know”, backed by “Dance Master”, marked Ian Page’s return after a lengthy silence. Critics found its chorus catchy and radio-friendly, but considered the song otherwise unremarkable. Reviews also mocked Page’s exaggerated pronunciation and concluded…
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U2’s 1981 CBS single “Gloria”, backed by a live recording of “I Will Follow”, was produced by Steve Lillywhite. Critics noted its softer, less abrasive sound and decisive optimism, praising its gradual build and ability to capture the band’s delicate…
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U2’s 1982 single “A Celebration”, produced by Steve Lillywhite, was praised for its exuberant, powerful rock energy and potential to deliver the band their first hit. Critics admired its spirited performance but divided over its bombastic production, conventional sound and…
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TV21’s 1982 single “All Join Hands”, backed by “A Journey Up The Zambezi (And Back)”, divided critics. While Sounds dismissed its Human League-influenced sound as unimaginative, Record Mirror praised its character, strings and piano, comparing it to a 1960s pop…
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The Dead Kennedys’ 1980 single “Holiday in Cambodia”, backed by “Police Truck”, was produced by Geza X and issued by Cherry Red. Critics viewed its abrasive guitars, sinister vocals and satirical war imagery as hard, bitter and provocative, though some…
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OMD’s 1982 single “Maid of Orleans”, backed with “Navigation”, was produced by Richard Manwaring and released on Dindisc. Critics praised its waltz-time melody and expected chart success, while others dismissed its synthesised sound as emotionally empty. Reviews also noted confusing…
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Released in January 1982, A Splash Of Colour introduced London’s emerging neo-psychedelic scene, featuring groups associated with The Clinic and hosted by DJ The Doctor. Reviews praised Mood Six’s polished pop, The High Tide’s atmospheric “Dancing In My Mind” and…
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The Church’s 1982 single “The Unguarded Moment”, backed with “An Interlude” and “The Golden Dawn”, was released by Carrere and produced by Chris Gilbey and Bob Clearmountain. Contemporary reviews variously mocked its neo-psychedelic style, comparing the band to The Only…
