Back To Back Hits

Audio Remasterer: Glenn Meadows.

Liner Note Author: Patsi Cox.

Photographer: Ron Keith.

Unknown Contributor Role: Sherri Halford.

Naked Eyes and Spandau Ballet make for a good pairing on this edition of EMI-Capitol Special Markets' Back 2 Back Hits series, which features five tracks apiece from each artist. Naked Eyes was one of the better synth pop groups, and Spandau Ballet was one of the key new romantic outfits, but they're both remembered as one- (maybe two-) hit wonders by the public at large. For those listeners, Back 2 Back Hits serves a valuable purpose -- it has "Always Something There to Remind Me" and "True" on one budget-priced disc, along with a selection of other hits and album tracks. The Naked Eyes section is better than the Spandau Ballet half because it contains their three biggest hits -- "Always Something There to Remind Me," "Promises, Promises" and "When the Lights Go Out" -- plus the fine "(What) In the Name of Love" and "Emotion in Motion." Spandau Ballet's section ignores their earliest singles and their second biggest American hit, "Gold," in favor of two mediocre cuts from 1984 ("Only When You Leave," "Round and Round") plus the strong "Communication" and "Lifeline." It's not a bad sampling, but compared to the terrific Naked Eyes selection, it can't help but pale. Nevertheless, the entire disc remains a good bargain for budget-minded listeners. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Genre:

• Pop / Rock

Music Categories:

• Rock & Pop: New Romantic

Product Series:

• Bargain Audio CDs & Priceless Collection