Crush

Why can’t music nowadays be like this. But then again it wouldn’t be as special, now would it..... the 80’s music is by far thee best music ever produced. These people used to sing from the soul. Their music had a message. It took you to a totally different place. I was but a kid in the 80’s but these songs really make me remember an era where everything was so simple and fun. No cares in the world.

I still have the vinyl. Tracks 1-5 are so good, it elevates the whole rating. Back in the mid-80s, I didn't care much for tracks 6-10, but listening years later, they hold their own. I particularly enjoyed "rediscovering" tracks 6 & 7, which play as one continuous piece (at least on vinyl).

In 1986, I was a sophomore in high school, my older brother was a junior. As such he was obligated to drive me to school each morning. It was his car, a 1965 mustang, it was his radio, a pioneer fm/am/cassette player, and his rules. Instead of resting in its rightful place in the center of the dashboard, the radio unit lay precariously on the black carpet of the floor console, unattached except for the cluster of wires connecting it to the dashboard. He played this album, a cassette, every morning, it seems, as we drove together in silence, mostly, on those cold morning drives to school. When side one was done, it would automatically flip to side two. At first I thought the music was a weak, annoying barrage of music, meant to torture me, as I was forced to play the role of the powerless passenger, fortunate to have a ride to school. I was a burden to my other brother, who no doubt loathed my presence. He wasn’t the annoyance, I was. It was his car, a classic car, his carefully selected music, and I was just the necessary passenger on the seat next to him, only there because of the orders sent from our father. “Take your brother to school”. Well, there we were. I remember it all like it happened this morning, only it was over 30 years ago. I started to like the songs. I must have because I noticed myself humming along, but careful to be quiet enough so that he wouldn’t hear me. I didn’t want him to think I actually liked this music. That would mean I liked being his passenger, his obligation. Oh no, that couldn’t happen. Not ever. But he knew. He knew too. Maybe it was a few weeks or maybe a few months, but for a time I think we both knew. The music had somehow created a bond, or rather recreated a bond we had as brothers, that even adolescence could not stop. Competitive? Yes, we were. Always. I would not give in, no way. Neither of us would acknowledge the fact that we started to enjoy each other. Not for a minute. And in the end maybe I did give in. I became to like the music after all, especially the songs of this album which I heard more times than I care to remember. Or maybe I didn’t give in. Maybe the music was more than just his way of making sure I was aware of my place, when in his car. But I was my own person. I chose to believe the music was good, and I did not give in, or bow down. I accepted the music as good, and it was good, end of story.

This Album showcases all sides and styles of this fantastic 80’s group at their peak. This is one of the first cassettes I purcased for my Walkman back then and still is my favorite. I just wish they remastered this one.

Check out "Women III" truly a hidden OMD classic

This album has "So In Love", one of the few tracks to hit the U.S. charts, but it also contains some other great works like "88 Seconds in Greensboro", "Secret" and the title track "Crush." They're not as single friendly, but I recommend sitting down and letting the songs wash over you. The gems will emerge like diamonds in the rough. The songs hold up as well today as they did in the 80s.

This is a collection of original work, the type that is hard to come by nowadays. Each track is pumped with great melody and the writing is not only catchy but great to sing to! Put it in your car, go on a long drive, and you’ll see just what I mean. My favorite song is still Secret. Refreshing. Can listen to this over and over…and never tire of it.

Very surprised that there are no reviews of this album yet... This was one of the best and consistent albums of the 80's and by far the best album from OMD. If you like electronic/synthsizer albums by bands like Depeche Mode, Erasure and Pet Shop Boys, you will love this album!