The freeze-dried funk put forth by bands like Spandau Ballet is one of the most distinct musical genres that did not survive the '80s. Many bands in England used this mishmash of new wave instruments playing soulful music to contrast the electronic musicians that were also making more techno-oriented new wave at the time. The Collection is a set of 14 songs by the band that made its name with "True," the legendary new wave ballad that is surprisingly not included on this album. What is in its place is some of the most ...
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The freeze-dried funk put forth by bands like Spandau Ballet is one of the most distinct musical genres that did not survive the '80s. Many bands in England used this mishmash of new wave instruments playing soulful music to contrast the electronic musicians that were also making more techno-oriented new wave at the time. The Collection is a set of 14 songs by the band that made its name with "True," the legendary new wave ballad that is surprisingly not included on this album. What is in its place is some of the most soulless soul music that was ever thrust upon the listening public; songs like "Reformation" and "Foundation" are devoid of the emotion and power that this sort of music needs to survive. Singer Tony Hadley tries his hardest to give the album a heart, but the crisp production style leaves out the minor blemishes that makes this genre as good as it is. The new wave/soul combination disappeared with the decade, leaving behind some interesting music but obviously missing the essential elements that keeps certain kinds of music around longer than others. And Spandau Ballet is the perfect model for that situation; they had a few interesting songs but did not have the staying power of their techno-minded contemporaries, thus as the decade ended, so did their career. This album is a sad testimonial to a band and a genre that were never that great to begin with. ~ Bradley Torreano, Rovi
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