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Favorite Albums

Genesis - Genesis

Back in 1983, before "No Jacket Required", Mike and the Mechanics and "Invisible Touch", this was the definitive Genesis album. Every song has great music and the lyrics are great, sometimes strange or humorous but yet not very annoying, unlike much of the earlier or later Genesis material. At this point the group or individual members had not yet seen great commercial success in the U.S. Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford bring the best of their abilities to this record. (U.S. hit That's All, singles Home By The Sea, Taking It All Too Hard, Just A Job To Do.)

Breathe - All That Jazz

Following in the footsteps of Crowded House, this is another group who had huge hits with their American-like sound. Ignore the accent of the vocals and you couldn't tell if it was a foreign record. The varied songs were a testament to these versatile multi-instrumentalists. Not to forget David Glasper, whose soulful, breathy, quivering delivery was the group's trademark. (hits Hands To Heaven, How Can I Fall, Don't Tell Me Lies)

Cutting Crew - Broadcast

Of course you remember "I (Just) Died In Your Arms", recently heard in the game GTA: Vice City , one of the best 80's songs. Listen to the rest of the group's best album and you'll hear much more. The haunting guitar work and poignant lyrics continue throughout and are memorable. I can't stop listening to it. (hits also include I've Been In Love Before, One For The Mockingbird.)

Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl

She may be an America Idol judge now, but this album is the best example of the "dance diva" era. Smartly produced (except for a LaFace collaboration that never seemed to reach the top 40) the album sold millions and taught a generation how to dance. Her strength is dance work and it shows in the videos that follow the album. She has never been a great singer but she tries her best. No matter, the music is top-notch and the lyrics are good for the most part, the bubblegum kept to a minimum. (hits include Straight Up, title track, Opposites Attract, The Way That You Love Me, Cold Hearted.)

Fine Young Cannibals - The Raw And The Cooked

One of the most unique records ever made, FYC's second album continues the neo-soul and blues of their first, but takes the music from their side of the Atlantic. Both of their songs featured in the film Tin Men are here, but it is the production on most of the others that is magical. Roland Gift's voice will never be duplicated and once you understand the lyrics, you will be amazed. Too bad they broke up after this release. We should have gotten some more. (hits include She Drives Me Crazy, Good Thing, Don't Look Back)

Other Albums:

Stevie B - In My Eyes

Steven Hill had been heating up the Miami club scene with his hot beats and falsetto voice, but with his second full-length album he added ballads and made it into the pop charts. One of the few "dance artists" that co-wrote and produced most of their material. All the songs have great music, and his vocal style gives them plenty of emotion. Sadly, out of print. (singles I Wanna Be The One, In My Eyes, Love Me For Life)

Bobby Brown - Don't Be Cruel

We now know who Bobby Brown really is. But this was Babyface's and L.A. Reid's best production work. The real Brown is out there on My Prerogative. Still, his singing was unmatched on this album and all the tracks are memorable. (hits also include Every Little Step, Rock Wit'cha, title track, Roni)

Milli Vanilli - Girl You Know It's True

For a while, fans wanted to believe it was true that Rob and Fab sang their own vocals on their first album. Strip all of the controversy away, and this was a really good production by Frank Farian. Of course, who knows how many people would have heard it without the sexy front men lip-synching to it. I still have my copy. (Hits Blame It On The Rain, title track, Don't Forget My Number, Girl, I'm Gonna Miss You)

Honorable Mention: Dido - No Angel, Duncan Sheik, Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up The Girl, John Mayer - Heavier Things.