Various Artists
Now That’s What I Call New Wave ’80s
Sony Music Enterprises
by David Chiu
If the recent tours of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club and others bands from the MTV era prove, ’80s New Wave is still really popular, even if the shoulder pads, big hair and skinny ties have long faded away. With summer still in bloom, this latest collection from the Now That’s What I Call Music series is the perfect soundtrack during a car trip or a block party for 40 and 50-somethings. While certainly not the definitive ’80s music compilation (although a 2-disc edition of Now That’s What I Call New Wave ’80s is also available) this is 18-song set offers a pretty decent overview of hits and favorites: from synthpop classics like OMD’s “If You Leave,” Thompson Twins’ “Lies,” the Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” and Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”– along with more alternative rock fare such as the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” Echo and the Bunnymen’s breakthrough hit “Lips Like Sugar,” and the Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way.” The inclusion of R.E.M.’s “The One I Love” is a curious one since that song is more college rock than New Wave, but it somehow fits well with the others. For fans of ’80s music, there’s something at least for everybody from this new set.
NewBeats 