The Wanderer is probably my favourite album of all time! It blends new wave music with rock music and 80s synth disco. Her previous album 'Bad Girls' already proved that Donna was going to survive disco's backlash in the USA, but 'the Wanderer' also proved that Donna was more comfortable in rock music than with her earlier 'Love to Love You Baby' disco/sleaze image.
This album is faultless! Unlike her follow up 'I'm A Rainbow' (which is another 5 star album) this album does not sound as dated or as 'rushed'.
My favourite songs here are 'Stop Me'- a feel-good new wave affair with a powerful chorus; 'Nightlife'- a wonderful, 'driving' song; 'Running for Cover'- Donna wrote this song and it's one of the strongest in the album; 'Looking Up'- Moroder/Bellotte/Summer perfection; The hits 'The Wanderer', 'Cold Love', & 'Who do You Think You're Foolin'- all three should have been Donna's biggest smash hits; 'Breakdown'- Donna's vocals shine best in this song- so sweet yet powerful; the thrilling, synth-laden 'Grand Illusion'; and of course the final song 'I Believe in Jesus'- God Bless You Donna Summer!!!