Uplifting albums by deluded optimists

The list author says:
	"If you insist on criticising Jim Kerr's lyrics, then you're a miserable cynic who doesn't deserve the benefit of this album's rays of transcendental ecstasy."

The list author says:
	"If ever an album screamed "summer", this was it. It's funky, the vocals are great, and above all you won't stop humming these tunes."

The list author says:
	"If "Higher Love" and "The Finer Things" don't cheer you up, you don't want cheering up."

The list author says:
	"These blokes really wanted you to know they were having a better time than you - but there was a definite trickle-down of good vibes."

The list author says:
	"With Erasure, Vince Clarke never reached the heights of tunesmithery he did with Yazoo, but hey, let's not let that spoil the party."

The list author says:
	"This group were never very likeable, but no one could accuse them of being sourpusses. This is a non-stop acid-house-influenced dance party, with good tunes to boot."

The list author says:
	"There's definitely a summer vibe to this album's-worth of appealing instrumental electronica."

The list author says:
	"Warm and watery from start to finish. VERY naff."

The list author says:
	"Hall and Oates represented everything that was smug and superficial about the 1980s. Disquietingly though, they represented quite a lot that was enjoyable about them at the same time."

The list author says:
	"As if in defiance of the political mood of the times, early 80s music was full of creativity and optimism. Proof? Exhibit 1, M'lud."