essential: SYNTH & NEW ROMANTIC ALBUMS

The list author says:
	"'what is love?', an absolutely vital track from an excellent album"

The list author says:
	"subsequently went off the boil, but this early example is a sharp reminder of just how good Numan was"

The list author says:
	"fantastic double bill. The turning point in terms of unashamed commerciality with many classic tracks, including 'Open Your Heart'"

The list author says:
	"can't have The Human League without Heaven 17 and vice versa. Great album, big sound"

The list author says:
	"although 'The Golden Age of Wireless' is by far Dolby's best album, this compilation is representing him due to the inclusion of two amazing tracks, 'Leipzig' and 'Urges'"

The list author says:
	"fantastic debut with classic and concise pop before pretention and long-windedness set in."

The list author says:
	"these boys were somewhat underrated, in my opinion, which is strange because they certainly knew how to write classic synthpop, such as 'Feel Me'"

The list author says:
	"although Ultravox had several classic moments after this, their 'Vienna' album shows them in their purest form. Midge Ure is to be treasured"

The list author says:
	"it's touch and go between this and the self-titled debut. If you can forgive the musical sexism of 'Rio' or the earlier 'Girls on Film', then these boys are worthy living legends"

The list author says:
	"'Life's What You Make It', amongst some other very good material, is their defining song"

The list author says:
	"fantastic album, before stadium rock all but destroyed their original sound. The title track is a monster"

The list author says:
	"excellent greatest-hits package. Easy to see why they were so good with melodies and harmonies like this"

The list author says:
	"super-sharp teutonic pop and a completely unmistakable sound. 'Duel' is a perfect synth diamond in an album full of jewels (oh, please...)"

The list author says:
	"more than most, 'The Age of Plastic' really is capable of taking you back kicking and screaming to a time when video slapped the radio star. Fab record, sorry, album..."

The list author says:
	"Trevor Horn's mate, responsible for co-writing 'Video killed...' and 'Clean Clean'. This is a largely unknown yet killer album. If you've got a copy, you're damn lucky"

The list author says:
	"not so hot by the time Smokey sung, but this is great. 'All of My Heart' is a beautiful song. Producer? T. Horn"

The list author says:
	"beautifully light synth-pop gems. Thanks to creative genius, Tony Mansfield - another talent deserving of reappraisal"

The list author says:
	"'Souvenir' was OMD's finest moment, but this album shows them at their best in simpler form"

The list author says:
	"I've taken some stick for liking Nick and the boys but he was a great songwriter, just listen to 'Love Plus One', 'On a Sunday' and 'Warning Sign'"

The list author says:
	"what an album, the title track is both awesome and minimalist. Great songs sung with passion and energy"

The list author says:
	"first a punk, now this. Music with real heart and a very distintive sound, try 'Homosapien' and you'll want more"

The list author says:
	"oh, and look...Shelley's buddy from the Buzzcocks/Magazine era. Another tuneful, keyboard oriented classic. 'Rainy Season is magnificent"