pranavc

Well...something has to be said for 80s acts and their grasp of melody and harmony - something that is sorely missing from a LOT of today's acts. For many of us, the template for "pop" was hook-laden melody backed by a great harmony. With the exception of Keane and Coldplay, I cannot think of an act from the last decade that has been consistent with musical output that has both these ingredients. Johnny Hates Jazz made great music back in the day and if their competencies are still intact, then there is much to look forward to. I do agree with the comment about 80s acts reforming in today's market. You have to wonder what the incentive is besides making music. The gatekeepers to the music market have become more ageist and that is a shame. That being said, the music is still great and should be given credit for what it's worth.

Now that I can post links, here is the link to "Time of your life" by Joe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el6eJEfosmM

I am not sure how many of you here remember Johnny Hates Jazz from the late 80s. They were famous for hits such as "Shattered Dreams" (which actually fared better in the US), "I don't want to be a hero", and "Turn back the clock". These guys were by no means prolific but these singles have really stood the test of time. Well, the band has reformed and a new album is on its way. The tentative release date is some time in January 2012. They have featured a clip of a new song called "Magnetized" on their facebook fan page. It sounds great. Here is a link to a recent interview of the band. It talks about their reformation and their new album. http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/Johnny_Hates_Jazz.php

1992: I Love your smile (Shanice) 1993: Wanna Girl (Jeremy Jordan) 1994: Crazy for you (Let Loose) 1995: Back for Good (Take That) 1996: Fast Love (George Michael) 1997: The Day we find love (911) 1998: Outside (George Michael) 1999: No Regrets (Robbie Williams)

I think it's fair to say that "Fast Love" was the song that broke George to a whole new generation of listeners OUTSIDE the US. The average listeners in the US still has no idea George Michael released anything after "Freedom 90".

I LOVE George Michael's music and I even had the opportunity to meet the guy briefly in June 2004 when he was in the US promoting his "Patience" album but I DO NOT seem him as an 80s artist. Yes, he did start his career in the 80s but it is only in the 90s when he became the seminal pop star with hits like "Fast Love", "Too Funky", and "Outside".

I am not sure how many of you remember American R&B artist Joe. He had some great jams back in the late 90s and has continued to put out the occasional great R&B jam that does NOT sound generic. "Time of my life" is a new good track of his album "Good, Bad, and The Sexy". It is definitely worth checking out. I'd post the link here but I don't think I've made enough posts on this forum to start including links in my posts.

I whole-heartedly agree with this comment.

It is unfortunate how very few British artists are promoted over here in the US. We get very little from the UK these days. This has been the case since the mid-90s. I am sure this list would like quite different if we got even 25% more from the UK than what we do right now.

I thought Guy Sigsworth was producing this album - just like "Flavors of Entanglement".

I hated Hanson back in the day. "Mmm Bop" had to be one of the most annoying songs ever - which is why I was pleasantly surprised with "Thinkin about something". I thought it was a welcome musical reinvention for the band - sadly a largely overlooked reinvention.

"Roses" is hands down the best track on this album.

I wish these guys had more traction in the US.

it is a shame because Frankmusik really is talented and has some of the key elements of being a big star - just not ALL of them and that is probably where the issue lies.

I actually really loved the "Michael" album - especially songs like "Behind the mask", "Best of Joy", and "I like the way you love me". The album was poorly promoted. Many people had no idea about the album. Poor reception for mega stars like Michael Jackson usually stem from poor promotion. Albums that are badly promoted are typically dead on arrival.

I want to like this song but it feels teeny-boppy and not in a good way. I still have mixed feelings about it. Frankmusik sounds very different from the way he sounded on his "Complete me" - which had some brilliant moments. "Confusion Girl" was the highlight of that album but "No ID" isn't doing much for me.

Design of A Decade (Janet Jackson)

Here solo stuff was barely promoted. None of my friends knew she even went solo. With no promotion, there is no way she stood a shot - which is a shame because there were some great songs on that first album of hers.

This is not bad but I can't say it is great either. I guess the only song by Frankmusik that I've fallen in love with is "Confusion Girl". This new stuff like "do it in the a.m" and "fear inside" is pretty weak. It is a shame because this dude is actually pretty talented. Even if he tanks as a solo star, he will do very well as a producer.

I seriously hope Natalie Imbruglia fired the person in charge of the campaign. A lot of work went into that album from a lot of high-profile people such as Brian Eno and Chris Martin (Coldplay).

I personally think rappers are "commercial crutches" for artists trying to get mainstream attention.

"In my dreams" sounds the best so far - at least from the clips.

"Lukas" from the "Come to life" album could have been that huge hit for her. It is instant. But for reasons I fail to comprehend, the repetitive "Want" was released as the lead single. Whoever thought that was a good idea deserves to lose his or her job.