Luxury of Life cover

Luxury of Life

Five Star · 1985

42 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A vibrant fusion of upbeat pop melodies and smooth harmonies that encapsulate mid-80s dance floor exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    System Addict — This track defines the album with its catchy hook and danceable rhythm, addressing themes of obsession in a playful yet earnest manner. It became a signature song for Five Star and showcased their ability to blend serious topics with infectious pop energy.
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    Love Take Over — Opening the album, this track sets an inviting tone with its lush production and strong vocal harmonies, highlighting the group's vocal prowess. It exemplifies the upbeat and romantic essence that runs throughout the record.
  • →
    Let Me Be the One — This ballad showcases a more emotional side to Five Star, featuring heartfelt lyrics and a soaring melody that allows their harmonies to shine. It reflects their versatility and ability to engage listeners beyond just dance tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases polished production and catchy hooks typical of its era but lacks standout compositional depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, followed by a series of upbeat songs that maintain a consistent energy level through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the pop appeal.
  • The production employs lush synths and polished arrangements, creating a vibrant sound characteristic of mid-80s pop.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo dance vibes
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • feel-good energy for gatherings
  • nostalgic for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, urgent tracks
  • seek deep, introspective experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on June 5, 1985, 'Luxury of Life' was Five Star's debut album, marking their entry into the pop music scene. The group was still relatively unknown at this point but would soon rise to prominence with their energetic sound and polished image, leading to increased visibility in the UK charts.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • System Addict

    The lyrics describe a cycle of dependence on love and desire through a rhythmic repetition.

    This repetition emphasizes the addictive nature of passion, cleverly mirroring the song's title while enhancing its catchiness.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Love Take Over 4:00
  • 2 All Fall Down 3:35
  • 3 Let Me Be the One 4:43
  • 4 System Addict 4:06
  • 5 Hide and Seek 5:34
  • 6 R.S.V.P. 4:39
  • 7 Now I'm in Control 3:42
  • 8 Say Goodbye 4:13
  • 9 Crazy 3:58
  • 10 Winning 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata