Top tracks — play these first
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The Flames of Desire Start here — This opening track establishes the album's emotional tone, featuring sweeping strings and Fry's evocative vocals that encapsulate longing and passion.
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I Believe in Love — A powerful anthem that combines an infectious chorus with introspective lyrics, reflecting a mature yet hopeful outlook on romantic relationships.
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Kiss Me Goodbye — This track stands out for its poignant storytelling, where the melody beautifully intertwines with lyrics about parting ways, showcasing Fry's songwriting finesse.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong orchestration and vocal arrangements, though it doesn't significantly redefine its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lush orchestral arrangement that sets a dramatic tone, immediately engaging the listener.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that intertwine throughout, creating a rich texture.
- The running time includes a reprise of 'Viva Love' as the final track, which echoes themes from earlier in the album and provides closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 melodic journey throughout
- nostalgic reflections on love
- romantic anthems for couples
- engaging sing-along moments
- suitable for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeks fast-paced excitement
- prefers standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued creativity.
- Career context
- Released in 2016, The Lexicon of Love II marked ABC's return after a lengthy hiatus since their last studio album in 1999. This follow-up to the seminal 1982 debut, The Lexicon of Love, showcases the band's evolution while remaining rooted in their signature sound. The album reflects a mature perspective on themes of love and longing, crafted by frontman Martin Fry's lyrical prowess.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Confessions of a Fool
The narrator reveals vulnerable past mistakes through reflective verses that shift from regret to acceptance.
The transition from regret to acceptance highlights a narrative arc that deepens the emotional impact, allowing listeners to engage with personal growth.
Tracklist
- 1 The Flames of Desire Start here 4:27
- 2 Viva Love 4:14
- 3 Ten Below Zero 3:58
- 4 Confessions of a Fool 3:55
- 5 Singer Not the Song 4:10
- 6 The Ship of the Seasick Sailor 4:41
- 7 Kiss Me Goodbye 4:52
- 8 I Believe in Love 4:42
- 9 The Love Inside the Love 4:12
- 10 Brighter Than the Sun 5:13
- 11 Viva Love (reprise) 0:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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