What is the best ABC album to start with?

The best album to start with is "The Lexicon of Love" (1982). It's the most representative of what makes ABC worth hearing.

What are the best ABC albums?

The essential ABC albums include "All of My Heart" (1982), "Poison Arrow" (1982), "The Lexicon of Love" (1982), "That Was Then but This Is Now" (1983) and "S.O.S." (1984).

How many albums does ABC have?

ABC has 41 releases in their discography, including 11 albums and 3 EPs.

Photo: Cherubino · CC BY-SA 4.0

ABC

Q: Who is ABC for?

If you're into new wave, ABC is worth your time. Layered synths pulse underneath crisp guitar lines, creating an engaging dance rhythm punctuated by dynamic shifts in energy.

Layered synths pulse underneath crisp guitar lines, creating an engaging dance rhythm punctuated by dynamic shifts in energy.

new wave

United Kingdom Est. 1980

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Start here

The album

The Lexicon of Love (1982)

Represents ABC's signature layered synths and dance rhythms, providing a cohesive experience that showcases their new wave pop sound.

The song

“Poison Arrow”

Engaging track with a strong hook that captures the essence of ABC's style and serves as an excellent introduction to their music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Sixteen Seconds to Choose" — from Traffic (2008)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"The Look of Love" — from Look of Love – The Very Best of ABC (2001)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Stranger Things" — from Skyscraping (1997)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"That Was Then but This Is Now" — from Beauty Stab (1983)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Tears Are Not Enough" — from The Ultimate Collection (2004)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Love Conquers All" — from Abracadabra (1991)

establishes the sonic palette early

About ABC

ABC carved out a distinctive space in the pop landscape by merging sharp, artful aesthetics with infectious melodies, becoming emblematic of a time that valued both style and substance.

Their ability to weave together sophisticated arrangements with accessible hooks transformed not just how pop music could sound but also the cultural conversation around it, pushing audiences towards a more polished and theatrical musical experience. Employing innovative production techniques and an eye for visual flair, ABC approached songwriting as a means of storytelling that bridges intellect with emotion. Their knack for blending synthetic textures with traditional instrumentation created an inviting yet complex sonic environment that engaged listeners on multiple levels. This fusion allowed them to craft songs that felt both immediate and timeless, captivating a diverse audience eager for something fresh. Lyrically, ABC often explores themes of love, identity, and societal observation, employing a tone that balances irony with sincerity. Their storytelling tends to evoke vivid imagery while maintaining an impressionistic quality that invites personal interpretation rather than dictating specific narratives. The result is a body of work that resonates emotionally while inviting reflection on broader cultural contexts.

11 studio albums· 41 total releases· 4 decades· United Kingdom