Over the course of their first three late-'70s albums, had firmly established themselves (along with and ) as one of the top bands of the era. But the band was still looking for that grand slam of a record that would push them to the very top of the heap. Released in 1981, would be that album. In producer -- fresh off his massive success with 's -- guitarist and all-around mastermind found both the catalyst to achieve this and his perfect musical soulmate. 's legendary obsessive attention to detail and ' highly disciplined guitar heroics (which he never allowed to get in the way of a great song) resulted in a collaboration of unprecedented, sparkling efficiency where not a single note is wasted. is only the first in a series ( the '50s-tinged ) of energetic, nearly flawless melodic rockers, and with the band somehow managed to create both a mainstream hit single and a highly unique-sounding track, alternating guitar riffing, chorused vocals, and one of the ultimate "wanna be a rock star" lyrics. As for the mandatory , the band also reached unparalleled heights with One of the decade's most successful cross-genre tearjerkers, it has since become a staple of radio and completely eclipsed the album's other very lovely , in the process. And last but not least, the surprisingly funky proved to be one of the band's most memorable and uncharacteristic smash hits, thanks to 's signature saxophone solo. Through it all, vocalist does his part, delivering a dazzling performance that confirmed his status as one of the finest voices of his generation. Three years later, would achieve even greater success on a level with the uneven , but by then were locked in an escalating war of egos that would soon lead to the band's demise. All things considered, remains 's career peak. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia