Thompson Twins
' atmospheric and moody 1984 album
Into the Gap
was their commercial breakthrough in the United States, and remains a classic as far as '80s
new wave
pop
is concerned. Nearly every song on this set differed from the others, with each track taking the listener on a different musical journey. The song that cemented
as a presence on American Top 40 radio was their earnest
ballad
(and biggest hit)
"Hold Me Now,"
which years later still sounded as fresh and innocent as when it was first released. The album yielded a couple of other hits, including the feel-good, percussion- and harmonica-heavy
"You Take Me Up"
and the mysterious, melodramatic
"Doctor! Doctor!"
"The Gap,"
the album's final single (and a definite standout), heavily leans toward Middle Eastern influences (as does
) and ranks as the album's most unstoppable (and unusual) dance cut. Other tracks, including
"Sister of Mercy"
and
"No Peace for the Wicked,"
rank almost as high as the singles.
were quiet visionaries, blending intelligent lyrics, Eastern sensibilities, and
to create a wholly unique and unforgettable listening experience and an album that ranks as one of the '80s' most unique. ~ Jose F. Promis