With a total of 23 "vocalists" credited on this best-of package, it's clear that was more of a conceptual studio group than a cohesive band with chemistry. Guided by famed English dance producer , the moniker began with a 1979 album -- distributed in the U.S. by -- which featured four males seemingly in their mid-thirties boasting a decidedly gay appeal in their look and material. It would be a few years before any further releases ensued, but the return in the mid-'80s of the "group" brought a more youthful, sexy lineup and replaced the strings-oriented of the former with synth-laden numbers. The music here represents both stages, ranging from the mellow arrangement and sublime vocals of to the catchy refrain and slightly inspired, carnival-esque programming of Besides those entries, other strong numbers include the jingle-worthy the anthemic and the purely Even if all of the vocalists aren't the strongest, the delivery is always heartfelt and personable. This, combined with solid hooks and accessible production, is proof enough that the producer-oriented "boy band" concept was alive and strong well before the advent of or . Fans of either of those groups or their more recent successors, such as and , will enjoy hearing the rudiments of that sound here. ~ Justin M. Kantor