Music videos were THE art form of the 80s. So important not just for the success of the artist or a song, but culturally. As a teenager, MTV showed us how to dress, how to dance, and how to embrace our creativity. Plus, our parents didn't really understand music videos, so I'm sure that definitely heightened the appeal 😉
The Video wasn’t only an art form it was a way for Bands and Artists to make an impact. The androgynous Annie Lennox in Sweet Dreams to Adam Ant in Ant Rap. Money for Nothing showing new technologies. The iconic videos of the 80’s always made an impact who can forget Duran Duran’s Wild Boys and Thriller which became an event. The shock and awe of videos also made Political statements too like Dear God by XTC Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 and 1 in 10 by UB40 (a band named after the Unemployment Benefit form) 😜
Jay & Amber, you'll love their "Poison Arrow", "When Smokey Sings", "Be Near Me" and "All Of My Heart"!!! "Poison Arrow" is a great upbeat song as this one! edit- Martin Fry on lead vocals.
This song has so many ideas packed into just a few minutes. Its genuinely one of the most inventive and best produced songs ever. Repeated listens will reward you. There is SO much going on in it!
+100 votes for all of those, but especially 'When Smokey Sings' , which is a tribute to the great Smokey Robinson, and a perfect New Wave tribute to Motown!
This was my favorite music in 1982 when I was 14 and now that I am a 55 year old man I can not believe how much time has passed, _and I love it just as much!_
The 80s is my Happy place ( for Pop and Soul/dance music alike ) Im 60 now and I have no Idea who anyone in the charts are ( if they still have charts )
Lets throw them a curve ball and suggest Keane with "Spiraling", which was obviously "inspired" (ahem) by this song, and see if they can guess which decade it is...!
I had just started sneaking into adult nightclubs when this came out. We used to cover the floor in baby powder and throw so much shade dancing when ABC came on!
ABC was a great British Pop group that came out at the height of the New Wave era. They had a different sound, as did many of the Euro groups of the time. Disco was on its way out, people wanted to hear something different, and ABC delivered. This song and "Poison Arrow" are my favorites songs by this group. Peace & Love🕊❤
You gotta do Poison Arrow next! I loved ABC back in the 80s. Martin Fry, the lead singer, was just SO suave and handsome. When Smokey Sings, How To Be a Millionaire and Be Near Me are also good ones by them, but Poison Arrow is so incredibly catchy. (Also, speaking of artists with letters for names, you should check out the song Pop Muzik by M. Yes, just M. It was one of the first "new wave" songs and was a big part of ushering in the synthpop sound of the 80s.)
I only found your channels a few weeks ago. Having fun working my way through your videos. I'm enjoying your 80s journey. I graduated high school in 1981 and spent most of the decade partying, dancing, and listening to music. I'm still surprised I survived the 80s.
Here's some blue-eyed soul, all the way from the UK! One of the great bands of the 80s! Martin Fry had a stellar voice, and it came through on tracks like this, as well as "When Smokey Sings" (a tribute to Smokey Robinson), "Poison Arrow", "(How to Be a) Millionaire", and my personal favorite, "Be Near Me". Great choice!!
AMBER: ‘ a decade long trip’ great summary. How funny, TODAY ( Thursday) caught up with a group of friends from 1983 onwards, junior high days and had a few drinks and played music from our youth, and this was one of them!! BEST BIT? We knew all the words, and today we can’t even remember phone numbers.
This song, until the day I couldn't, got me out my chair and on the floor EVERY time. Sigh. Wish I still could. Dance kids, as much as you can, while you can.
It's been far too long getting to ABC - fabulous , fabulous 80s band ! The track is from the album Lexicon of Love produced by genius Trevor Horn. Martin Fry ( lead vocals) was a music journalist before dropping this iconic album. So many more great tracks to go on this album, but my favourite is All of My Heart.
Let's not forget that Trevor Horn was partners with Geoffrey Downs not only on The Buggles but through many of the songs they produced for other artists.
I’ve been waiting for this one! So glad you guys enjoyed it! This is definitely one of my Top 10 from that era. The album that this is from, The Lexicon of Love, is one of my favorites that I still listen to this day and has some other great songs that you should check out; Tears Are Not Enough, Poison Arrow, Valentine’s Day, Date Stamp and All of My Heart.
ABC brought the funky pop tunes in the 80s and UK bands in general, e.i Madness with the 80s hit Our House, I believe yall reacted to. Next ABC song, try When Smokey Sings (homage to Smokey Robinson) and/or Be Near Me to add to the list!
I WAS WORKING AT A RECORD STORE IN '82 WHEN I FIRST PUT THIS ALBUM ON THE STORE TURNTABLE-REMEMBER HOW GREAT THE TUNES WERE AND PLAYED IT REGULARLY AFTER THAT.
the main singer met smokey robinson and he said: we wrote a song about you and i hope you like it. smokey did love and appreciate the song so much. (( when smokey sings )) is a must react to song after you reacted to this beautiful song by abc.
80s music videos are a masterpiece of creativity, silliness and themes that have NOTHING to do with the song, LOL!! Poison Arrow, All of My Heart, Tears Are Not Enough, Be Near Me...such great music!
I’m rarely in the car with both my sons since they got their licenses but we all went Christmas shopping last yr and this song came on. They love ABC just like their momma🥹
This is total 80's camp - LOVE IT! It also has the best line ever written - "Your reason for living is your reason for leaving". Thanks for the reaction, and there's so much more from ABC to react to!
There were so many amazing and cool bands in the UK in the 80s, you must check out Haircut 100 'Favourite shirts', 'Love Plus One', 'Fantastic Day' and also Adam and the Ants 'Kings of the Wild Frontier', Ant music ' and 'Stand and Deliver' . Also Ultravox ' Vienna' , The Associates ' Party Fears Two', Aztec Camera 'Oblivious' Altered Images ' Don't Talk to me about love ' and The Cure ' Love Cats' and 'Caterpillar'. There are many many more you haven't discovered yet but you will love them! 💋💋
Produced by the amazing Trevor Horn. David Bowie actually popped in at some point during the recording of the song and suggested an idea that in the end was not used. Wonderful song and album.
Great band, great song, glad you got a kick out of it! This particular record pretty much invented the idea of the multiple remix - the 12" single featured four different versions of the track ("Parts 1 to 4") all produced by Trevor Horn, who later took the notion to its extreme with Frankie Goes To Hollywood's dozens of remixes on his ZTT label a few years later, and now it's standard procedure... And I'd nominate "When your world is full of strange arrangements, and gravity won't pull you through" as one of the best opening couplets in pop music, amazing...
Touching one of MY favourite 80s groups by far. “Poison Arrow”, “When Smokey Sings” and my favorite “The Night You Murdered Love”. Always tinged with a little R&B in their hits, it gave them a unique and diverse following. Brings a smile to my face………
THIS WAS A HUGE HIT OFF THEIR DEBUT '82 ALBUM LEXICON OF LOVE. IT GOT A LOT OF AIRPLAY ON RADIO/CLUBS. CHECK OUT SHOW ME, POISON ARROW, MANY HAPPY RETURNS, ALL OF MY HEART. OTHER GREAT TUNES FROM THEM ARE THAT WAS THEN BUT THIS IS NOW, BE NEAR ME, AND WHEN SMOKEY SINGS.
Absolutely crisp as a Cent , Jay & Amber 😊😊❤. There is no way you can hear this and not have a big smile on your face. A classic New Romantic tune - and one to count in the blessings of the day 🎉
Finally ABC! Howdy, disco citizens! Be Near Me, A to Z, 15 Story Halo, How to be a Millionaire. You haven't lived until you hear A to Z blaring in the dark dance club where everyone is shouting.
I'm a guitar player in a loud and rowdy rockin blues band, but this is one of my secret guilty pleasure songs. Such a fun tune. Great video guys, as always! 👍
This was in the early days of music videos. ABC are from my home town of Sheffield, England but I had to travel over 6,000 miles across the pond to the U.S and Las Vegas to meet the lead singer Martin Fry after a gig he played on Fremont Street. He was an utterly nice fella chatting to me and my mate for several minutes posing for a photo, signing a dollar bill for me even though his manager was trying to rush him away as I think they were off to L.A. Other big hits include Poison Arrow, When Smokey Sings, Be Near Me to name a few.
You guys will really really love “When Smokey Sings”…a total tribute to Smokey Robinson that just makes me happy every time I hear it. You’ll love the message! Also “Be Near Me” is a great one too. Check more ABC out!
Holy crap! Haven't seen this video in decades. I miss new wave music like this lol😅. I was a child, teen during the 80s. Yall should hear Roxy Music, OMD, and Culture Club, Boy George too! When Smokey Sings is another hit video from ABC. Smokey Robinson! Watch that one too. And Be Near Me.
Flying nuns was actually a big problem in 80s UK! I love this song - the big build-up at the end is so uplifting. Try their songs "Poison Arrow" or "Tears Are Not Enough".
I've heard ABC described as the father's of industrial techno music. If you heard the extended versions of When Smokie Sings or The Night You Murdered Love, you'd see why.
One of the Best bands of the 80s- Early 90s! "Shoot That Poison Arrow", "When Smokey Sings" and "How To Be A Millionaire" are some more of their many great songs!
Interesting band. Although I like this early music from ABC I really enjoy when Martin Fry, the singer, took over and reformed the band into a dance pop group with the "How to Be a Zillionaire". Check out that song.
Just like to add that ABC along with many other bands like Duran Duran, Spandua Ballet, U2, Nile Rodgers Chic, Culture Club, the Human League, Goldfrapp, Scissor Sisters, to name but a few in the 70’s 80’s were all influenced by Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry.
The album from which this comes, The Lexicon of Love, released in 1982 is one of the best 'pop' (often called sophisti - pop) albums of all time. A mix of pop, new wave, disco, blue - eyed soul. Several sing along bangers.
Good review as always guys. What a great band ABC were with distinctive lead vocals from Martin Fry. This one was from the great album Lexicon Of Love. All of my heart is definitely worth a review which is another classic from this album. I'd like to ask you guys if it's possible for you to review one of my all time favourite songs , The First Picture Of You by a band called The Lotus Eaters. This in my opinion is an absolute masterpiece of a song , I think it would be right up your street. Keep up the great work. Many thanks.
ABCs “The Lexicon of Love” was such an iconic album that benefits from master producer Trevor Horn - who produced epic albums from Frankie gone to Hollywood through to Seal in the 90s. And featured in his own bands from The Buggles with Video killed the Radio Star - and The Art of Noise. Yes a great 80s band but also a classic
ABC had tons of great songs: Poison Arrow, How To Be A Millionaire, When Smokey Sings, All Of My Heart, The Night You Murdered Love, Be Near Me, King Without A Crown, Tears Are Not Enough, That Was Then But This Is Now and even more...
Jay and Amber, with Female Friday coming up please check out “Middle of the Road” by The Prentnders led by Chrissie Hynde. You’re gonna love the beat, the rocking guitars and one of the “nastiest” harmonica solos you’ll ever have heard! Not to mention Chrissie’s snarling vocals…..
Classic. I loved ABC when I was a teenager (although they didn't manage to claim a coveted spot on my bedroom wall). They had a few really fun hits. If you want more, try "Poison Arrow" or "Be Near Me".
who ever came up with the idea for this video loves the 1951 gene kelly movie an merican in paris. the park setting,the bridge,the waving the boater hats at the beginning and the four members outfits are all from the 10min dance/ballet sequance in the movie. please do when smoky sings,poisen arrow next. heaven 17-temptation another early 80's uk group.
Ahhhh...so glad you keep diving more into the depths of the 80s! Sooooo good and so eclectic at the same time. This song was very captivating and remember it well. What a time💃The other must do song from ABC is ' WHEN SMOKEY SINGS'. Good stuff guys, keep on rollin'
When you’re ready for more from ABC, you can’t go wrong with Poison Arrow, Be Near Me, or When Smokey Sings. You can also stay in the same era and corner of the world by revisiting Squeeze and check out Black Coffee In Bed, If I Didn’t Love You, and Another Nail In The Heart.
OH MY GOD!!!! I LOVE THIS SONG SO DARN MUCH!!! I'm so glad it's ya'll that heard this one. This song makes me feel so happy. I think it's perfect. The singing, the music, the weird video with the ballerina gal. Oh man, I love this song. I'm so hyped for thus one.
I loved ABC in the 80's bought two of their albums Lexicon of Love which this is from, and is great. Plus Beauty Stab, another good album, and song 'That Was Then This is Now'.
Omg....it's been ages since I've heard this...we had a radio station that just played music like this so it was very popular.....enjoying your reactions❤
ABC is the softer side of new wave, sythn pop. Subgenre of new wave, less punky. New Romantic like Roxy Music, Duran Duran, The Human League, Soft Cell, OMD, Spandau Ballet, Human League, Naked Eyes, etc. This was a big song during the '80s. Yes, dance music lol. Synth and bass heavy. R&B influences. Amber, great explanation! Alice in Wonderland vibes lol. I was a kid during the '80s. We were goofy and fun loving lol. I guess to the younger generation 😛 Check out their songs/videos from the '80s and early '90s. "Be Near Me", "Poison Arrow", "All of My Heart", "Say It", "When Smokey Sings" (Tribute to Motown singer Smokey Robinson!), etc.
ABC was one of the best, and Martin Frye was a top level vocalist as well. They're new wave, but R&B based. Check out When Smokey Sings, a song about Smokey Robinson, one of Martin's favorite singers. I think you'll dig it. Rob, New Wave is where you'll find the best bassists and best bass lines of the 80s. You can learn a lot, and learn funk, R&B, rock, jazz, all of that from those songs.
This whole album is an absolute masterpiece. One of the best of the 1980s.
Pair that with their video film "Mantrap" makes this one of my all-time 80's favorites. ABC was phenomenal! Still listening 40 years later!!
I still have my copy
Absolutely!
@@laurabailey1054 Got it on vinyl and CD one of the all time 80's stand out albums
@@laurabailey1054 me too - in vinyl!
Music videos were THE art form of the 80s. So important not just for the success of the artist or a song, but culturally. As a teenager, MTV showed us how to dress, how to dance, and how to embrace our creativity.
Plus, our parents didn't really understand music videos, so I'm sure that definitely heightened the appeal 😉
Yes. My sister and I would head straight for the TV after school to check out the latest videos and the VJays.
Todd...I disagree...hate the media. That's the problem with today and why you have a horrible administration over there!
@@michaelasay8587 he’s not talking about today, nor the “media” nor politics. Jeez 🙄
@@michaelasay8587
He's talking about the 80s oh my .... long time ago
The Video wasn’t only an art form it was a way for Bands and Artists to make an impact. The androgynous Annie Lennox in Sweet Dreams to Adam Ant in Ant Rap. Money for Nothing showing new technologies. The iconic videos of the 80’s always made an impact who can forget Duran Duran’s Wild Boys and Thriller which became an event. The shock and awe of videos also made Political statements too like Dear God by XTC Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 and 1 in 10 by UB40 (a band named after the Unemployment Benefit form) 😜
Jay & Amber, you'll love their "Poison Arrow", "When Smokey Sings", "Be Near Me" and "All Of My Heart"!!!
"Poison Arrow" is a great upbeat song as this one!
edit- Martin Fry on lead vocals.
Ocean Blue also is great.
Love Be Near Me.
This song has so many ideas packed into just a few minutes. Its genuinely one of the most inventive and best produced songs ever. Repeated listens will reward you. There is SO much going on in it!
+100 votes for all of those, but especially 'When Smokey Sings' , which is a tribute to the great Smokey Robinson, and a perfect New Wave tribute to Motown!
And then the alligator puppet starts biting him 'cause he doesn't want to listen to that...
This was my favorite music in 1982 when I was 14 and now that I am a 55 year old man I can not believe how much time has passed, _and I love it just as much!_
Well said!!! I exactly feel the same, I never get tired of that song ❤
Same. Born also 1968
Me too, aged 14 in 82, loved that song and had a crush on Martin fry lol.
The 80s is my Happy place ( for Pop and Soul/dance music alike ) Im 60 now and I have no Idea who anyone in the charts are ( if they still have charts )
True dat
Wow! That takes me back... ABC. Their hit song still sounds as good today as it did when it was written.
Lets throw them a curve ball and suggest Keane with "Spiraling", which was obviously "inspired" (ahem) by this song, and see if they can guess which decade it is...!
I had just started sneaking into adult nightclubs when this came out. We used to cover the floor in baby powder and throw so much shade dancing when ABC came on!
It sure does!
ABC was a great British Pop group that came out at the height of the New Wave era. They had a different sound, as did many of the Euro groups of the time. Disco was on its way out, people wanted to hear something different, and ABC delivered. This song and "Poison Arrow" are my favorites songs by this group. Peace & Love🕊❤
Yes, Poison Arrow!
You gotta do Poison Arrow next! I loved ABC back in the 80s. Martin Fry, the lead singer, was just SO suave and handsome.
When Smokey Sings, How To Be a Millionaire and Be Near Me are also good ones by them, but Poison Arrow is so incredibly catchy.
(Also, speaking of artists with letters for names, you should check out the song Pop Muzik by M. Yes, just M. It was one of the first "new wave" songs and was a big part of ushering in the synthpop sound of the 80s.)
Agree with ALL of this. Well said!
A big fat second for Pop Muzik. A new wave classic.
@@Shrykespeare I'll Third Pop Muzik.
I fourth it!!!!
Poison Arrow became a meme before memes were even invented.
Living in the '80's was even better. It was so much fun being a young adult. The music was phenomenal. Love you guys 💕
You are so right. I would go back to stay if I knew the future of the world..
I only found your channels a few weeks ago. Having fun working my way through your videos. I'm enjoying your 80s journey. I graduated high school in 1981 and spent most of the decade partying, dancing, and listening to music. I'm still surprised I survived the 80s.
I had forgot this song and now watching this I even rember the video. Thank you for reminding me of this. It was lovely to grow up in the 80's
I'm so grateful that the 80s spanned my high school and college years. Such great music.
And great time.
if you like music it really doesn't matter when it came out, or what age you were
Great 80’s pop & rock got me through some difficult high school years.
ABC is like Romantic Poetry in music.
Here's some blue-eyed soul, all the way from the UK! One of the great bands of the 80s! Martin Fry had a stellar voice, and it came through on tracks like this, as well as "When Smokey Sings" (a tribute to Smokey Robinson), "Poison Arrow", "(How to Be a) Millionaire", and my personal favorite, "Be Near Me". Great choice!!
I started singing the chorus as a saw “Be Near Me,” listed, childhood memories. 😊Cool song indeed.
AMBER: ‘ a decade long trip’ great summary. How funny, TODAY ( Thursday) caught up with a group of friends from 1983 onwards, junior high days and had a few drinks and played music from our youth, and this was one of them!! BEST BIT? We knew all the words, and today we can’t even remember phone numbers.
This song, until the day I couldn't, got me out my chair and on the floor EVERY time. Sigh. Wish I still could. Dance kids, as much as you can, while you can.
All of my heart ❤ is a beautiful ballad from them
It's been far too long getting to ABC - fabulous , fabulous 80s band ! The track is from the album Lexicon of Love produced by genius Trevor Horn. Martin Fry ( lead vocals) was a music journalist before dropping this iconic album. So many more great tracks to go on this album, but my favourite is All of My Heart.
Amen for crediting Trevor Horn, super producer!
Trevor Horn - "The man who invented the 80's"... literally. Great band. Genius producer.
@@karmakarmakarma Oh yeah. His work with Seal, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Yes, I can go on and on. Incredible!
Let's not forget that Trevor Horn was partners with Geoffrey Downs not only on The Buggles but through many of the songs they produced for other artists.
Oh my God so glad you're doing ABC. Look of Love and Poison Arrow are SO much fun. Epitome of the 80s.
One of the bet songs and albums of the 80's, or even ever
I’ve been waiting for this one! So glad you guys enjoyed it! This is definitely one of my Top 10 from that era. The album that this is from, The Lexicon of Love, is one of my favorites that I still listen to this day and has some other great songs that you should check out; Tears Are Not Enough, Poison Arrow, Valentine’s Day, Date Stamp and All of My Heart.
Agree! Along with the video film "Mantrap" where the short of "Poison Arrow" was extracted.
This song is garbage stop ruining the channel
-#cheers-- !-
The Lexicon of Love album is F-I-R-E from start to finish
Tears are not enough - their best song ever!
Classic 80's tune!! I like this one a lot, "Be Near Me" is the one I love!
Yes, how "Be Near Me' wasn't the most suggested ABC song is sort of a mystery.
That's my favorite, I think. ✨
The epitome of the 80s. A big hit in the UK for these lads, and deservedly so. A great 80s band. ❤🎶🎼🇬🇧
ABC brought the funky pop tunes in the 80s and UK bands in general, e.i Madness with the 80s hit Our House, I believe yall reacted to. Next ABC song, try When Smokey Sings (homage to Smokey Robinson) and/or Be Near Me to add to the list!
I WAS WORKING AT A RECORD STORE IN '82 WHEN I FIRST PUT THIS ALBUM ON THE STORE TURNTABLE-REMEMBER HOW GREAT THE TUNES WERE AND PLAYED IT REGULARLY AFTER THAT.
You should do "All of my heart" and "When Smokey sings." ABC is a great group. The lead singer Martin Fry has a beautiful voice.
I remember seeing this on MTV when I was a teenager.
the main singer met smokey robinson and he said: we wrote a song about you and i hope you like it.
smokey did love and appreciate the song so much.
(( when smokey sings )) is a must react to song after you reacted to this beautiful song by abc.
ABC always spins me back to 1985, dancing my ass off at The Starck Club in Dallas.
80s music videos are a masterpiece of creativity, silliness and themes that have NOTHING to do with the song, LOL!! Poison Arrow, All of My Heart, Tears Are Not Enough, Be Near Me...such great music!
I’m rarely in the car with both my sons since they got their licenses but we all went Christmas shopping last yr and this song came on. They love ABC just like their momma🥹
This is total 80's camp - LOVE IT! It also has the best line ever written - "Your reason for living is your reason for leaving". Thanks for the reaction, and there's so much more from ABC to react to!
Some of the best 80's new wave. Who Wants to be a Millionaire is another great of theirs.
Finally, I love ABC. Next one Poison arrow, All of my heart
When Smokey (Smokey Robinson) Sings was one of ABC's biggest hits..... Poison Arrow and All Of My Heart were others......
Produced by Trevor Horn, in the eighties he had the midas touch, everything he produced screamed up the charts.
Trevor was the force behind the band Yes, iirc.
And the band Buggles
There were so many amazing and cool bands in the UK in the 80s, you must check out Haircut 100 'Favourite shirts', 'Love Plus One', 'Fantastic Day' and also Adam and the Ants 'Kings of the Wild Frontier', Ant music ' and 'Stand and Deliver' . Also Ultravox ' Vienna' , The Associates ' Party Fears Two', Aztec Camera 'Oblivious' Altered Images ' Don't Talk to me about love ' and The Cure ' Love Cats' and 'Caterpillar'. There are many many more you haven't discovered yet but you will love them! 💋💋
Produced by the amazing Trevor Horn. David Bowie actually popped in at some point during the recording of the song and suggested an idea that in the end was not used. Wonderful song and album.
What was the idea?
Great band, great song, glad you got a kick out of it! This particular record pretty much invented the idea of the multiple remix - the 12" single featured four different versions of the track ("Parts 1 to 4") all produced by Trevor Horn, who later took the notion to its extreme with Frankie Goes To Hollywood's dozens of remixes on his ZTT label a few years later, and now it's standard procedure...
And I'd nominate "When your world is full of strange arrangements, and gravity won't pull you through" as one of the best opening couplets in pop music, amazing...
Touching one of MY favourite 80s groups by far. “Poison Arrow”, “When Smokey Sings” and my favorite “The Night You Murdered Love”. Always tinged with a little R&B in their hits, it gave them a unique and diverse following. Brings a smile to my face………
THIS WAS A HUGE HIT OFF THEIR DEBUT '82 ALBUM LEXICON OF LOVE. IT GOT A LOT OF AIRPLAY ON RADIO/CLUBS. CHECK OUT SHOW ME, POISON ARROW, MANY HAPPY RETURNS, ALL OF MY HEART. OTHER GREAT TUNES FROM THEM ARE THAT WAS THEN BUT THIS IS NOW, BE NEAR ME, AND WHEN SMOKEY SINGS.
Finally. Been waiting a long time for this one.
brilliant vocals of martin fry "all of my heart" is a must !
Absolutely crisp as a Cent , Jay & Amber 😊😊❤. There is no way you can hear this and not have a big smile on your face. A classic New Romantic tune - and one to count in the blessings of the day 🎉
Produced by Trevor Horn, who made "Video Killed the Radio Star" and went on to produce acts like Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Seal.
Finally ABC! Howdy, disco citizens!
Be Near Me, A to Z, 15 Story Halo, How to be a Millionaire.
You haven't lived until you hear A to Z blaring in the dark dance club where everyone is shouting.
Y’all nailed it: Early Seventies R&B song vibe with early 80’s wacko video.
ABC was cool 🤘
I'm a guitar player in a loud and rowdy rockin blues band, but this is one of my secret guilty pleasure songs. Such a fun tune.
Great video guys, as always! 👍
This was in the early days of music videos. ABC are from my home town of Sheffield, England but I had to travel over 6,000 miles across the pond to the U.S and Las Vegas to meet the lead singer Martin Fry after a gig he played on Fremont Street. He was an utterly nice fella chatting to me and my mate for several minutes posing for a photo, signing a dollar bill for me even though his manager was trying to rush him away as I think they were off to L.A. Other big hits include Poison Arrow, When Smokey Sings, Be Near Me to name a few.
You guys will really really love “When Smokey Sings”…a total tribute to Smokey Robinson that just makes me happy every time I hear it. You’ll love the message! Also “Be Near Me” is a great one too. Check more ABC out!
Holy crap! Haven't seen this video in decades. I miss new wave music like this lol😅. I was a child, teen during the 80s. Yall should hear Roxy Music, OMD, and Culture Club, Boy George too!
When Smokey Sings is another hit video from ABC. Smokey Robinson! Watch that one too. And Be Near Me.
This is the best song!!!! I was thinking about recommending this song the other day. LOL!
Flying nuns was actually a big problem in 80s UK!
I love this song - the big build-up at the end is so uplifting.
Try their songs "Poison Arrow" or "Tears Are Not Enough".
Greetings from Germany! This is one of my favourites 80s pop Groupe. U have to watch other songs of them Like poison arrow etc lots of Love 😍
The Lexicon of Love is an absolute masterpiece, each song flawless flowing into the next.
I like the way, in the video, they make fun of themselves. Obviously a talented band but never took themselves too seriously
Such a great band ! He’s got a great voice ! I never appreciated them in the 1980’s but I do now ! When Smokie Sings is my personal favourite!
I loved ABC! I have this album too still.
The crocodile and the hunchback puppet are Punch and Judy characters
I love the Alice through the door analogy!I feel blessed to have done my high school and teens in the 80s...it was a blast xx
I've heard ABC described as the father's of industrial techno music. If you heard the extended versions of When Smokie Sings or The Night You Murdered Love, you'd see why.
One of the Best bands of the 80s- Early 90s! "Shoot That Poison Arrow", "When Smokey Sings" and "How To Be A Millionaire" are some more of their many great songs!
You're finally doing this! Love...ABC!
Interesting band. Although I like this early music from ABC I really enjoy when Martin Fry, the singer, took over and reformed the band into a dance pop group with the "How to Be a Zillionaire". Check out that song.
The song and the whole album was produced by Trevor Horn (lead singer of The Buggles) He was the star producer at the time.
Just like to add that ABC along with many other bands like Duran Duran, Spandua Ballet, U2, Nile Rodgers Chic, Culture Club, the Human League, Goldfrapp, Scissor Sisters, to name but a few in the 70’s 80’s were all influenced by Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry.
Adam & the Ants were super cool in early 80s.
Stand and Deliver!
“When Smokey Sings” is another one of their big hits.
The album from which this comes, The Lexicon of Love, released in 1982 is one of the best 'pop' (often called sophisti - pop) albums of all time. A mix of pop, new wave, disco, blue - eyed soul. Several sing along bangers.
Be near me and When Smokey sings should be their next videos to watch.
MTV the early days from 1982 had a string of hits in the 1980s Martin Frye underrated as an artist
ABC had some great 80s tunes. So did Level 42 - check out "Something About You". Jay will LOVE the bass laying from Mark King.
You will love „when smokey sings“ - a tribute to the great Smokey Robinson!
Fun 80,s clip The Breakfast Club, Right on Track
When Smokey Sings, a homage to Smokey Robinson, is their best tune. It really has a 60's Smokey and The Miracles, feel to it.
Hi Team Enjoyed as always another 1 for yr To Do songs_ London
Good review as always guys. What a great band ABC were with distinctive lead vocals from Martin Fry. This one was from the great album Lexicon Of Love. All of my heart is definitely worth a review which is another classic from this album. I'd like to ask you guys if it's possible for you to review one of my all time favourite songs , The First Picture Of You by a band called The Lotus Eaters. This in my opinion is an absolute masterpiece of a song , I think it would be right up your street. Keep up the great work. Many thanks.
Love them - glad to seem them get a review. There are other songs you can hit by them like When Smokey Sings. Great reaction!
And you are correct, the video is very silly
Same vibe with their hits “Be Near Me,” “Smokey Sings” (an ode to Smokey Robinson), and “Poison Arrow.”
ABCs “The Lexicon of Love” was such an iconic album that benefits from master producer Trevor Horn - who produced epic albums from Frankie gone to Hollywood through to Seal in the 90s. And featured in his own bands from The Buggles with Video killed the Radio Star - and The Art of Noise. Yes a great 80s band but also a classic
Another 80’s banger-
Haircut 100 -“Love Plus One”
You’ll love that one ...and it has horns
All of My Heart is outstanding! Martin Fry was an underrated vocalist.
Everyday, I miss the 80's .
When smokey sings is my recommendation.
'Poison Arrow' is another BANGER!!
ABC had tons of great songs: Poison Arrow, How To Be A Millionaire, When Smokey Sings, All Of My Heart, The Night You Murdered Love, Be Near Me, King Without A Crown, Tears Are Not Enough, That Was Then But This Is Now and even more...
Jay and Amber, with Female Friday coming up please check out “Middle of the Road” by The Prentnders led by Chrissie Hynde. You’re gonna love the beat, the rocking guitars and one of the “nastiest” harmonica solos you’ll ever have heard! Not to mention Chrissie’s snarling vocals…..
Classic. I loved ABC when I was a teenager (although they didn't manage to claim a coveted spot on my bedroom wall). They had a few really fun hits. If you want more, try "Poison Arrow" or "Be Near Me".
This is their most popular song, but you have to hear their other hit 'Poison Arrow.' Great bass riff in that one.
who ever came up with the idea for this video loves the 1951 gene kelly movie an merican in paris.
the park setting,the bridge,the waving the boater hats at the beginning and the four members outfits are all from the 10min dance/ballet sequance in the movie.
please do when smoky sings,poisen arrow next.
heaven 17-temptation another early 80's uk group.
Check out “Be Near Me” and “When Smokey Sings” by ABC!!!
Ahhhh...so glad you keep diving more into the depths of the 80s! Sooooo good and so eclectic at the same time. This song was very captivating and remember it well. What a time💃The other must do song from ABC is ' WHEN SMOKEY SINGS'. Good stuff guys, keep on rollin'
When you’re ready for more from ABC, you can’t go wrong with Poison Arrow, Be Near Me, or When Smokey Sings. You can also stay in the same era and corner of the world by revisiting Squeeze and check out Black Coffee In Bed, If I Didn’t Love You, and Another Nail In The Heart.
OH MY GOD!!!! I LOVE THIS SONG SO DARN MUCH!!! I'm so glad it's ya'll that heard this one. This song makes me feel so happy. I think it's perfect. The singing, the music, the weird video with the ballerina gal. Oh man, I love this song. I'm so hyped for thus one.
One of my favorite
80’s band.
The lead singer is such a great front man.
I loved ABC in the 80's bought two of their albums Lexicon of Love which this is from, and is great. Plus Beauty Stab, another good album, and song 'That Was Then This is Now'.
My era yet again, the 80s was amazing for music. Level 42 Something about you is pretty good too!!!
Yessssss I really hope they react to that.
Omg....it's been ages since I've heard this...we had a radio station that just played music like this so it was very popular.....enjoying your reactions❤
ABC is the softer side of new wave, sythn pop. Subgenre of new wave, less punky. New Romantic like Roxy Music, Duran Duran, The Human League, Soft Cell, OMD, Spandau Ballet, Human League, Naked Eyes, etc. This was a big song during the '80s.
Yes, dance music lol.
Synth and bass heavy. R&B influences. Amber, great explanation! Alice in Wonderland vibes lol. I was a kid during the '80s. We were goofy and fun loving lol. I guess to the younger generation 😛
Check out their songs/videos from the '80s and early '90s. "Be Near Me", "Poison Arrow", "All of My Heart", "Say It", "When Smokey Sings" (Tribute to Motown singer Smokey Robinson!), etc.
All of my heart absolute classic
The English Beat "Save It For Later".
One of my all time favorite bands and what an awesome song for y’all to hear as an introduction to them! Loved your reaction!
ABC was one of the best, and Martin Frye was a top level vocalist as well. They're new wave, but R&B based. Check out When Smokey Sings, a song about Smokey Robinson, one of Martin's favorite singers. I think you'll dig it. Rob, New Wave is where you'll find the best bassists and best bass lines of the 80s. You can learn a lot, and learn funk, R&B, rock, jazz, all of that from those songs.