'80s On 8
- (Keep Feeling) Fascination-The Human League (A prototypical early '80s track that must be heard in its album incarnation; it's incomplete without the organ intro. Well-crafted interplay between all vocalists and the synthesizer..."And so the conversation turned..." is one of the great transitions in any pop song.)
- Bluebird Revisited-Stephen Stills (A well-structured, imaginative build to the chorus; the trumpet backing adds to its appeal.)
- Like We Never Had A Broken Heart-Trisha Yearwood (Life does a number on everyone at one time or another; Yearwood reminds us that it shouldn't stop us from enjoying life's positive aspects.)
- Sick Of Myself-Matthew Sweet (One of the most ear-catching guitar-and-drums rock intros; when I think of the mid '90s, this sing-along track comes to mind frequently.)
- It's The Talk Of The Town-Gene Ammons (The production on this track makes Ammons sound as though he's playing tenor sax off in the distance. With a tone like this and elegant piano backing to match, it's a sound worth emulating.)
- Good Morning Heartache-Gladys Knight (Knight emotes effectively in this fine cover, with appropriately lush backing from The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Also recommended: Laura Fygi's rendition.)
