Customer Reviews

Declaration 1984-1985

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Probably the best CD of the 80's that nobody ever heard, this re-released version of Declaration is well worth the cost because you can find several great b-sides and unreleased songs. There are some good live tracks and some different mixes of the original songs from Declaration. I would suggest buying the original Declaration release first, then supplementing your collection with this import release.

Straight away the listener is hooked with this monumental album! The album is opened with the ultra cool acoustic shout of DECLARATION, this soon slips into MARCHING ON, where we here Mike Peters chanting the epic "Our hearts must have the courage to keep Marching on". Just as we are catching our breaths we are hit by WHERE WERE YOU HIDING WHEN THE STORM BROKE, and then the eighties classic SIXTY EIGHT GUNS is slipped in! I loved this album years ago, but know back with us but remastered, its sounding even better! Lots of great extras for fans to gobble up, but classic originals such as THE DECIEVER and THE STAND are where the album hits its peak! F**KING classic stuff!

The Alarm were many things to many people in the early '80s. I discovered their music one day in high school and was immediately captivated by a group that had the heart to stand up & say "we know how you feel, and we want you to sing along when it all seems too much to take." Besides, the Clash didn't really appeal to me at the time, although London Calling is probably the finest album of the decade. It didn't hurt that the band was very approachable. All of the tracks contained herein were previously released in one form or another - the very weak "What kind of Hell" can be found on the Bachelor Party (yes - the Tom Hanks movie!) soundtrack. If you've never really heard more than "Rain in the Summertime" and have some interest I guarantee you'll get your money's worth - in fact you'll probably think to yourself "what happened to this band?" "Blaze of Glory" still kicks..., and "Unbreak the Promise" is a little golden nugget that was tucked on the b-side of one of the import singles. If you really like this record, you'll probably also dig "Strength", and see if you can't find Dave Sharp's solo work (he's the lead guitarist, and sings some of the songs - sort of a latter-day George Harrison if you will). Do NOT spend money on Mike Peters' solo albums (sorry Mike) and do NOT waste your cash on "Eye of the Hurricane" aka the beginning of the end. Good luck.