Customer Reviews

How Men Are

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4 star:		(1)
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this recording was labeled a "sellout" when it was released--some things never change. if catchy tunes imbued with that great 80's synth sound and velvety vocals are a "sellout," then so be it! i found, and still find, this to be a great collection of songs--well-crafted, full of atmosphere, drum and synth heavy tunes that stick around, begging to be played and played again. glenn gregory has an incredible voice that brings a smooth, sophisticated vibe to the party. i still enjoy every song on here! if you long for the 80's AND sophistication (yes, it is possible) then check this one out.

This is IMHO the best of heaven 17's output ever. Somewhere in between their long career they mastered the art of smooth, cool sophisticated pop. Think Spandau Ballet's Parade or True but with a bit more of an "edge". No favourite cut because every song is sublime. Do yourself a favour - give it a try.

This band has churned out some of the most quintessential eighties synth records of the 80s. This was their third outing and by far the most polished. It's slick and well (over?) produced and I absolutely love it. The lyrics showcase the band's great sense of humour and irony. Highlights include Sunset Now and And That's No Lie. If you love 80's pop you will love this album. Guaranteed.

How Men Are was, coming on the heels of the Luxury Gap and their massive UK hit "Temptation" something of a challenge. The production had moved from funky to more orchestral in nature, the songs less hook driven and more introspective. Still, I remember this being one of my favorite albums in the late 80s, I constantly played it and grew to love it. The Skin I'm In and Shame Is On the Rocks are classic Heaven 17 songs, full of bright pop sounds and yeah, funky I guess. The album has one of my all time fave Heaven 17 songs "Reputation," a shamefully over looked -should have been a hit single. ...And That's No Lie is a massive, almost Brian Wilson-type epic that has promise but seems half finished.
If anything, compared to the first two albums this one is more mature and less hit driven. Some tracks seem like filler, portents of things to come in hindsight. Not a bad album, certainly nothing embarrassing. But just wait...

This long awaited reissue of Heaven 17's third album is superb. Any album that contains a song with the energy and power of 'Sunset Now' has to be good. The fact that so much of the other material has stood the test of time so well is pleasing.

Heaven 17 were often overshadowed by the phenomenon of 'Dare' and the Human League, yet they went on to record several exceptional albums. Overall, this was probably their strongest effort, until the reformation with 'Bigger than America'. Here there songwriting skills are to the fore, as they essay various aspects of funk and soul. Glenn Gregory is a superb vocalist, and the songs are well tailored to the strengths of his voice.

A wonderfull album, definitely of it's time, that has aged gracefully. The additions to this eddition are entertaining, but not indispensable. If you are interested in Heaven 17, this is a real high poibnt in their career, and a good basis for getting to know them better.

Like ABC's Lexicon Of Love album, this is slickly produced BritFunk/SynthPop. While some reviewers complained that this album was "overproduced", it makes sense that production is where H17 shine. Keep in mind that their original reason for leaving The Human League in 1980 was to concentrate on production. Among their projects under the BEF monkier was the relaunch of Tina Turner's career in 1981. This album's biggest failing upon release is that no one got the joke...slickly produced pop music sending up the Yuppie/Sloan excess of Thatcher Britain/Reagan America. Fifteen years later it remains danceable and catchy, but the joke is a lot easier understood. If you buy only one H17 album, this is a good choice!!!