This German sextet's first American effort serves as a perfect example of the simple pop optimism that was everywhere in the middle of the '80s. With tinny, electronic drum kit beats, pseudo-macho guitar solos, cheesy keyboard riffs, and romantic simpleton lyrics on par with "roses are red, violets are blue," there's plenty here to offend those who take their songwriting seriously. But the lush vocals of
Jayney Klimek and her offbeat brother
Alf (think
Fred Schneider's cousin abroad) add a certain celebratory element to the abundantly joyous "Holiday," the pumped-up heartbreak number "All the Love," and the striking anthem "We Are What We Are," even if their underlying meanings are somewhat unclear. One-hit wonder catchiness is prevalent all over the album, but even with some MTV airplay, they couldn't capitalize on it and soon vanished to lands far beyond the CD bargain bin. Still, this album has enough playful innocence to warrant a few spins during the inevitable '80s comeback. ~ Jason Kaufman