"The Look of Love (Part 1)" by ABC

Song#:  1175
Date:  09/11/1982
Debut:  77
Peak:  18
Weeks:  25
Genre:  New Wave, Dance



Pop Bits:  This UK band began as Vice Versa in 1977 and then with the addition of lead singer Martin Fry, they evolved into ABC. They recorded the single "Tears Are Not Enough," which did well in the UK reaching #19. This prompted a full album produced by Trevor Horn called "The Lexicon of Love." Their next single, "Poison Arrow," broke the into the UK Top 10 (#6) and then this single kept the streak going reaching #4. Here in the US, this single was our introduction to the band. Their cinematic new wave sound and accompanying video got a lot of attention and the single made it into the Top 20 while reaching the #1 spot on the Dance chart.

ReduxReview:  Looking back, it's just weird to realize this did not go Top 10. The song has had such a long life that it just seems like it was a major chart hit. I think I like it even more now that I did back then. It is certainly a classic from the period. I like to think of this song as "sophisticated new wave."

ReduxRating:  9/10

Trivia:  The 12" single for this song consisted of Parts 1-4.  Part 1, which is this single, is the album version of the song. Part 2 was an instrumental version, Part 3 a vocal remix, and Part 4 a short instrumental section from the song. Parts 1 and 4 appeared on the album while 2 and 3 were only available on the 12" single.

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