Title - 'Blast: Expanded Edition'
Artist - Holly Johnson
An expanded collector’s edition re-issue of Holly Johnson’s first solo album Blast is now upon us and wow, is it great! Sure, even spread over 3 discs, to hear the same song - in differing variations - 8 times ('Americanos' and 'Love Train') can get a bit repetitive, but still, the album is pure musical genius all the way through.
Originally released in May 1989, Blast was a UK Number One platinum selling album and contains the four hit singles: 'Love Train' (#4), 'Americanos' (#4), 'Atomic City' (#18) and 'Heaven’s Here' (#62).
Johnson had left Frankie Goes To Hollywood, created a solo baby, put it ut into the world, and succeeded! Yup, he had finally made his first solo debut via (at the time) MCA Records and he was being adored for it. As mentioned above, the singles such as 'Love Train' - co-written with the always-underrated Dan Hartman - 'Americanos' and 'Atomic City' all met with a warm reception.
Other songs such as 'Deep in Love,' 'S.U.C.C.E.S.S.,' 'Got It Made,' 'Love Will Come' and especially 'Perfume' all have a strong mix of infectious dance-pop. The closing ballad, 'Feel Good' is definitely worth a mention also, as it's atmospheric and grand finale still stand the test of musical time.
What you will also find on this wonderful collection are the original 7" vinyl B-sides to all of the released singles, such as 'Murder In Paradise' [B-Side Of Love Train], 'Beat The System' [B-Side Of Atomic City], 'Hollelujah' [B-Side Of Heaven's Here], and 'Americanos [Mambo Dub]' [B-Side Of Americanos].
Indeed, that same year, Johnson took part in a charity project for the Hillsborough disaster fund and recorded a popular single, 'Ferry Cross the Mersey' with Paul McCartney, the Christians and others. The single reached number 1 in the UK and Ireland.
Disc Three - DVD: The Blast Promotional Videos - Love Train / Americanos / Atomic City / Heaven’s Here / Atomic City (12" version).
www.hollyjohnson.com/dispatch
Blast: Expanded Edition Purchase Link