In truth, Skyscraping finds Martin Fry (almost) on his own! For this is really simply a solo album with help from his friends. Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17 for one lends a hand giving the sound often a lush feeling. That said, and as much as a) I love all ABC material and b) Martin Fry is actually a friend of mine, on too many tracks Martin seems to be trying too hard to give the sound some edge.

It is the more relaxed efforts that shine. And shine they do in epic proportions. 'Stranger Things' is as catchy a pop tune as they come, yet could be classified as easy listening. The title track, however, is the album's gem. One can listen to it again and again without getting tired of it.

With enough marketing ammunition this track could easily (today) become a huge hit appealing to a wide spectrum. Really, the album is worth purchasing for that single song. There are other good songs on the album, but programming the CD is still a must.

Released today in this huge expanded format, the album was originally released in 1997 as a homage to lead singer Martin Fry's several musical heroes: David Bowie, Roxy Music and The Sex Pistols.

As mentioned above, Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17) was involved and the other main contributor was Keith Lowndes. Back then the album was met with positive reviews from critics rather than broad commercial success, sadly.

This re-issue - done in conjunction with the band - contains liner notes by Daryl Easlea who talked extensively to the members of the band about the creation of the record. And along with the newly re-mastered album it also contains a second disc chock full of B-Sides from the singles released at the time!

1.STRANGER THINGS
2.ASK A THOUSAND TIMES
3.SKYSCRAPING
4.WHO CAN I TURN TO?
5.ROLLING SEVENS
6.ONLY THE BEST WILL DO
7.LOVE IS ITS OWN REWARD
8.LIGHT YEARS
9.SEVEN DAY WEEKEND
10.HEAVEN KNOWS
11.FARAWAY

1.THE WORLD SPINS ON (B-SIDE STRANGER THINGS)
2.ALL WE NEED(B-SIDE STRANGER THINGS)
3.STRANGER THINGS(ACOUSTIC)
4.SKYDUBBING (B-SIDE SKYSCRAPING)
5.STRANGER THINGS(LIVE)
6.ROLLING SEVENS (RADIO EDIT)
7.THE LOOK OF LOVE(LIVE)
8.ALL OF MY HEART (LIVE)
9.SKYSCRAPING (ALTERNATE VERSION)

Each song is hooky, memorable and well written. I've played this CD over and over and friends are amazed that this album didn't get the attention it deserved. Truly a lost classic!

CD Purchase Link