Blue Plate Special: ABC
ABC, an iconic English pop band originating from Sheffield in 1980, featured Martin Fry as the lead vocalist, Mark White on guitar and keyboards, Stephen Singleton on saxophone, and David Palmer on drums. This dynamic formation quickly rose to prominence, achieving ten UK and five US top 40 hit singles between 1981 and 1990. Their debut studio album, “The Lexicon of Love,” released in 1982, was a monumental success, reaching number one on the UK charts and solidifying their place in the Second British Invasion of the US music scene. Because of their singles “Poison Arrow” and “The Look Of Love,” ABC was one of my earliest musical influences.
The band’s journey began as a synthesizer-based band formed by Singleton and White in 1977. Martin Fry, initially a fanzine writer, joined the group, transitioning them into ABC and stepping into the role of lead singer by 1980. ABC’s first single, “Tears Are Not Enough,” broke into the UK top 20 in 1981, setting the stage for their groundbreaking debut album. Produced by Trevor Horn, “The Lexicon of Love” included hits like “Poison Arrow,” “The Look of Love,” and “All of My Heart,” and was praised for its sophisticated production and lush orchestration.
Despite lineup changes and evolving musical styles, ABC continued to produce music and tour extensively. Their resilience and innovation were evident with the release of “The Lexicon of Love II” in 2016, which revisited and built upon their debut album’s themes. This album marked a significant comeback, entering the UK Albums Chart at number 5. ABC’s enduring appeal is a testament to their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with polished, pop-infused melodies, securing their legacy in the annals of British pop music history.
Some of my favorites from their catalog:
The Look of Love – from the album The Lexicon of Love (1982)
How To Be A Millionaire – from the album How To Be A Millionaire (1985)
Poison Arrow – from the album The Lexicon of Love (1982)
Be Near Me – from the album How To Be A Millionaire (1985)
Tears Are Not Enough – from the album The Lexicon of Love (1982)
Vanity Kills – from the album How To Be A Millionaire (1985)
Never More Than Now – from the album Up (1989)
Singer Not The song – from the album The Lexicon of Love II (2016)
