Top 5 ABC Songs of the '80s

ABC Perform At Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth
Redferns / Getty Images
By Steve Peake
Updated on 04/13/19

Though active throughout the '80s as a musical entity, Britain's ABC presented most of its lasting work on its wonderful 1982 debut, The Lexicon of Love. A brilliant combination of elegant synth-pop, R&B and funk allowed the band to distinguish itself from more morose contemporaries; and the precise songwriting and arrangements of leader Martin Fry were responsible for some memorable '80s music moments.

Here's a chronological look at ABC's finest song offerings, appearing largely during the first half of the decade, even if the inferior 1987 single "When Smokey Sings" ultimately stands as the group's biggest American hit.

01
of 05

"Poison Arrow"

ABC Onstage
Paul Natkin/Archive Photos/Getty Images

What is it that feels so different about ABC when compared with the other synth-pop and new wave groups playing keyboard-driven pop during the early '80s? There are a lot of totally viable answers to this question, but unquestionably the best place to start is with frontman and clear leader Martin Fry. Aside from his slick trademark gold suit (that probably no one else could pull off), Fry transmits a tremendous amount of sophistication and flamboyance in his vocal performance here, somehow avoiding descriptors such as vampy or campy. The vital, supporting role played by the musical arrangement makes this Top 30 pop hit special, as weaving lines of saxophone, keyboards, and snappy bass guitar combine to deliver near pop perfection.

02
of 05

"Many Happy Returns"

British pop group ABC made an immediate splash with 1982's 'The Lexicon of Love.'
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Neutron Records

Fry & Co. pack much action and texture into their arrangements in ABC's debut, The Lexicon of Love, transforming melodically busy sonic confections into something much more substantial than is apparent upon first listen. Another major reason for the British group's success is in blending qualities of traditionally White and Black music in nearly seamless ways. Sound for sound, ABC produced perhaps as many intriguing, funky bass lines as any of its contemporaries, and Fry's voice carefully treads a unique boundary between arm's-length elegance and soulful earthiness.

03
of 05

"The Look of Love (Part 1)"

ABC
Neutron Records

Many people might remember encountering this exuberant track on Casey Kasem's America's Top 40 and becoming quite enamored with Fry's pleading vocals. However, possibly even more memorable were the whispering asides and call-and-response backing vocals that are heard throughout. Fry's lyrics also hit a high point here, forging a nimble path that meshes perfectly with the funky, melodic appeal of the composition as a whole. "When your girl has left you out on the pavement" leads off an effective second verse that receives a boost from the interjection of a female voice ("Goodbye") as well as a stylish backup shout of "Who's got the look?". These clever combinations help the song develop and climb numerous melodic peaks that would be nearly unreachable for many other bands.

04
of 05

"All of My Heart"

The sparkling pop singles kept coming during 1983, as 'The Lexicon of Love' continued to yield major dividends for ABC.
Neutron Records

ABC may be the only band capable of presenting such a clarified thread of music perfectly suited for a grand romance and yet still restrained, even dignified. This strong album track, one of several from its exquisite debut, may be lush and breezy but somehow avoids coming off saccharine or cheesy. Fry and his collaborators continue to display a solid grasp of compositional skill, providing dense musical backdrops for delicate melodies. The effect tends to be that ABC's music often increases its appeal as listener familiarity grows. Intricacy aside, ABC commands attention with a straightforward, unified attack: "Well, I hope and I pray that maybe someday you'll walk in the room with my heart," showcasing a great marriage of lyric and melody.

05
of 05

"Be Near Me"

Album Cover Image
Island Def Jam

Following 1984's disappointing Beauty Stab, on which the group attempted, with nondescript results, to transform into a guitar band, ABC returned triumphantly in 1985 with the keyboard-based, hook-ridden How to Be a... Zillionaire. Recalling the clean production and intersecting synth-based melodies of its lauded debut, the band's third album seemed to re-establish ABC as a major '80s act. This lovely track became the group's first Top 10 pop hit in the United States, helping to land an impressive second Top 30 hit on the Billboard album charts. Fry seems to bring out his most passionate and engaging performances for his best compositions, and this one, co-written with lone original member Mark White, may just be ABC's crowning achievement.