Laura Branigan as everyone will know was famous for the song ‘Self Control’ (1984) that had the title song that went to No 1 in Canada and Germany. But this album is one that was released before monstrous success came to her.

The album has the top single Solitaire and her superior version of Michael Bolton’s How am I supposed to live without you. Though Bolton’s version was a much bigger hit years later; going over the top with his vocals and production, Branigan’s take is simpler, prettier, and shows shades of emotion at all times. Branigan has always been such an incredible singer who sadly left us too soon (3rd July, 1952 – 26th August, 2004) with such an incredible musical legacy.

Branigan 2 was her second album and is one of the best albums, aptly titled ‘Branigan 2’ Moving on more into the album we have Deep in the Dark, very sexy and, despite coming hot on the heels of Falco’s Der Komissar. Squeeze Box is playful and sexy, while Mama, a whispered penance for having given in to a bad boy. Other pieces really worth to tune in would be I’m Not the Only One a disco track with very impressively sounding deep vocals and Close Enough a very touching piece, not forgetting good moments on Squeeze Box which is the best rock’n’roll Laura ever sung.

Branigan’s singing sounds deep and soulful because her personality is strongly present throughout the songs. The album is almost perfect, but it’s not on the top order.

A good album for anyone who wanted to know about the 80s Laura Branigan.

Label: Atlantic

Release date: 1983

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira