If you were 80s guy surely the name Smokie would ring a bell. 14 top hits of the UK band you probably have heard time and time again. Their ballads never seem tire you playing it. Lead singer Chris Norman has a soulful, smoky voice (rumor has it, that is how the group got its name) that you either love or hate. Norman had a minor duet hit with Suzi Quatro with Stumblin’ In that made it big all over the world. Many compilations also include the song, but not this album of course, for its got Chris's distinctive voice on songs that have become classic seventies soft pop rock music and hit singles. The other members on this album were Pete Spencer (drums), Terry Uttley (Bass) and Alan Silson (guitar / harmonica). The band has had numerous line up changes and till today still perform with new members.

The group features songs that climbed the charts of the UK during 1975 and 1978, all of them making the top twenty. So spinning this LP would fill your room with songs like the opening Oh Carol (mind you it’s not a cover of the old Neil Sedaka song) which went top 5 in 1978, followed by Living next door to Alice, a song which later got a cuss word in it sung by a new artist. The song also took them into the top ten charts. Hitting the highlights we have If You Think You Know How To love Me, For a few dollars more, Lay back in the arms of someone andthe bouncy Don't Play Your Rock `n Roll To Me.

Flipping over we have Needles and Pins (a cover of the sixties classic by The Searchers), Mexican girl (which only just made the UK top twenty); I'll Meet You at Midnight. The album ends with a cover of Bobby Vee's classic Take good care of my baby a neat ballad which Smokie was well known for.

This collection is enjoyable with hummable tunes, remarkable of the sound of the 80s. This is a fantastic assortment of Smokie tracks that anyone listening for the first time will enjoy.

Label: RAK Records Ltd / Columbia / EMI

Released on: 1980

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira