Album Review: Journeys to Glory (1981)

Spandau Ballet's debut album Journeys to Glory, first released by Reformation Records in 1981 is quite a highly underrated by the press and most modern popular music magazines. But I really do not know why people think this, it crushed Duran Duran's 1981 album of the same name, and changed the way the New Romantic/Alternative Pop period changed forever. I think you are all familiar with the album artwork, so here is a photograph of the boys from that time period. They all look so young and handsome!

The opening song 'To Cut a Long Story Short' is a really dynamic song, with excellent keyboard reliant intro by Gary Kemp and pounding guitar bangs by Steve Norman. This was an era before the saxophone was introduced and it should have, in my opinion, been sustained. Frontman Tony Hadley sings the lyrics deeply and with thought. The costumes however, are a different take on the classic suits of True, and show that tad more style, sophistication and youth on the boys, which ages range from 19-22 at this early period. Reformation suggests that most instrumental songs are not as what they seem, although to my liking I think it is a bit repetitive, but again, dynamic lyrics and this counts for Mandolin as well.

Musclebound is really the best song in my opinion to me on Journeys to Glory. The clanging throughout the whole song gives you that sense of life in the Saxon times and makes you imagine that you were there. If you have actually viewed the video, you will be able to see it was filmed on wasteland in Normandy, France, and that Tony is dressed like a night with chain mail up to his neck, completely transforming him into a medieval knight.

The rest of the album though lacks a little bit with the instrumental piece 'Age of Blows, but when that needle drops on to the second groove, you'll be glad you didn't turn back. 'The Freeze' has a wonderful guitar reliant opening, low dynamics for effect and very fast tempo. 'Confused' and 'Toys' come into their own very well.

In conclusion, I give this album a four. I give it this rating because, although it is only the start of the eighties, it could have been better if bass drums and synthesisers were added, to make it more sound and more disco used. Having been attracted to this album since Day One, it used to be my Twitter name and is the URL for the page on Facebook. I hope you read this review, enjoy it on the whole and submit via the comment box your thoughts. I shall leave you now, but please enjoy this picture of the band from the same time era.

The next review is what I think you Spandau Ballet lovers will enjoy on a whole, their 1983 album True (shown below)

Post soon!

Megan R (Normina or Kemp on here)