Don't You Want Me Baby?
In RS 369, David Fricke reviewed four albums from across the pond: the Human League's Dare, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's Architecture and Morality, Soft Cell's Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, and Depeche Mode's Speak and Spell. Because Fricke didn't have a crystal ball when he wrote this review, the excerpts are interesting:

Yet, more important, the League itself now strikes an appealing balance between modern technique and tuneful charm, epitomized by the hit single "Don't You Want Me."

Too much sincerity and not enough spunk on Architecture and Morality make for attractive but dull fare.

Not surprisingly, then, the best tracks on Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret–"Frustration," "Sex Dwarf," "Secret Life" – bump and grind with vibrant, tawdry soul.

Compared to Soft Cell's smutty pop, Depeche Mode's Speak and Spell is strictly PG-rated fluff. A group of fresh-faced, suburban lads from Britain, they have neither the ambition of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark nor the overt commercial allure of the Human League.

Oh, to have a time machine and ask Fricke the following questions:

Which of the four groups will celebrate its last gasp of popularity with the producers of Michael Jackson's younger sister?

Which of the four groups will headline Pasadena's Rose Bowl, only a few short years after their lead songwriter quits?

Which of the four groups will be a supporting act at that concert?

P.S. If you follow the Rolling Stone link, take a look at the so-called track list for Dare. Looks like they got their signals crossed. (Imagine hearing the guitars of "The Lebanon" in Dare!)