Album Review: Martika, Deacon Blue, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Surface – A Retro Gem from Sony Music Entertainment (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Alright, so this album’s got a bit of everything—Martika bringing that edgy pop vibe, Deacon Blue with their soulful Scottish touch, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam throwing down some serious freestyle heat, and Surface smoothing things out with R&B grooves. Honestly, it's like a time capsule to the late '80s and early '90s. You know those albums where you just feel something? This is one of them.
Let me break it down for ya. First up, Martika’s track—"Toy Soldiers." Man, if you don’t remember this one, I dunno what to tell ya. It’s not flashy or overproduced; it’s raw and kinda haunting. The lyrics hit different because they’re about real stuff—struggles, addiction, all that heavy stuff—but wrapped in this melody that sticks in your head for days. Like, how does she make something so sad sound so... catchy? That’s talent right there.
Then there’s Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with “Let the Beat Hit ‘Em.” Oh man, this song is straight-up FUN. If you’ve ever been at a party where everyone starts dancing without even realizing it, blame this track. It’s got that funky bassline, those crisp beats, and Lisa’s voice just floats on top like butter on warm toast. Every time I hear it, I’m transported back to my cousin’s basement in ‘92, where we used to crank this on an old boombox. Good times.
Deacon Blue’s contribution feels like a warm hug—you can tell these guys poured their hearts into it. And Surface? They bring the chill factor big time. But honestly, it’s tracks like “Toy Soldiers” and “Let the Beat Hit ‘Em” that stick with me long after the record stops spinning.
Here’s the thing: listening to this album feels like flipping through an old photo album. Each song has its own memory attached, even if it wasn’t yours originally. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it—it’s nostalgic but still fresh somehow.
Random thought though: whoever decided to put Martika next to Lisa Lisa must’ve had a blast planning this lineup. Talk about contrasts! One’s all introspective and moody, the other’s ready to light up the dance floor. Kinda genius when you think about it.
Anyway, give this collection a spin if you wanna relive some golden-era vibes—or discover ‘em for the first time. Trust me, your ears will thank you.
