Bananarama
followed up their hit-laden
True Confessions
, which spawned their international chart-topping version of
"Venus,"
with 1987's
Wow!
witnessed the emerging role of
Stock, Aitken & Waterman
as the trio's producers --
was wholly assembled by the hitmaking team, which was also responsible for hits by
Rick Astley
,
Kylie Minogue
Dead or Alive
Donna Summer
, and countless others. This album is, therefore, a straightforward 1980s
dance
set, with several songs that went on to become international hits. The only track from this set to make the U.S. Top Ten was
"I Heard a Rumour,"
a sassy, joyous single just as infectious today as when first released. Also included is the sleek, lip-smackin'
disco
hit
"I Can't Help It,"
the engaging, European chart-topper
"Love in the First Degree,"
the single
"I Want You Back,"
and an extended mix of their version of
the Supremes
'
"Nathan Jones."
Some of the non-hits pale in comparison to the singles, among those the dated, 12" version of
"Some Girls"
; the 12" version of
"Strike It Rich,"
which, at some points, resembles an inferior version of
"I Can't Help It"
; and
"Bad for Me,"
which unintentionally highlights the trio's vocal limitations. Nonetheless, the singles were quite intoxicating, and this hard-to-find set is sure to please fans of
, or any fans of the
sound, which ruled the airwaves and nightclubs in the mid- to late '80s. ~ Jose F. Promis