A Girl Called Johnny - Hello It Isn't Me (10)

More perfect pop with a few more jangly guitars and an incredibly photogenic lead singer. (Edwin J Bernard, Record Mirror, November 15, 1986)

Owen Paul - Pleased To Meet You (CBS)

Owen is the kind of bloke it's impossible to dislike: he's inoffensive but not bland. In fact his records are quite a tonic. This one is a re-release from the times when Owen's claim to fame was being a mate of Charlie Nicholas ('Flamboyant' Arsenal footballer). It's almost as catchy as "Favourite Waste Of Time" and even if you don't like it you'll be humming along in no time. Can't help thinking though that his breezy take life as it comes kind of songs are only suited to the summertime. What's going to happen in winter? Perhaps Owen will have to hibernate... (Ro Newton, Smash Hits, August 27, 1986)

Martin Stephenson And The Daintees - Crocodile Cryer (Kitchenware)

This originally came out a while ago when the band were simply known as The Daintees. Singer Martin Stephenson has obviously been promoted since - maybe due to his songwriting talents which border on brilliance. the Newcastle band have a little gem in this song - acoustic guitars give it a folky feel and the effect is mournful without being depressing. Fab. 4/5 (Karen Swayne, No. 1, July 5, 1986)

Belouis Some - Jerusalem (Parlophone)

And did those feet in ancient time... dance to some better tunes than this one? Yes, probably. It's smooth 'n' moody, a tinge on the pretentious side and sounds as though he's recruited David Bowie on vocals and Sooty on xylophone. And as for the lyrics - what on earth is he going on about? "You paint your face like it's Jerusalem," indeed! (Lola Borg, Smash Hits, July 2, 1986)

Mr Some has tried for a big pop song here. One of those epic musclebound ballads, awash with splendid synthesised atmospherics, which rises to a swollen-hearted chorus and makes you think of...it all! He wants to be as dramatic as David Bowie, and as subtly supple as Japan, all at the same time. As an idea, it's wonderful. As a record, it plods. (Roger Morton, Record Mirror, July 26, 1986)

My gawd, a Belouis Some single that hasn't previously been put out! Yippee!
"Jerusalem" sees a drop in pace after his last couple of re-releases.
Unfortunately this strategy blows up in his face as this rather laboured song just forces home how average a vocalist our Nev really is.
I wouldn't bother putting it out a second time either, Parlophone. (Dave Ling, No 1, July 26, 1986)

The Escape Club - Where Angels Cry (EMI)

A driving drum and the strum of an acoustic guitar sets the mood for this well-rounded single. It bursts into action with hefty vocals and a catchy chorus with a dash of orchestral sounding strings to keep it flowing along. Although a basic rock formula has been followed there are unusual touches in the lyrics and arrangement that give "Where Angels Cry" a newish sound. (Paige Kilponen, No.1, June 28, 1986)

Tracie Young - We Should Be Together (Polydor)

Tracie Young used to be just "Tracie", a young thing nurtured into teenage semi-stardom by the benevolent "uncle" Paul Weller, but here she is with a much lower (and much improved) voice, singing a pretty reasonable, sprightly chartbound type "number". Not bad, not bad. (Duncan Wright, Smash Hits, June 18, 1986)

Mike And The Mechanics - All I Need Is A Miracle (WEA)

Like "Silent Running" this is equally addicting/nauseating depending on your point of view. It's slick radio pop that makes Cliff Richard seem positively dangerous. You'd think that, freed of his Genesis shackles, Mike Rutherford would prefer something more ambitious than reheated ELO. (Michael Gardner, Record Mirror, May 17, 1986)

Operating Theatre - Queen Of No Heart (Mother)

A real theatre company, no less, led by the atmospheric keyboard prowess of Roger Doyle and the powerful vocal presence of Canary Islander Elena Lopez. This is an urgent energetic slice of melody and rhythm powered by the muscular propulsion of drummer Sean Devitt, Who says actors can't make good records? Compelling. (Michael Gardner, Record Mirror, May 17, 1986)