Culture Club - The War Song (Virgin)

George has come to the profound conclusion that both war and people are stupid, and since he delivers the message in just about every language except Lithuanian and Swahili, he obviously feels it's important. Still, trite lyrics aside, the song's so infernally catchy that I've been whistling it all weekend (although I can't quite manage the "Aaieewuuurigh!!!' in the middle yet), and it's got to be Single Of The Fortnight. Whether I'll feel quite the same when everyone from the neighbour's budgie to the weird bloke downstairs is whistling it too's another matter, of course. Oh well, I can't wait to see the video. (Vici MacDonald, Smash Hits, September 27, 1984)

There's been so much intellectualising about war – obscure allegories, murky metaphor – plenty of space left for clever clogs to say "War is alright if .. " So George lays it on the line, from his position a mass medium, mass appeal group: "War is stupid and people are stupid and love means nothing in some strange quarters." Embraced by a tune that sweetens the message without weakening it, this is the ultimate Culture Club song. We need all cultures in that club learning to say 'No'. Single of the week. (Martin Townsend, No 1, September 29, 1984)

"War is stupid", George reveals. Lyrics of true insight there. And a tune that succinctly combines all their previous singles, and a poster with the 12-inch, and an even happier bank manager. (Paul Sexton, Record Mirror, September 29, 1984)