New Order - Blue Monday (Factory)

It had to happen. New Order have dumped moody, repetitive guitars in favour of moody, repetitive synths and a drum kit with a pronounced stutter. After the first twenty minutes or so, it starts to cause tense, nervous headache... (David Hepworth, Smash Hits, March 17, 1983)

Talk Talk - My Foolish Friend (EMI)

Oh, the pain of being a member of Talk Talk! The starched shirts, the meaningful expressions, the dry ice, the anguish, the adenoids, not to mention the snide reviews! (David Hepworth, Smash Hits, March 17, 1983)

Missing Persons - Words (Capitol)

This year's flash American import and, of course, they're the hottest band on the LA club scene. They're going to play a showcase date in London, of course, and appear on The Tube. Fronted by an ex Playboy bunny who sounds more sickly than a lemon popsicle, I reckon they'll go down like their predecessors the Motels, but, with the charts in a strange mood at the moment, I could be kind and say that you never know. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, March 5, 1983)

The Style Council - Speak Like A Child (Polydor)

The world waits with bated breath. The pubs are emptied and the streets are deserted as people scurry home to see if Paul Weller's quarter of a million deal with Polydor has paid off. And yes, the voice of a nation is set to cut it again. What I like is the fact that the bitterness has gone - there was nothing worse than Weller launching his tirades against art and society. Weller relaxes and coughs up a rich little number with his big toe in the past and his eye well and truly on the future. Weller's new baby is bawling lustily. May it grow to be strong. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, March 5, 1983)

Or "speak like a child", as Paul Weller's curious vocal dialect has it. His first post-Jam effort makes a refreshing change from the choppiness of songs like "Town Called Malice", coasting along on the back of Mick Talbot's soul organ and sounding like the work of a man getting back to his own element. (David Hepworth, Smash Hits, March 17, 1983)

Ultravox - Visions In Blue (Chrysalis)

I blew the dust off the stylus, changed the turntable speed and got the bloke in from next door to check my wiring. But no use. This still sounded awfully dirge-like. Mind you, that's what I said about "Ghosts" by Japan. (David Hepworth, Smash Hits, March 17, 1983)

Ah yes, I can see it all now. The train pulls into the station through billowing fog and a young girl looks over her shoulder as Midge Ure twitches his moustache. I've been unmercifully unkind to Ultravox in the past, but I always liked "Vienna" and this has the same ring of confidence and enterprising style. All is forgiven, this should be huge. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, March 5, 1983)

The Comsat Angels - Island Heart (Jive)

The last time I did the singles I thought the Comsats had a hit on their hands with "Will You Stay Tonight". I was wrong and I'm keeping my mouth shut about this one. Enough to say that they always produce great melodies and intriguing tinkly bits in their music. This one has a lovely feeling of escape and freedom. Buy this tomorrow. (Eleanor Levy, Record Mirror, November 19, 1983)

China Crisis - You Did Cut Me (Virgin)

China Crisis have proved the most durable of the 'wimp rock' crew, mainly because of their talent for writing memorable melodies. They're still as wet as the weather though, but Garry Daly's breathy vocals lend a touch of distinction to whatever they do. Pleasant enough, but still nothing more than aural wallpaper. (Karen Swayne, No 1, August 31, 1985)

Another well-crafted technically exact pop tune, with definite chart potential. Some blousey sax for late night listening, with an undulating feel. You can't dislike it, but I find it all a bit insipid. As they say me ol' china - "just not my cup of tea". (Diane Cross, Record Mirror, August 31, 1985)

Yet another young British group make a boring, grown-up, American-style AOR ("Adult Oriented Rock") type record. China Crisis can be interesting when they try but here we find them plumbing the depths of cliché with the usual (for this sort of thing) slow sax solo and useless words like "A love incision/My inner vision". A sad business. (Dave Rimmer, Smash Hits, August 28, 1985)

China Crisis - Black Man Ray (Virgin)

I quite like this one. It's got a nice little melody to it. However, I don't like their image, which is as dismal as Julian Lennon. And unfortunately, it seems to rub off on their otherwise very pretty songs. (Marshall O'Leary, Smash Hits, March 14, 1985)

China Crisis are one of those semi-famous groups whose faces and songs you vaguely recognise but can never totally identify. The anonymity they unwillingly court is a drag, especially if their records aren't immediately catchy. However, 'Black Man Ray' produced by noted American musician Walter Becker, might help matters. It's sad, wistful air will appeal to audiences across the board, and China Crisis will remain in the shadows no longer. (Adrian Jones, No1, March 9, 1985)

Donald Fagen's old Steely Dan partner, Walter Becker, produces this soft rock effort - and it shows. Those soft harmonies and instrumental motifs show strong Steely Dan influences. Fortunately, like all Dan material, this easy-going opus grows with every play. (Mike Gardner, Record Mirror, March 9, 1985)