Culture Club - The Medal Song (Virgin)

Go to Hollywood too, in a manner of speaking. The medal refers to one that Frances Farmer won whilst still at acting school in the Forties, and led her to that fabulous Babylon in the hills. She found the star system conflicting cruelly with little needs like Work, Art, Real Life. She couldn't take it and ended up in an asylum. Perhaps George is trying to tell us something? He shouldn't explain, but ... I remember when this group weren't so Mega and made records such as "I'm Afraid of Me" and "Time", and so does George. (Mark Cordery, Record Mirror, November 24, 1984)

Frances Farmer, the subject of "The Medal Song", was a Hollywood starlet who was committed to an asylum because she refused to conform to the star system. The song's conclusion would seem to be that pop star or movie queen, life's not so different to that of us ornery folk. And perhaps it's time we were reminded that George is only human. No one has a god-given right to No. 1 records, and the fact is, it's over a year since the Club's last chart-topper with "Karma Chameleon". There's not much of a tune on "The Medal Song" either, but that's no indication that this O' Dowd has had his day. (Paul Simper, No 1, November 17, 1984)

Frankie Goes To Hollywood - The Power Of Love (ZTT)

Led Zeppelin do a ballad! Gosh, these boys are versatile. I've tried to see some redeeming feature in this - as you might expect, it's Trevor Horn's lush production. Otherwise the thing's a fairly major disappointment. Seventies' kitsch seems to be the Flavour Of The Month, but a pomp rock revival I can live without. (Sunie, No 1, November 24, 1984)

A stronger-than-brandy, big ballady monster. A lot of heart, all over the place. Strings sweep, fools weep. 'Make love your goal', pleads Holly, going over the big top and outta sight. The B-side carries the Lads' Xmessage - beep beep! - in which they get pissed, take the piss out of themselves, and make a few suggestions (about getting the most out of the festive season). O come, all ye ... (Mark Cordery, Record Mirror, November 24, 1984)