XTC - This World Over (Virgin)

AM: The British public chose in their infinite ignorance not to make the last one a hit, which was a belter, and given the state of the world, I see no reason why this one should be a hit. And I can understand more why this one wouldn't. I adored 'All You Pretty Girls'. PH: I really like this one, actually. AM: I like that, but it sounds more like an album track. PH: As a song, which is basically what we're reviewing, it's very very good. (Paul & Andy of OMD, Record Mirror, November 3, 1984)

Mention XTC in mixed company and no doubt you'll be regaled with a chorus of "Making Plans For Nigel", their biggest hit. Five years later, they're still slogging away getting more misses than hits. "This World Over" is a sad, regret-filled postcard of a song from a post-nuclear holocaust world. It's haunting and chilling and might finally end those choruses of 'Nigel'. (Adrian Tierney-Jones, No 1, November 10, 1984)

Anti-war holler, wistful and winsome. XTC have stepped back from music industry machinations and are making better records. (Morrissey, Smash Hits, October 24, 1984)