Don't Bore Us, Get To The Chorus

Berry Gordy, Jr. once said "Don't bore us -- get to the chorus," which basically sums up most of pop music. It doesn't, however, do credit to Roxette, who has crafted some of the best tunes of the '80s and '90s. This compilation exhibits what pop masters Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson are. It sums up major hits ("It Must Have Been Love," "Joyride"), minor hits ("Church of Your Heart," "How Do You Do!"), hard-to-find cuts ("Almost Unreal" from the Super Mario Bros. soundtrack), and new material ("Stars," "Wish I Could Fly"). Every song is a gem. Whether it's aching ballads like "Crash! Boom! Bang!," A/C/pop like "Dressed For Success," or techno/dance like "Stars," the two never miss a beat in terms of production, vocals, or lyrics. You can see how much their skills sharpened as both they and pop music matured when you place "The Look" alongside "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" alongside "Wish I Could Fly." Even with the pop renaissance of the late '90s, no one picked up where Roxette left off. This is a comprehensive collection of great contemporary music from overlooked and underrated pros. ~ Bryan Buss