Erasure's 2015 'Best of' album, Always, has been reissued on vinyl for the first time as a 2LP package via Mute / BMG. Originally released in 2015 to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary, Always: The Very Best of Erasure is an unabashed journey through nearly four decades of hit singles, live favourites and outstanding pop familiar to everyone that’s ever owned a radio...

Growing up in the '80s I have to admit I was never a huge follower of Erasure. However, having listened to Always (probably far more times than I should have to write this review) I was left dumbfounded by the sheer amount of classic songs that played a backdrop to my teen years. Revisiting them almost 40 years on, it's staggering to see how they have stood the test of time. I played this on repeat so many times that I was in serious danger of neglecting everything else I was supposed to be doing.

There are songs here that I'd totally forgotten about and it was a joy to revisit them. Possible the most impressive thing is that while Erasure were of their time, the music has aged incredibly well. Sure there's the odd drum machine and classic synths which date the tracks a little, but the songs are fresh and uplifting. It was revisiting their catalogue that made me realise how incredible their songs would sound if someone was to rework them with full orchestral music - which was a thing a few years back for a number of artists.

I got a huge blast going down memory lane. Those that grew up on a healthy diet of Erasure really should add this rich and varied album to their library.

Track listing:

Side A
01. Who Needs Love Like That
02. Oh L’Amour
03. Sometimes
04. Victim Of Love
05. The Circus

Side B
06. Ship Of Fools
07. Chains Of Love
08. A Little Respect
09. Stop!
10. Drama!

Side C
11. Blue Savannah
12. Chorus
13. Love To Hate You
14. Take A Chance On Me
15. Always

Side D
16. Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer’s Day)
17. Breathe
18. Elevation
19. Love You To The Sky
20. Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling)

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Darren Rea