Search - ABC :: Skyscraping

ABC reaches for the sky and pulls down pure heaven on cd

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 09/02/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After two less than stellar albums, ABC(namely Martin Fry since Mark White chose not to attend this reunion) has released its best album in some time. The sound embraces both their early dance inspired Roxy Music period, as well as, house, drum & bass and the wide variety of different musical forms that have taken root since their last album in 1991. That doesn't mean that Fry/ABC have lost their musical voice or sound--they've managed to incorporate new elements as all developing bands should.The departure of Mark White has, surprisingly, reinvigorated the "band". Although founding member White's creative partnership with Fry will be missed, Fry has the added input of songwriting collaborator/musical contributor Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17 and this more than makes up for White's loss. It's unclear if he is to become a permanent fixture in the band(probably not), but his input has helped Fry put together the best ABC album since 1987.Fry's vocals are passionate. The musical tracks are outstanding. Definitely a must have for ABC fans."

The best since Lexicon of love

Carsten Elmose Madsen | Denmark | 12/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ABCs career have been characterized by ups ("Lexicon of love", "Alphabet city") and downs ("Beauty stab" and "up"). But "Skyscraping" is definately one of their best - if not their best album since groundbraking "Lexicon of love". "Their" is maybe the wrong word since "Skyscraping" is ABC only in the form of Martin Fry.



"Skyscraping" should be a treat for everyone who liked "Lexicon of love". Tracks such as "ask a thousand times", "who can I turn to", "stranger things", "only the best will do", "faraway" and last but not least the fantastic title-track (hear that chorus!!) "skyscraping" are wonderfully produced, has clever lyrics and show that Martin Fry is an intelligent writer with a perfect and unique voice.



Heaven 17 members helped Martin Fry on this album and this seems to have been a creative partnership. Musically "Skyscraping" pays homage to Roxy Music and the early new romatics scene (a scene in which ABC themselves was vital) and if you like music from the 80's this album should appeal to you. Whenever I listen to this album melancholy hits me - somehow it makes you remember all those wonderful people you have met on your lifes journey.



The albums fluctuates a bit in quality and received mixed reviews in the press. Everyone I know loves the album - and it seems that the total lack of marketing was the real reason this album failed. Give it a few listens, remember what ABC was all about (good, strong and catchy pop-songs with intelligent lyrics) and you will have a companion for life."

A big disappointment

Kevin O'Conner | 08/05/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Having been one of only about eight people on the entire planet to own all of the ABC albums and willingly admit to doing so, I really looked forward to the release of a new ABC album - particularly since their last album, Abracadabra, was easily their best.Unfortunately, with Mark White out of the picture, ABC falls flat. Even the best moment on the album, "Stranger things", sounds stilted and artificial, the equivalent of trying to bake a cake based solely on a picture of one. Sure, Messrs. Fry and Gregory toss in a few recognizable motifs from ABC past, but this just adds insult upon injury.Save your money. Buy the remastered editions of the first four albums instead."