Search - Kim Carnes, Juice Newton :: Back to Back

This is what's called a "SAMPLER," folks !

J. Collins | 01/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm as pure as NY snow when it comes to my Kim Carnes fandom, and regularly haunt Amazon for her CD reissues. Though my collection of Juice's stuff is limited to her first three solo lps and a compilation CD, I'd certainly count myself among her early '80s fans. Having said all that, this disc wasn't really intended for somebody like me...or for diehard fans of either performer.I'll admit that I have picked this disc up when I've run across it in a record store. It's short on material and bare-bones in packaging. It's often in bargain bins. But before my fellow fans start shaking their heads in disgust, remember that discs like these are tailor made for impulse shopping. Somebody wants a CD version of "Bette Davis Eyes," or maybe "Angel of the Morning," sees THIS disc (and it's low price) and puts it in their shopping basket. I doubt that most folks going shopping for CD singles unless it's a current release, and even if they could find the appropriate "oldies" single, what's the difference in price...?This compilation covers roughly four years worth of material from both Kim and Juice (1979-1982), and MOST of the hits of this period are included. ("Voyeur" and "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me" are two notable contemporary cuts that didn't get included.) For a sampler, this disc does a pretty good job, given the very specific time period it covers. It includes at least five #1 singles, which are the tracks that non-fans are most likely to recognize, and want. And maybe (just maybe), someone who buys this disc on a whim will be inspired to pick up a full album or two from Kim or Juice.Even if they don't, I think this disc serves as a bare-bones introduction to each artist, and the combination is anything but forced. Both have strong, recognizeable voices, both entered the Pop-Rock arena with Country-Folk roots, and both benefitted from the advent of synthesizers and New Wave chic. Both are also singer-songwriters who, unfortunately, lost their mainstream followers by the end of the '80s. I mention that not to diminish their accomplishments, but rather to suggest a very predictable marketing strategy. Fans of Kim Carnes and Juice Newton need not buy this compilation...it probably only replicates material they already have. If you're a fan of '80s sounds and female vocalists, by all means pick up this disc. These dynamic and catchy productions were state of the art twenty-plus years ago, but unlike a lot of similar synth-pop, the material here is aging gracefully. I'd give this a five star rating as a sampler, if it included the two hits I mentioned above."