"Am I the only one who actually loves this album! For me, this is my favorite record by these guys.
"Crash" marked a radical departure and must I say "sell-out" in some fans minds, it is a whole new sound that saw them team up wtih Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the guys who did "Control" around the same time as this and these albums are great but have their own character. Granted, "Control" overall to me, is more flamboyant and sophistaced but "Crash" at the same time ahs a beautiful atmospheric ambience throughout even on some of the more pop-sounding tracks.
"Human" ranks as my favorite song by them with it's beautiful melody and keyboard arrangements. A highly underrated song however is "Are You Every Coming Back" which has an eerie atmosphere to it.
Many might see this as Control-era rejects but I think it stands apart as one of my favorite albums from my favorite year in music, 1986."
Am I the only one who loves this album?!
Distant Voyageur | Io | 02/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I feel like I'm the only person on the planet who actually finds this to be a great album. Released around the same time as "Control" and produced by the same people, Human League's "Crash" album ranks as one of my favorites by the group and forever made me a fan of theirs. Although I was too young to know who they were, I have fond memories of "Human" from when I was little and now at age 23, I find the song to be an amazing classic and light years ahead of it's time. That's not to say the rest of this album is inferior by any means but the song was a well-deserved hit and remains a major classic 20 years on. "I Need Your Loving" is silly in a sense sounding like they recycled the drum loop of "What Have You Done For Me Lately" and made a different melody and different lyrics. IN my opinion WHYDFML wins out but this is still a good song."
Maybe they should've called it DARE-ing
Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 07/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Human League had had international success with "Don't You Want Me" from the 1981's "Dare," followed by 1982's "Fascination" that had the chart maker "(Keep Feeling) Fascination." After 1984's "Hysteria" failed to make a dent on the pop or dance charts, the group teamed up with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis - a duo making headways with Janet Jackson, Alexander O'Neal, Cherelle, and other artists - and released "Crash."
Though many of Human League's fans were upset with "Crash," an album that deviated somewhat from the group's trademark synth-pop formula, the album proved to be the group's biggest commercial success, yielding their last number one hit, "Human." That song is possibly one of pop's best-penned songs, a song asking for forgiveness for "indiscretions" on the part of both partners in a relationship.
As a whole, the album is a lot of fun with all tracks, with the exception of the mid-tempo "Human," excellent dance and party songs. It is definitely one of the most innovative and distinctive albums of the late 80's.
This release features extended versions of three songs, although the songs in their original forms are better."
A Very Misunderstood Album
B. Lyles | Spartanburg, SC | 03/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Several critics have said some pretty harsh things about this album without actually looking at the facts and surveying its success. Despite the tremendous hits that came from Reproduction in 1979, Dare in 1981, Hysteria, and Travelouge, Crash produced several songs that remain in the subconscious of several fans and more importantly the folks over at the Billboard charts. "Human" is largely considered their most successful hit and "Love Is All That Matters" is one of their most underrated songs.
Sure, having the likes of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis caused an uproar, but they had success with them and the people at Virgin Records. However, when I listen to the album, I just hear a group that has simply added a new dimension to their sound. "Swang" is a prime example of this. The beat is smooth and crisp. Nothing seems forced upon the listener. It's just a new and polished sound. I'm pretty sure that "Human" would not have been as great if Jam and Lewis were not in the studio producing it. Those background beats are a direct product of the outstanding craft of both men. You add the vocals to it, then you have a number one hit track, which it turned out to be. The other songs are not terrible either. "Money" and "Are You Ever Coming Back?" are very danceable and rythmic. The sound of both tracks are a combination of a blues beat from ABC and beats from Janet Jackson's control.
Overall, the CD is just different and polished. Fan's recognized this new style and were drawn to it. Although others have downed it, I truly feel that this CD is the best all around album from The Human League. If you can deviate from the negative perceptions about Jam and Lewis and just listen closely to the meaningful lyrics and polished beats, then you will most likey appreciate this fine piece of work."
Human League Crash
jj Real | 09/18/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Crash by the Human League is a classic example of 80s r&b produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The highlights of the CD are Human, I Need Your Loving and the phenomenal Love Is All That Matters. I had this title on cassette as a kid and loved it so much that I had to order the CD. The bonus tracks extended mixes of Human, I Need Your Loving and Love is All That Matters are very good. Overall, a classic album featuring upbeat classic dance music with an r&B edge. Highly recommended for those who enjoy 80s dance and R&B."