Alexander O’Neal

Alexander O’Neal’s Jam and Lewis produced 1985 debut album includes a classic 80s high-romance soul jam in the shape of If You Were Here Tonight. Over thirty-five years on from its release and the gentle swell of the synth chords on the pre-chorus still sound simply divine. The classic 80s synthesised soul sound on show here is often described as clinical or leaden in contrast to more ‘authentic’ rock or acoustic music. But it’s more accurately described as effective and efficient, polished and glistening; maybe the production sounds a little brash in places, overconfident perhaps, but if so it’s a confidence which is justified. This album has all the right elements in place — strong songs, high-end vocal performances from O’Neal, peerless studio playing perfectly melded with carefully programmed and sequenced elements — and stands up as a great example of 80s synth-soul.