In another world, Kissing To Be Clever would likely have just been a well-meaning debut album from a UK act like so many others of its time, taking advantage of the early 80s New Pop explosion to try out many styles. But Boy George was lightning in a bottle, with his beautiful performance on the lovers rock bounce of “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” becoming a worldwide sensation. In a reordered and expanded US reissue, the sleek soul shimmer of “Time (Clock of the Heart)” and “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya”’s exuberance further vaulted the band to wider fame.

– Ned Raggett