If The Age of Consent was notable alone for the fierce public advocacy in art and life of Jimmy Somerville, it would likely still be enough, given both the overt homophobia of the Thatcher government in the UK and the increasing danger from AIDS at the time of its release. But Somerville’s remarkable, crystalline vocals were something else again, while the electronic performances and arrangements by Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek were detailed and compelling, as hit singles like “Smalltown Boy” and “Why?” showed to dramatic effect.

– Ned Raggett