Sequel albums are plentiful but rarely discussed or dissected as often as sequel films. Hip-hop artists are particularly fond of franchise albums. Usually the sequel album follows its predecessor by a few years, with rare exceptions. Now add New-Wave act ABC to the list of rare exceptions.
According to ABC collaborator Marcus Vere, ABC will be releasing The Lexicon of Love II on May 27, or 34 years after the Martin Fry-led band released the stunning original, The Lexicon of Love. The 1982 album, ABC’s first, featured two timeless classics, “The Look of Love (Part 1)” and “Poison Arrow.” The new edition will feature no re-orchestrated versions of songs from The Lexicon of Love, and Fry as the sole original member.
Vere—also a member of the recently reunited synth-pop group Living in a Box—wrote four songs on The Lexicon of Love II, including the first single “Viva Love.” The video for “Viva Love” will be directed by Julien Temple, according to Vere. Vere says that, like the famed archetype, Anne Dudley scored the entire album.
“It’s back to the ‘80s,” he says, “with a modern twist on it.” The album was produced by Gary Stevenson, who’s helmed albums for the likes of Rick Astley and Go West.
Vere says a decision to name the album The Lexicon of Love II wasn’t made by Virgin/EMI until after it was finished, which made it easier to concentrate on the task at hand. “It’s a bit of a high bar to jump over,” he says. “[The Lexicon of Love] is one of my all-time favorite records.”
Trevor Horn isn’t involved because “a decision to name the album The Lexicon of Love 2 wasn’t made by Universal Records until after it was finished.” In other words, it was not a “get the gang back together” situation in the first place.
Mmmmh,let’s hope it won’t dissapoint and harm the legacy of Lexicon part 1.Their contribution on ‘Fly’ (‘Living inside your heart’)is a good sign,though the production is even more vintage than that of Lexicon.
Amazing that Lexicon of Love doesn’t sound dated after all this time!
great news ,currently going through the entire back catalogue and enjoying every minute .its a shame Mark wont get back into the fold and i know davids busy with sir rod any sign of stephen ?
Stephen is good and living in Sheffield and in regular contact with Mark White, Lexicon was and is unique , always will be , looks like an easy option to grab the look and feel of that fine album and punt it out , still if anything it will just awaken ears and eyes to how good the original still is , produced by Trevor Horn and written by the boys as a group
Great news to hear that there will be a new ABC album but ‘The Lexicon Of Love 2’? Not so sure about that. If the original line-up had all been involved then fair enough. The original album is a classic that is for sure and will never be bettered in my opinion. All the best to Martin though.
WOW!!!can not wait till 27th of May my late Dad’s birthday ,I’m like a big kid waiting for Santa ‘.Have already heard two tracks performed amazing .Martin Please please bring The Orchestral brilliance of the Lexicon of love to Dublin to show us Irish what they are missing
I was a DJ in the 1980’s while in college. This song always got people out on the dance floor, but there was something too slick and mass produced in their sound and Martin Fry seems to be a less talented recycling of Bryan Ferry from Roxy Music.
Dennis McKown
March 17, 2016 at 6:12 pm
Why isn’t Trevor Horn involved? Seems he should be.
Bob
March 18, 2016 at 7:41 am
Trevor Horn isn’t involved because “a decision to name the album The Lexicon of Love 2 wasn’t made by Universal Records until after it was finished.” In other words, it was not a “get the gang back together” situation in the first place.
Pat
March 18, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Yeah, it’s too bad he isn’t. But hopefully the album will nevertheless be great. First day buyer here!
Phil
March 18, 2016 at 11:59 am
Wow — I hope it can approach the origianl. What a great record — too bad I can’t be 18 again!
oggi
March 26, 2016 at 10:08 am
Mmmmh,let’s hope it won’t dissapoint and harm the legacy of Lexicon part 1.Their contribution on ‘Fly’ (‘Living inside your heart’)is a good sign,though the production is even more vintage than that of Lexicon.
Amazing that Lexicon of Love doesn’t sound dated after all this time!
dean
March 27, 2016 at 9:32 am
great news ,currently going through the entire back catalogue and enjoying every minute .its a shame Mark wont get back into the fold and i know davids busy with sir rod any sign of stephen ?
Simon
May 10, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Stephen is good and living in Sheffield and in regular contact with Mark White, Lexicon was and is unique , always will be , looks like an easy option to grab the look and feel of that fine album and punt it out , still if anything it will just awaken ears and eyes to how good the original still is , produced by Trevor Horn and written by the boys as a group
Baldyman
April 7, 2016 at 8:25 am
Great news to hear that there will be a new ABC album but ‘The Lexicon Of Love 2’? Not so sure about that. If the original line-up had all been involved then fair enough. The original album is a classic that is for sure and will never be bettered in my opinion. All the best to Martin though.
Des Mac namee
April 21, 2016 at 12:41 pm
WOW!!!can not wait till 27th of May my late Dad’s birthday ,I’m like a big kid waiting for Santa ‘.Have already heard two tracks performed amazing .Martin Please please bring The Orchestral brilliance of the Lexicon of love to Dublin to show us Irish what they are missing
Cal
May 2, 2016 at 11:58 pm
I use to miss my school bus daily because I couldn’t stop listening to “All of my heart”. Still play regularly. Excited for LLII
Dan Block
May 5, 2016 at 10:50 am
I was a DJ in the 1980’s while in college. This song always got people out on the dance floor, but there was something too slick and mass produced in their sound and Martin Fry seems to be a less talented recycling of Bryan Ferry from Roxy Music.