The Communards Red (35th Anniversary Edition) Import LP

The Communards' sophomore album, Red, consolidated the genius of the musical partnership between Bronski Beat singer Jimmy Somerville and pianist Richard Coles. Fusing synths and hi-NRG production with lush string and horn arrangements, the Communards straddled pop and the political, the album's themes set against the political unrest and moral panic of late-'80s Britain. A global smash upon its release in 1987, this is the remastered 35th Anniversary Edition with new sleeve notes.

Red tops their respectable debut in nearly every aspect. Increasingly melodic, increasingly polished, and increasingly tight, the front-to-back strong album is a defining Euro-dance record of the latter half of the '80s.