Nik Kershaw - I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (MCA)

Nik Kershaw has written some good songs and this is one of the better. He's had a lot flak but I guess that's what happens when you pick up awards for us. A huge hit especially with the fold-out, hunk of the month colour poster. I wish he wouldn't try so hard to shrug off his young image. He should be grateful for it. (John Taylor [Duran Duran], Smash Hits, June 21, 1984)

New name has couple of hits, re-releases oldie that didn't quite make it first time around but is sure to score on this go. Meanwhile he has to contend with trauma of wanting to be serious artist, sensitive musician, etc, but keeps getting screamed at by weenies, teddy bears chucked on stage and so on. Which reminds me - whatever happened to Tears For Fears?  (Sunie, No 1, June 9, 1984)

The Kane Gang - Closest Thing To Heaven (Kitchenware)

This isn't bad. Actually, it's a good song. Like The Detroit Emeralds which must make it Single Of The Fortnight. It seduces you more and more as the song builds. Ironically, the last single I review is the best. The first twenty seconds show no hint of what's to come. It has that magic that the Lionel Richie pile doesn't come near. Smooth as silk. The only record I'd go out and buy. (John Taylor [Duran Duran], Smash Hits, June 21, 1984)

Echo & The Bunnymen - Seven Seas (Korova)

Good, I wanted this. I find Echo confusing. I can't figure out why the rest of the world see them as geniuses when I seem to be the only person who thinks they're very average. I still associate them with 'The Pictures On My Wall' and that small label, Liverpool scene. It's got charm - something that none of these other singles have really had so far. That's very important these days when the charts are so charmless and characterless. Still, there's nothing new here. It's '80s Byrds meets Ringo Starr singing "It Don't Come Easy". I quite like it now. (John Taylor [Duran Duran], Smash Hits, June 21, 1984)

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Talking Loud And Clear (Virgin)

This is very strange. I heard it on Radio 1 recently and it took me aback. It's very charming. I keep using that word! It has a nursery rhyme quality. I keep expecting Andy McCluskey to say 'settle down children, Andy Pandy is coming to play. This is a good record. (John Taylor [Duran Duran], Smash Hits, June 21, 1984)

I can take OMD in small doses and this is fairly harmless. A quiet, snoozing in the grass lament, its sweet nothings and chintzy tune are the kind of thing that Burl Ives used to croon on Saturday morning programmes for the kiddies. At least Andy McCluskey couldn't possibly dance to it. (Max Bell, No 1, June 16, 1984)

Difford & Tilbrook - Love's Crashing Waves (A&M)

This is confusing. The label on the A-side says it's Joe Jackson. But it isn't on the record. A&M - wally company of the week. It's certainly a damn sight better than Joe Jackson. Funnily enough, I never noticed Squeeze for about five years but when their singles LP came out, I suddenly realised they were one of my favourite groups. Their songs just creep up on you. They do know how to write a good tune. Quite pleasant. (John Taylor [Duran Duran], Smash Hits, June 21, 1984)

Finally, they're back. Blackheath's answer to Lennon and McCartney, the Rogers and Hammerstein of SE10, or Chris and Glenn to you. The main squeezes first record in an age could almost be "Is That Love" part two, though minus that little classic's drollery. More domestic dramas unfold here but Tony Visconti's over-production (that's why they pay him) masks the basic material and Difford's usually chirpy vocal is too restrained to compensate. I'll wait for the album. (Max Bell, No 1, June 16, 1984)

Alison Moyet - Love Resurrection (CBS)

After all the agonising over producers and songwriters - CBS reputedly wanted Alison Moyet to pursue an MOR direction - the girl with the Empire State voice sensibly plumps for her own pure composition. On "Love Resurrection" Alf gives it loads but the Swain and Jollified electronic wash which accompanies is not entirely suitable and leaves you feeling that here is a catchphrase in search of a song. Tender but disposable. (Max Bell, No 1, June 16, 1984)

I give loads of credit to what Yazoo did. The whole idea of crossing a soul feeling with the nouveau metallic beat. But I was never a great fan of Alf's voice. This isn't a very good song. It's flat. Lacks charm. It sounds as if it would be more at home on Radio 2. (John Taylor [Duran Duran], Smash Hits, June 21, 1984)