Carol Kenyon - Warrior Woman (A&M)

At first it sounds like a Eurythmics rip-off session. I wish her all the luck in the world, she's a good singer, and I'd be interested to hear more of her material. She's trying to fit into as many bags as possible here, an interesting record but a bit disjointed. There's a lot of inventiveness in there, but she definitely needs a good backing group behind her. (Stewart Copeland, Record Mirror, January 28, 1984)

Carol Kenyon's blitzkrieg on Heaven 17's "Temptation" turned her into a star-in-waiting. By the sound of it, she's missed the bus. Andy Hill is a skillful producer for Bucks Fizz, but in his attempts to ape Trevor Horn he's made some pretty unlistenable records of late. "Warrior Woman" takes that to an extreme: quite simply, it's a dreadful racket. The fact that this "Warrior Woman" drivel was written by Carol Kenyon herself hardly promises better things in future either. Back to the session work. Estimated chart placing: 60. (Phil McNeill, No1, January 28, 1984)

Thompson Twins - Doctor! Doctor! (Arista)

"Doctor! Doctor!" was made in Nassau, Bahamas, and the record has a transatlantic sheen. Whereas a year ago the Twins were gawky pop novices still shedding their hippie roots, now they speak the international language of Michael Jackson, Duran Duran and Hall & Oates as if it was their nature. Which I'm sure it is. Some people might say they've sold out, or that their slick pop lacks soul, but I'd rather hear trivial Thompsons than any of the worthies who inhabit the independent charts. After the addictive "Hold Me Now", "Doctor! Doctor!" returns to the electro-pop territory of "Love On Your Side", but with much more style and confidence. (Phil McNeill, No 1, January 28, 1984)

Their last single was my favourite record of December '83. They seem to have hit on a formula which will ensure their growing success for some time to come. In my opinion, not as good as "Hold Me Now". I wish they wouldn't feel obliged to dance about so much. (Martyn Ware, Smash Hits, January 19, 1984)

Again there's this amazing uniformity of keyboard sounds, they're all using the same gadgets. I can see the video now, a strange house, a woman disappearing into some doors that close mysteriously behind her, and there's got to be a rose somewhere. It gets better as you listen to it, though, but I don't think it's up to their two biggies. I have a lot of time for these guys, and the single's got a good chance with their name behind it, but the beginning is a bit standard. (Stewart Copeland, Record Mirror, January 28, 1984)

Prefab Sprout - Don't Sing (Kitchenware)

This one reminded me so much of The Associates but without Billy's wonderful voice. The time changes and chord sequences are reminiscent of Aztec Camera and this can only mean: a) a hit; b) a severe rise in credibility; or c) hopefully both. I really like it. Single Of the Fortnight. (Martyn Ware, Smash Hits, January 19, 1984)

With a name like Prefab Sprout you'd expect something a wee bit eccentric, and 'Don't Sing' is no disappointment. A lot of folk are making a fuss over these three lads and a lass from Newcastle. On first hearing this record it's hard to see why, but its oddball melody and rambling flute soon grow on you. Should do well in Brussels. (Paul Simper, No 1, January 7, 1984)

I like the harmonica. It's not the sort of record I'd normally go for, but 1 quite like it. They're an interesting group, although I don't know whether it will be a hit. (Stewart Copeland, Record Mirror, January 28, 1984)