Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now (Arista)

Lacking the quirky ingenuity which the Quick Step album made their hallmark, this is, nevertheless, a real grower with Tom removing his goggles and coming on all dewy-eyed and sloppy. (Mark Steels, Smash Hits, November 10, 1983)

The Twins bounce back with something that is far more thoughtful than any of their recent disco fodder. "Hold Me Now" is a well-paced ballad with the accent on melody and hypnotic percussive effects rather than those automaton riffs. If Tom Bailey could sing with the same kind of convincing emotion that they conjure up in the tune the Twins might make a record that outlasts its chart life. (Max Bell, No 1, November 12, 1983)

It's certainly been an interesting exercise watching the ol' TTs, observing the transition from New Wave Hippies to colourful pop wonder-kids. Like many combos before them the accusation of selling out has been flung at them numerous times and it always makes me laugh when I hear that about anybody, as if the world really cares! Bailey's Gang are well and truly in the ring now, boxing clever and delivering some short sharp singles. For me however, they're covered in pretty emulsion and at the end of the 12 rounds, lose the match. (Gary Crowley, Record Mirror, November 12, 1983)

Conspiracy Theory: It's interesting that Smash Hits reviewed this one, the first single from the immense Into The Gap album. You would think that the Twins' bright, tuneful, garishly colourful image and sound would be tailor made for Smash Hits readers. Yet they suspiciously neglected to review "Lies", "Love On Your Side", "We Are Detective", and "Watching" - all four singles from the previous album Quick Step & Side Kick. They also 'forgot' to review "Sister of Mercy" in 1984, during the weeks when NO1 magazine was unpublished due to industrial action. In contrast Record Mirror reviewed all of them, and NO1 was equally supportive.

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)

Thompson Twins - Watching (Arista)

Nausea. It's the only word I can use to describe my feelings towards the Twins. Going to art school having a 'weird' haircut and (slightly) 'weird' clothes, a young mediocre finds the accountancy profession closed to him and promptly goes off to join a pop group. Pop! Get a producer get a video, get a stylist - get ahead. Unfortunately, such terribly smart business considerations don't allow for a spark of wit or soul in your music. But that's no problem; when your mediocrity and imagination match those of the music biz you're in clover. Processed. (Jim Reid, Record Mirror, July 9, 1983)

Thompson Twins - Lay Your Hands On Me (Arista)

WOW! A new single from THE TWINS! HEY! CRITICAL! FABEROONI! etc. The Thompson Twins find themselves in the almost enviable position of having invented their own clichés - and very marketable ones they are too. This perfectly constructed, sort of spiritual, swingalong cliché of a future hit is as pleasant (i.e. rather boring) and unassuming (i.e. rather bland) as its precursors. Pass the lentil bake, I feel a song coming on . . .  (Lesley White, Smash Hits, December 6, 1984)

This group get better all the time. They made the top five unexpectedly last Christmas with "Hold Me Now". This year, it'll be no surprise if they come out right on top. "Lay Your Hands On Me" is deceptively good. Is it Tom Bailey's ever-maturing singing, so deft and full of nuances. . Or the clever melody that tugs at so many pop memories. . . Or the lush production and the way the instruments seem to swell in and out of the mix.. Whatever it is that makes great pop, The Thompson Twins have got it. (Phil McNeill, No1, December 1, 1984)

Thompson Twins - Love On Your Side (Arista)

Try as they will, The Thompsons can't quite fit through the golden door, Like "Lies", this is all intelligence and no flair. The chorus shows an indecent desire to be in the charts, the verses betray a desperate desire to remain witty and aloof. Full marks for hard work but where's the flair? (Mark Cooper, Record Mirror, January 22, 1983)

Thompson Twins - You Take Me Up (Arista)

This has more hooks than your average angling club, but the melody doesn't really cut it. The rhythm sounds like the sort of song the slaves would have sung in the old days on the American railroads - and that's what Tom intends as he tells us how his girl makes him forget about his mundane lifestyle and job I understand, Tom. Being rich must be such a pain. (Paul Bursche, No 1, March 24, 1984)

There's something fantastically annoying about Thompson Twins' records. They always
sound as if they should have been left in the oven a few minutes longer. The songs never quite set; the production's of ten underdone; the vocals are half baked. This is no exception despite a jaunty harmonica that gives the number a decidedly folksy feel. None of what I've said, of course, will stop it being a monster hit. (Ian Birch, Smash Hits, March 29, 1984)

Thompson Twins - Sister Of Mercy (Arista)

Odious Airfix popsters return with their usual reworking of past commercial glories. All wrapped up in the usual big production job which fills any gaps. What an awful group they are. This will be a huge hit, You'll write to complain about me and none of us will be any the wiser. (Andy Strickland, Record Mirror, June 30, 1984)

Thompson Twins - King For A Day (Arista)

The act of desperate men ... Rumoured to be the strongest track on their latest elpee and, as I've no wish to enter the arena with Alannah and lose my kneecaps, let this odious noise speak for itself. (Nancy Culp, Record Mirror, October 26, 1985)

Thompson Twins - We Are Detective (Arista)

A jokey throwaway from the Twins that tangoes away from their recent slabs of dance riffs. More lies and disguises in the lyrics and the first time they've traded on their name. Another third single and a minor hit. (Mark Cooper, Record Mirror, April 16, 1983)

Thompson Twins - Revolution (Arista)

Everyone’s got their favourite Beatles’ songs, and this original flip-side to the “Hey Jude” single has always been one of mine. Included on their recent Here’s To Future Days album, The Twins have since remixed “Revolution” for single release. In keeping with the sound of the original, Tom Bailey and crew have gone for a raw and raunchy rendition, which should rocket them into the higher echelons of our Christmas chart. And deservedly so. (Mike Morris, No 1, December 14, 1985)

A packet of Dairylea Cheese Triangles  has got more chance of turning the people to revolt, quite frankly, but this cover of the Beatles “classic” is well up to par as these things go. Still, I preferred their rendition at Live Aid when they had the not altogether unattractive and mightily talented Madonna on backing vocals. Much more preferable than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, I can tell you. (Peter Martin, Smash Hits, December 4, 1985)

Thompson Twins - Don't Mess With Doctor Dream (Arista)

From the forthcoming Here's To Future Days LP and not exactly inspiring. Apart from the Frankie-like "U-u-u-u-ow-ing' at the start this is much like many other Thompson Twins records. Their great problem now is going to be how to outgrow that familiar, distinctive Thompson Twins sound that they pioneered with Into The Gap.
Having said that, the familiar, clean sound is the one that's most often associated with them and perhaps they would be wiser not messing with their dream. (Paul Bursche, No 1, August 24, 1985)

This is a conspiracy...under the guidance of Nile Rodgers, the three headed monster takes a step back towards Quickstep territory with an anti-drugs song set to a heavily rhythmic slab of electronic funk with some obligatory Chic guitar, jungle vocals and some brill screaming. A good hook but a weak tune so not Single Of The Fortnight. Oh pull yourself together, Alannah - stop that weeping! (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, August 14, 1985)

Commendable anti-heroin sentiments, but as a song rather a plodder compared to the pop craft of all the singles from Into The Gap. (Paul Sexton, Record Mirror, August 24, 1985)