The Lexicon of Love – ABC (Vinyl 12" LP)
Released in 1982, The Lexicon of Love is the iconic debut album by Sheffield band ABC, blending glossy synth-pop with lush orchestration and lyrical sophistication. Produced by Trevor Horn, with orchestral arrangements by Anne Dudley (later of Art of Noise), the album set a new standard for pop production in the early '80s. With its themes of romantic disillusionment and stylish excess, it became a defining release of the New Romantic era and a landmark in British pop.
Key Highlights
- Features classic singles like “The Look of Love”, “Poison Arrow” and “All of My Heart”
- Genre-defining blend of synth-pop, orchestral pop, and funk-inflected rhythms
- Groundbreaking production from Trevor Horn, known for his work with Art of Noise and Frankie Goes to Hollywood
- Frequently reissued on audiophile and coloured vinyl editions, with remastered sound
- Album cover and aesthetic reflect the glamour and melodrama of 1980s pop romanticism
Tracklisting
Side A
1. Show Me
2. Poison Arrow
3. Many Happy Returns
4. Tears Are Not Enough
5. Valentine’s Day
Side B
6. The Look of Love (Part One)
7. Date Stamp
8. All of My Heart
9. 4 Ever 2 Gether
10. The Look of Love (Part Four)
Fun Fact
The album's cinematic sound and narrative arc were so influential that The Lexicon of Love was later performed live with a full orchestra in concert series led by Anne Dudley herself.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A quintessential 1980s British pop record, celebrated for its style and substance
- Ideal for fans of New Romantic, synth-pop, and artfully arranged love songs
- Vinyl pressing captures the lush orchestration and analogue warmth
- A cornerstone for collectors of classic '80s production and visual pop storytelling
Dramatic, decadent and brilliantly produced, The Lexicon of Love remains one of the most elegant statements in British pop—an essential listen on vinyl.