Making a sequel to a 34-year-old classic album is a mighty challenge, but Martin Fry’s ABC have pulled it off. Lexicon of Love II has many of the characteristics of its illustrious 1982 predecessor: lush orchestrations, hurtling brass and synth stabs, and top-drawer pop songwriting. Viva Love and Ten Below Zero unashamedly – “unapologetically” as Fry puts it – hark back to Poison Arrow, The Look of Love et al. However, while the first Lexicon was the work of a wide-eyed young dreamer, these songs find Fry much older, wiser, and, most surprisingly, with an endearing line in self-mockery. There are songs about love and foolish ways – and even one about the band refusing to rehearse. Fry is not above an inspired howler – “Your humble entertainer, here to serenade yer!” – but this is the sound of an old master falling not far short of a standard that his youthful self set very high indeed.
