The Innocents - The Innocents (1982/2021) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

One of the most original albums of the '80s, the Innocents' debut remains a long-lost gem of an album that deserved a wider audience, but was met with hardly any interest at all. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the band were highly original, or maybe vocalist Michael Hurt's quivering wail was too much for the Top 40. Whatever the reason, The Innocents is a fantastic album filled with quirky musical left turns, wonderful melodic hooks, and inventive songs. "Directly From the Heart" and "Twisted Kiss" are classics that should turn up on just about any new wave compilation that is released (but never will), while "Hold My Hand" was a great '80s high school makeout song. "Backseat of My Car" is a fun new wave romp. The album as a whole should entice any fan of "new wave" and turn them onto some of the best music created during that period.