Wang Chung - Points On The Curve

Released in 1984

Points on the Curve was Wang Chung's second album, but the first under the band's recognized name (during their 1982 debut album they went by the name of Huang Chung). The album also marked other significant differences such as a change in record labels from Arista to Geffen Records, which was a significant accomplishment since the band was the first U.K. band to be signed on the American label.

The band also lost its former saxophonist David Burnand after the release of their debut album, but this loss didn't hurt the band since these talented musicians were able to deftly change and/or modify their style repeatedly throughout their career. With Points on a Curve, Wang Chung slowed down their previous rhythms and replaced the distinctive saxophone with rich keyboards and synthesizers. The end result is an album that contains both pop appeal and atmosphere.

Some of the album's highlights are:

• Dance Hall Days – This was the song that broke the group into the American mainstream, and remains to this day their second most popular song.
• Don't Let Go – A snazzy dance tune that was the second most successful track on the album; it broke the Top 40 in America.
• Talk It Out – Not one of their commercially popular songs, but a pop gem nonetheless.

Points on the Curve wasn't their most commercially successful album, or even their best in my opinion, but it was a definite step forward for the band and remains relevant and appealing twenty years later.

Rating: 7 stars

Track List Dance Hall Days Wait True Love The Waves Look at Me Now Don't Let Go Even if You Dream Don't Be My Enemy Devoted Friends Talk It Out

Additional Resources:

• Huang Chung Review
• To Live and Die in L.A. Soundtrack Review
• Mosaic Review
• The Warmer Side of Cool Review

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