Lene Lovich emerged in the late 1970s new wave on the legendary Stiff label. She remained primarily a UK phenomenon although she was American. What set Lovich apart was her theatrical vocal style best demonstrated on catchy songs like Lucky Number (her first hit), the ethereal Bird Song, the fast-paced Say When and the torch song Too Tender (To Touch).
Most of the hits were written by Lovich and Les Chappel, including the quirky Lucky Number which was a huge hit (Nina Hagen covered it in German on her
Unbehagen album). Not all are bright, happy numbers: the acerbic Home and Too Tender (To Touch) with its lovely piano are sad but beautiful torch songs, and there's a great version of the old standard I Think we're Alone Now.
Unfortunately not all my favorites are included. Amongst the serious omissions are One In A Million and the sinister Telepathy. To a degree, the inclusion of some rarities compensates, especially the track Blue which I had not heard before. Lovich excelled as both a quirky pop singer and a torch diva. Fans of, say,
Jane Siberry and Mary Margaret O'Hara will find a lot to enjoy in her music.