Culture Club

The career of Boy George and Culture Club had been on a steady upward climb for two years by the fall of 1984, so the group had every reason to expect that its third album, Waking Up with the House on Fire, would enjoy similar success, but it was not to be. The leadoff single, "The War Song," put off many fans, but the problem may have been less the music on Waking Up, which was typically frothy and propulsive, than the passing of a fad. By late 1984, Boy George had been sideswiped in the image department by Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna. So, while it's true that Waking Up didn't contain any song as catchy as "Karma Chameleon," the album's real failure was one of timing. Two of the more interesting cuts are the vintage R&B "Crime Time" and the upbeat and soulful "Mannequin," blending Beach Boys-esque vocal harmonies with a distinctly Carolina beach and shag flavor. [The 2003 CD reissue hosts four bonuses consisting of the single-only "La Cancion de Guerra," "Love Is Love," "The Dream," and "Don't Go Down That Street." Also included is a 12-page liner booklet with lyrics as well as reproductions of 7" and 12" picture sleeves and photos from the highly stylistic cover art.] ~ William Ruhlmann & Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide