With new wave artists making inroads onto mainstream pop play lists, 1982 was a remarkably diverse year, and that diversity is reflected by the selections on this compilation. Representing the new sound on the landscape are Joe Jackson's classy "Steppin' Out," ABC's neo-disco MTV favorite "The Look of Love, Pt. 1," and Soft Cell's brooding "Tainted Love," which would spend a then-record 43 weeks on the charts. More traditional rock fare is found with one of Rainbow's rare forays into the Top 40, "Stone Cold," and Southern rockers .38 Special's Top Ten "Caught Up in You." There's a sampling of crossover R&B with one-hit wonder Junior's infectious "Mama Used to Say," the pop-funk of Kool & the Gang's "Get Down on It," and Donna Summer's gospel-tinged anthem "State of Independence." Add in Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes' smash ballad "Up Where We Belong" from the crowd-pleasing film An Officer and a Gentleman and there's evidence that, if not inspired, radio in 1982 was a diverse proposition. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide