Exposé

Producer Lewis Martinee fashioned Exposé with a poppier sound on their sophomore set. The sturdy dance grooves are still there, but they're not as steeped in the nightclubs as those on Exposure. A healthy variety of strong selections are included. Among the best are the spunky title track (a Top Ten pop hit), replete with snazzy horns, a colorful guitar solo, and a fiery lead vocal by Gioia; "Stop, Listen, Look & Think," a subtler uptempo number with an understated yet memorable lead by Ann Curless; and the sultry, summertime slow-groove "When I Looked at Him" (also a Top Ten hit), on which Jeanette Jurado's laid-back performance brings to mind Belinda Carlisle. Perhaps the strongest cut, though, is the defiant ballad "Didn't It Hurt to Hurt Me." Gioia's assured, powerful delivery here makes the perfect match for the soulful melodies and honest, straightforward lyrics. (Sadly, a vocal cyst would force her to depart the group in 1991, but she would return to singing in 1997 fronting the rock band Wet.) A solid set essential for any fan of '80s pop/dance. ~ Justin M. Kantor, All Music Guide