This album opens in fine style with the classic single "Here Comes The Rain Again". This is a controversial opinion, but I feel this song would be better without the orchestra or at least with it turned right down in the mix. You can tell this song was recoded with same synthesizers and drum computer as "Sweet Dreams" and I would have preferred it if the electronics had a little more room to breathe. But still, this is a great track. "Regrets" delivers some classic eighties slap bass and mute trumpet alongside the electronics, but I always find this song very repetitive and overly long.
"Right By Your Side" employs some Voyetra-8 derived steel drums to add a calypso flavour and there is some annoying saxophone thrown in too. For me the instrumentation ruins what could have been a good track. "Cool Blue" is a bit lethargic and once again there is a bit too much acoustic brass employed for my taste. Another hit single "Who's That Girl?" closes side one with its perfect blend of pop melody and synth driven backing track.
Where some of the tracks on the first side have a tendency to sound frivolous and insubstantial, the real action is on the flip side. "The First Cut" drives along and possesses a raw edge that makes it sound more credible as 'serious' electronic music. "Aqua" was used as a b-side to "Who's That Girl?" is some territories and it was probably best left there as it is a bit dismal. "No Fear No Hate No Pain (No Broken Hearts)" banishes the doldrums as it builds into a crescendo with pizzicato strings, twinkling synths and Annie's voice all complimenting each other perfectly. Closing number "Paint a Rumour" is a funky and soulful track that finds Annie at her vocal peak. 4/5
