The Romantics Albums Ranked
The Romantics are an American rock band, often put under the banner of power pop and new wave, formed in 1977 in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The band’s first show was on Valentine’s Day at My Fair Lady Club, in Detroit, opening for the New MC5 in 1977. They were influenced by 1950s American rock and roll, Detroit’s MC5, the Stooges, early Bob Seger, Motown R&B, 1960s North American garage rock as well as the British Invasion rockers.
The Romantics achieved popularity in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and Australia on the strength of the band’s well-crafted pop songs, high energy shows, and their look: from black vinyl to red leather suits in their music videos, inspired by the Motown artists The Temptations and the Four Tops. Their two best-charting songs were “What I Like About You”, which peaked at #49 in the US and #2 in Australia, and “Talking in Your Sleep”, which peaked at #3 in the US, #1 in Canada, and #14 in Australia. The two have since become mainstays on ’80s, classic rock, AOR, and active rock radio stations. Their debut album, released on January 4, 1980 in the UK, has the distinction of being the first record to be released of that decade. Here are all of The Romantics albums ranked.
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3. What I Like About You (And Other Romantic Hits) (1990)
“I don’t know, the title of this review doesn’t really mean anything. But as a four-piece band, it seems like the classic rock band lineup, but aiming for a more pop flavor in the midst of the 80’s new wave. In a way I suppose you could say their concept was similar to the Faces, because the boys were said to be lookers with girl-appeal. Their mega hit was “What I Like About You,” and some 20-plus years later it’s still as vibrant and energetic as the day it was released. “When I Look in Your Eyes” is a worthwhile song, also played with high energy, but it’s not quite the classic that their biggest hit was. “Talking in Your Sleep” has a gorgeous wash of guitar work, and a very dreamy narrative and vivid story. I don’t remember how it charted and compared to “What I Like About You,” but it is also a classic melodic song for the ages.”
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2. The Romantics (1980)
“This was The Romantics’ original lineup of singer/guitarist Wally Palmar, singer/drummer Jimmy Marinos, guitarist Mike Skill, and bassist Richie Cole. (Skill would exit after the second album.) This was an album that reveled in the period’s quick and dirty recording methods, as the album took a mere three weeks. It made the sound quality a bit spotty, like the way the harmonica overwhelms the audio in “What I Like About You” or the flatness of the drums overall. Still, that couldn’t hold back the energy of “When I Look Into Your Eyes” or a cover of Ray Davies’ “She’s Got Everything.” Red leather suits and all, “The Romantics” remains one of the better calling cards in the American New Wave movement.”
1. In Heat (1983)
“There’s not a single moment that’s worth skipping. Track after track has a happy, infectious feeling that’s truly fantastic. There are too many highlights to really mention, but the compelling opener “Rock You Up” and the spirited cover of “Shake a Tail Feather” that closes things out are both total earworms. In a just world, this entire release would get the kind of song by song airplay of the likes of Boston’s first album or other such widely-regarded classics. The only issue that comes to mind as to why not is that the 80s rock scene simply became supersaturated with catchy, energetic material. At any rate, this release is absolutely worth checking out not only for anybody in love with the 80s and that decade’s great music but really for anybody out there looking for a fun listen.”