Album of the Day

Erasure's third studio set proved the charm; THE INNOCENTS became the commercial breakthrough for U.K. synth-poppers Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. Released as a single, opener “A Little Respect” reached the U.S. Top 20, as did “Chains Of Love”; with “Ship Of Fools,” the duo had another signature song. In England, the 1988 collection was even more successful, becoming the pair's first No.1 and helping Erasure earn a Brit Award for Best British Group. There isn't a dud among the 11 originals here, and producer Stephen Hague adds just the right amount of polish to the soulful vocals and punchy arrangements. The multi-Platinum THE INNOCENTS remains one of Erasure's finest albums, and a must for any '80s fan.