Album of the Day

Erasure's third studio album proved the charm; THE INNOCENTS became the commercial breakthrough for 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,” and with “Ship Of Fools,” the duo had another signature song. In Erasure's native England the 1988 collection was even more successful, becoming the group'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 very best, and we'll cue it up now to wish Bell a happy birthday.