The Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian (CBS)

Actually we reviewed this single in the last issue of Smash Hits and it got a bit of a "thumbs down". However, an error of monstrous proportions had taken place. The reviewer was listening to the wrong side of the record which isn't very good at all and so rightfully received a drubbing. The A side is really much, much better. Brilliant in fact. Probably the best song that The Bangles have ever done. It's a sublimely addictive piece of nonsense verse that jumps about all over the shop with this sort of imitation Middle Eastern melody. One takes "Walk Like An Egyptian" to be a reference to the ancient heiroglyphics on the pyramids in which blokes are pictured with their heads and hands at funny angles. Honorary Second Single Of The Fortnight. (William Shaw, Smash Hits, September 24, 1986)

Let's look at the cover of this one. Poor old Susanna still hasn't found a blouse and the others (whatever their names are) haven't found a comb/decent dress designer/shower (delete where applicable). For me the Bangles are the non-event of the century and this record smacks of gimmickry. Which came first, the record or the marketing campaign? 2/5 (Pat Thomas, No 1, September 6, 1986)

The Bangles - If She Knew What She Wants (CBS)

Irresistably catchy, worse luck. I know there are some big fans back at Smash Hits HQ, so I'll probably get a beating for this, but really, it's even more drivelly than "Manic Monday", and there's all these nauseating little harmonies just where you'd most expect them. A bit like one of those Tracey Ullman jokey numbers. I bet they're lovely people but they do sing some awfully wet songs. (Shut your mouth - Deputy Ed.) (Sorrel Downer, Smash Hits, April 9, 1986)

With "Manic Monday" hardly dead and buried, why have CBS rushed this out? Luckily it is another gem with Susanna Hoffs turning out to be a more versatile singer than I'd imagined. There's touches of Dolly Parton in her plus a pure pop harmony and a rousing Californian chorus. A few years ago this would only have stood a chart chance in America but British pop is in such an awful state right now that the Bangles will soon be back to show us how it's done. 5/5 (Max Bell, No 1, April 5, 1986)

The Bangles - Following (CBS)

Oooh look, The Bangles have suddenly gone all serious and most effective it is too. "Following" is a sparse folk-like ballad and Michael Steele talks rather than sings the words, accompanied only by an acoustic guitar and some floaty strings. It wafts along very gracefully apart from the spoken parts which get a bit hoity toity here and there, and should see them repeating their recent huge successes all over again. (Ro Newton, Smash Hits, March 25, 1987)

Following Suzanne Vega, girlies? All dour talkovers and serious voices cracking with 'emotion'. Very sixth form angst, girls, and I would've thought that description was pushing the truth a bit. Pass the sick bag.  (Nancy Culp, Record Mirror, April 11, 1987)