Chris De Burgh - Fatal Hesitation (A&M)

Taken from the mega selling Into The Light album, mega-boring Chris De 'Euro' Burgh returns with a tune much in the same (sleep-inducing) vein as "Lady In Red". It's another lament to a loved one. 'I'm a lonely romeo standing in the rain' warbles Chris. With tunes like this no wonder he's lonely. (Andrew Panos, No 1, September 27, 1986)

Paul Young - Wonderland (CBS)

Paul Young seems to have carved his own unorthodox niche in pop where quality for once equals commerciality - a simple, striving, soulful vocal set against a huge, echoing, empty production with lots of interesting odd corners. This is in the "Everything Must Change" mould, a rather spiritual song about closing your eyes and your troubles being healed. Sounds curiously like Big Country in places and at five minutes it does go on a bit, though it's good enough not to seem like it. (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, September 10, 1986)

Back after a long break, part of which was spent recording his new album in Italy, Paul Young follows a Tomb of Memories with a Wonderful full of Eastern promise... a tune complete with sleepy bass, eastern twangy guitar and a dreamy, chanting chorus of 'let me take you back to wonderland.' It doesn't have the instant appeal of some of his earlier hits but its mystical charm has a certain, er, hypnotic effect. 3/5 (Andrew Panos, No 1, September 27, 1986)

Howard Jones - All I Want (WEA)

Hooray! He's back. And with a "new sound" too. This is the first single off his forthcoming third LP which is often the point where pop stars go off the rails a bit, but not Howard. He's returned with a harder, slightly electro-ish "sound", and one of the best songs he's ever written; a big sweeping melody and a rhythm that thumps along happily. Really very good. (William Shaw, Smash Hits, September 24, 1986)

Another chap who's had a bit of time off recently but the rest doesn't seem to have done Howie much good. The programmed synths, brassy sounds and falsetto chorus vocals are still there but unlike uplifting ditties such as "Like To Get To Know You Well", the result this time round is rather limp and a bit depressing. 2/5 (Andrew Panos, No 1, September 27, 1986)

Billy Idol - To Be A Lover (Chrysalis)

He's back, and the sneering top lip is as curled as ever despite the recent disgusting rumours that he's calmed down. "To Be A Lover" lies down in the green pastures between Elvis Presley and Sigue Sigue Sputnik, which just about says it all, but Billy retains just as much of his own brand of humour to remain aloof from the braying pack. The gospel flavour of the whole package is puzzling, but it's safe to assume that William hasn't found God. Not just yet. 3/5 (Andrew Panos, No 1, September 27, 1986)

Sporting a cheerfully rakish grin instead of that extraordinary twisted sneer, plain Mr Idol has now opted for a much more restrained style. This is an old soul song given a modern rockabilly treatment which mixes electronic rhythm bits with honky-tonk piano, chirpy girl singers and a wonderfully authentic old organ sound, while the cranky guitars of old don't get a look in till near the end and Billy opts for a curious mumbling vocal. Cleverly done, sprightly, but not particularly memorable. (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, September 10, 1986)

Robert Palmer - I Didn't Mean To Turn You On (Island)

Old Bob attempts a cover version of an old song by soul songbird Cherrelle and this is much better than the original.
Bob is having trouble with one of his 'chicks' in this ditty. He just can't get rid of her. 'Hey babe, I didn't mean to turn you on' (what a lad, eh?) he croons over a staccato funk guitar rhythm.
Yes, a funky little number all round and oh, the video to this is exactly the same as the last one. 4/5 (Andrew Panos, No 1, July 19, 1986)

Ah yes, the man who does those sensitive, esoteric videos. Regular Palmer stuff here; clever  clever rhythms, laid-back singing and all that business. You know what I mean, don't you? (Stuart Bailie, Record Mirror, July 19, 1986)