Marshall Crenshaw - Whenever You're On My Mind (Warner Bros)

Despite a residency on the Old Grey Whistle Test and the solid backing of the rock press, Marshall just can't arrest the attention of the Great British Public. This is typically tuneful, punchy guitar rock: good intentions, bad sales. (Phil McNeill, No 1, July 2, 1983)

It's A Mystery: While the merits of the video seem to be up for debate, the actress playing the English love interest was clearly a hit with viewers. Shame that nobody seems to know who she was.

A-ha - I've Been Losing You (Warner Bros)

As someone who previously couldn't have cared less either way about A-ha, it came as something of
a shock to find this is actually a very good record. Sounding tougher and meaner than before, there's: (a) a good lyric about losing your way, given a typically soaring vocal by Morten (sounding oddly like Bono in places); b) a slightly used but dead catchy hook that pleads, rather touchingly, "tell me things I could find useful"; c) a very nifty false ending - all of which give it a bite missing in previous efforts. A lot of people will have to reshuffle their prejudices ... (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, September 10, 1986)

More music to chat up au-pairs to, this the first of no doubt several singles to betaken from the forthcoming album Scoundrel Days. Last time we tuned in Morten was hunting high and low, now he's losing someone - probably girlfriend Bunty. But hold that sleigh team back Marts, and don't go throw yourself into the nearest fjord - I know where she is! She's prancing around in Billy Idol's new video. Easily the worst effort so far and I predict that it won't even go Top 40 (Ha-Ha). 2/5 (Frank Gillespie, No 1, October 4, 1986)

A-ha - The Living Daylights (Warner Brothers)

Nothing could surpass Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger", and since then there's been a number of dire themes accompanying James Bond films. Mort and the boys belt out something that might have stood a better chance as the theme for a gardening programme. The world tour seems to have well-knackered them. Licensed to thrill? I think not. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, June 27, 1987)

Following in the footsteps of Shirley Bassey, Paul "Fab Macca Wacky Thumbs Aloft" McCartney, Duran Duran and little Sheena Easton, our Nordic foragers come to tackle the James Bond Movie Theme - that's the bit they play over chose dated silhouettes of girlies with not very many clothes on and blokes in suits with great big pistols. Unfortunately, James Bond films aren't really much cop and neither, usually, are these James Bond Movie Theme thingies. And this particular example is no exception. Oh, it's unmistakably A-ha: Morten's voice starts out smoky and sneery and then goes into a piping falsetto at the first available opportunity as per usual and there's piles of "dramatic" "tension" and everything. But is there a proper tune? No. Can you twist to it? No you jolly well cannot. In fact, it's all fearfully Duran Duran before they went good. (Tom Hibbert, Smash Hits, June 17, 1987)

Prince - Raspberry Beret (Warner)

The leader, and so far the only card carrying member of the new psychedelic revival is at it again. But if your first impression is to give this one a big raspberry, listen again.
This second single from the album that wasn't supposed to have any singles packs more punch than the last one. No instant appeal but could be a grower. (Pat Thomas, No 1, July 20, 1985)

The regal fruitcake returns with a chirpy tune about falling in love with someone who wears a beret. To my ears it's very much like the '60s-ish "Paisley Park", churning away to an addictive chorus in which Prince tells us about the said headgear. Of course paratroopers wear raspberry coloured berets, but I don't think we should jump to any conclusions there. (William Shaw, Smash Hits, July 17, 1985)

Nick Heyward - You're My World (Warner)

A little chubbier around the cheeks perhaps and a little thinner on top, but pre-Bros heartthrob Nick has lost none of his talent for writing classic songs. "You're My World" steams along breathlessly, crafted with care, precision and heart. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, August 27, 1988)