Stacey Q - Nights Like This (1989)

After 1988's diverse Hard Machine went virtually unnoticed by the pop market, it wasn't much of a surprise that Stacey Q returned to more straightforward dance sounds on Nights Like This. While the context here isn't as varied as that of its predecessor, loyal club fans were given an ample selection of savvy underground grooves that may have proven not to be timeless, but were more trend-setting than trend-conscious. Other major-label dance acts of the time like the Cover Girls, Sweet Sensation and Expose veered between the dance floor and pop radio frequently on their releases, but Stacey Q for the most part dived knee-deep into the house, freestyle and techno subgenres that were permeating the scene on this album. With the exception of the sullen, slightly tropical ballad "Heartbeat," the record is a continuous string of fast-paced numbers. The best numbers come during the latter half, with the percolating "The Edge of Love" and naggingly catchy "Goin' Out" being the highlights. The title track and "Incognito" boast firm rhythm tracks as well, but melodically drift around in nowhere. For club-goers looking for a rhythmically consistent album with just a touch of a pop sensibility, though, this is an ideal set.