Dead or Alive remain one of the most iconic acts of the ’80s thanks to a string of Stellar Hi-NRG hits including the iconic You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).
The track gave production trio Stock Aitken Waterman their first UK No. 1 and saw the group find fame worldwide – particularly in Japan, where they remained chart staples throughout their career.
Ahead of the release of the group’s ‘lost’ album ‘Fan the Flame (Part 2)’, we look back on their discography and crown the band’s greatest studio album.
Fragile
The group’s final album might not live up to the hype of previous releases, but ‘Fragile’ has its moments of greatness.
Opening track and lead single Hit and Run Lover is classic Dead or Alive and, when it comes to any of the new tracks, proof that Pete Burns and co. remained at the top of their game.
It’s just a shame that half of the album is re-recorded versions of previous hits – which, honestly, should have been left well alone.
Fan the Flame (Part 1)
When it came to recording their fifth album, Dead or Alive, who were by this time known for their Hi-NRG, dancefloor hits, slowed things down… a little.
But while ‘Fan the Flame (Part 1)’ came during the group’s most successful period, it failed to deliver a hit, and ultimately went unreleased, except for in Japan where they remained chart staples.
The singles are strong – Your Sweetness (Is Your Weakness) and Unhappy Birthday are career highlights – but the album just isn’t as exciting as other releases.
Sophisticated Boom Boom
It’s rare that an act comes along so fully formed that their first and last albums can be played together cohesively, but that’s the case with Dead or Alive’s debut.
No, ‘Sophisticated Boom Boom’ isn’t their best album, but it’s as confident and assured as you’d expect – and, most of all, the music is excellent.
Let’s not overlook the enduring influence of their Top 40 version of That’s The Way (I Like It), which undoubtedly influenced Stock Aitken Waterman’s repertoire of cover versions in the following years.
Nukleopatra
Dead or Alive’s ‘90s albums are often overlooked, but there’s a treasure trove of standout tracks to be discovered, with ‘Nukleopatra’ a particularly impressive collection of techno gems.
Lead song and title track Nukleopatra is an earworm, while the group’s cover of David Bowie’s Rebel Rebel is up there with That’s The Way (I Like It).
We could do without the ‘Fan the Flame (Part 1) re-records – and Pete’s solo single Sex Drive – but as an eight track album it’s a pretty strong set.
Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know
From ‘85-’88, the group was untouchable, with a trio of standout albums that delivered their biggest hits – including Brand New Lover and Something in My House, both from ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’.
The follow-up to UK Top 10 and US Top 40 LP ‘Youthquake’, the album is Dead or Alive’s second record produced by Stock Aitken Waterman and sticks with the winning formula they hit on last time round.
If we’re honest, our favourite of the two changes from day to day, so it’s only because it’s so similar that ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’ finishes in third place.
Youthquake
The band’s most successful album, ‘Youthquake’ gave Dead or Alive their commercial breakthrough and saw them top the charts with You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Stock Aitken Waterman’s first UK No. 1.
It spawned three more singles – Lover Come Back to Me, In Too Deep and My Heart Goes Bang (Get Me to the Doctor) – and provided the blueprint for the group’s future career.
‘Youthquake’, to this day, remains a seminal Hi-NRG album and, for those who dismiss Stock Aitken Waterman’s musical legacy, a reminder of their forward-thinking productions.
Nude
The album that ended the group’s chart run in the UK, ‘Nude’ is the perfect Dead or Alive album and, for us, their strongest offering overall.
Look no further than lead single Turn Around and Count 2 Ten, which topped the charts in Japan for 17 weeks and hit No. 2 on the US Dance charts, and remains one of their most infectious dance records.
Follow-ups Come Home with Me Baby and Baby Don’t Say Goodbye both hit the Top 10 in the US, making the album’s commercial failure one of the greatest mysteries in Dead or Alive history.
