Marc Almond

Marc Almond spent the 1980s releasing a sleazy, synthy, goth update of cabaret music, Lou Reed and outsider rock. For 1988's The Stars We Are, Almond adds a huge dollop of 1960s orchestral pop and melodic Eastern music, coming up with an accessible, winning effort that avoids most of the pitfalls and stereotypes of new wave. "Tears Runs Rings" was a major alt radio hit in the U.S., while "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" was a No. 1 smash in Britain. "Bitter Sweet" is a bracing, Byron-esque tune on this most upbeat, and possibly best, of Almond's post-Soft Cell albums.