From Luxury To Heartache ger

The final LP during what would have been considered Culture Club’s heyday was released in mid 1986 to middling reviews, waning enthusiasm by both the public and the band, and disappointing sales. Their last big hit record in the U.S., as a band was the lead off single “Move Away”. It peaked at #12. One more single was released. The completely unlistenable “Gusto Blusto” Which should have been put on a B side of one of the much stronger LP’s tunes let alone be given the burden of compelling people to give ole Boy and his, um, ...Boys another chance after the thoroughly half witted and half hearted previous LP, the disastrous and hokey “Waking Up the House On Fire” after a year and a half of total radio silence. It almost felt like Epic Records killed this one on purpose, and it worked. The single didnt chart anywhere and this album quickly faded away. They eked out one more minor hit from this one in their native UK. The striking “God Thank You Woman” which was expected to be the second single in the US as well but nope. I personally think that this was not only the strongest track on the LP, but also was the strongest song of theirs from 84-86. It’s quite good. Other goodies include the apologetic “Work On Me” , the surprisingly listenable, country tinged “Come Clean”, and the dance floor ditty “Sexuality” which attempted to explain Boy’s sudden transformation from a drag queen to Bowie-Esk fashionista. With a new producer , Arif Martin, they were trying for a smoother straight up pop sound and it mostly worked. However, with Boy George’s unreliability at the time (he often completely missed recording sessions) this caused the record to go way past schedule and due to previous obligations, the producer hat was handed off to Lew Haun who was originally the albums engineer, so somebody could finish the vocals. The lack of focus is occasionally apparent but as a whole and despite his growing addiction issue, Boy George was in fine voice and the production value was top notch. It just lacks the enthusiasm that won them such incredible acclaim and success just 3 years earlier. I recommend this LP to anyone interested in culture club, However if you’re looking for an album full of hits this is the wrong one to get.

I would say Culture Club is one of those bands where all of their albums were good. That's why it doesn't make sense to me that this, being Culture Club's 4th album is so hard to find and where you can probably order online-I don't see why you can't seem to find it in stores that sell CDs. I can only guess that maybe some of the other fans was disappointed because the songs did seem longer. But , still it was every bit as good as their other albums. I definitely recommend this CD.

Culture Club might have peaked before this album was released but it is still a gem and will be enjoyed by not only fans of 80's pop but by fans of music from any era. It has some of the really lovely moments you'd expect from a Culture Club album ("Heaven's Children", "Come Clean", "Move Away") but also teems with a burgeoning social conscience that transcended their "war is stupid" past ("I Pray", "Too Bad"). Perhaps best of all, is the delightfully decadent tango of "Sexuality", the remix of which is glorious.

Underrated entry from Culture Club overshadowed by the very public personal problems Boy George was going upon its release. Work On Me Baby, Gusto Blusto, Sexuality and Come Clean worthy of being released as singles. My favorite track is Too Bad. Great beat and terrific vocal stands the test of time and would be right at home on radio today.

Original pressing still sealed. Will purchase from this seller again!

From Luxury to Heartache is the Best Culture Club Album. They are at the height of their performance and writing career. Too bad it is not available to down load.

I like Culture Club and this album is great. Not magnificent but still great.I found this album sold itself more to glamour of the band than the songs.Having said that though, it IS a great album.

Unfortunately, Culture Club did not feel the need to re-release this CD here in America when they re-mastered their previous 3 CD's earlier in the decade. It is not up to the high standards of the previous discs, (and particularly the brilliant Colour By Numbers), but it is a great album none the less. Boy George was beginning his dive at this time but was still in relatively high form. "Move Away" and "Heaven's Children" are highlights.

Why is it you can always sense that a group is on it's way out? Sadly this is what's happened to this album from Culture Club. Exit the brilliant Helen Terry,enter the equally brilliant Ruby Turner and Jocelyn Brown (with help from Phil Pickett,Wendell Morrison,David Lasley) but they will never be a substitute for Helen. Don't get me wrong Move Away was a great opening track and single release. The next 5 tracks, I Pray, Work On Me Baby, Gusto Blusto, Heavens' Children and God Thank You Woman are good tracks,catchy and with meaningful words but I always have the feeling in the back of my mind that they're trying to attract a more American audience. The next 4 tracks absolutely ruin it for me especially the dreadful 'country and western' sounding Come Clean. I'm sorry guys but this album really didn't do it for me.

Whist this may not contain as many top selling singles as their first 2 albums this is still a fantastic album which doesn't get the credit it deserves. The opening track "move away" is a personal favourite and along with "god thank you woman" was enough for me to buy this album. It was a great buy as I hadn't heard the rest of the album. As well as the original album it also contains a few alternative versions of some of the songs as an added bonus. A great buy and a must for any fans of George and the band.

Perfect Culture Club which faulted because of circumstance not quality of music. This CD deserves a re-release with extras. Sounds great now although Sexuality sounds slightly dated.

Very happy

Culture Clubs last album and tho its not there best its true to their style. Move Away is sheer magic.