Bananarama - Bananarama - Greatest Hits Collection

The music takes me back to 1988

Me and my best friend from elementary school back in the 80's, could listen to this music for hours! May 13, 2007

I can't help it

As big of a music snob as I am, I can't help but go back into my music collection and listen to some of the cds/tapes that I grew up on, namely '80s music. Having grew up in the '80s, I will always have a soft spot for '80s music. Bananarama is one of those '80s pop acts that I will always have a soft spot for. I just loved their music, namely "Cruel Summer", "Venus", and "I Heard a Rumor". While The Bangles and The Go Go's were more rock orientated, girl groups such as Expose and Bananarama were vocal groups. Yeah the music videos for "Venus" and "I Heard A Rumor" were pretty silly, if not stupid but the songs were so much fun to listen to. They are unbelievably catchy. The songs always sticks in my head but unlike Jennifer Lopez's music, I actually like Bananarama's music. My favorite Bananarama song definitely is "Cruel Summer", the ultimate summer song. Although Ace of Base did a fine job covering the Bananarama song, I definitely prefer the trio's version. I also adore "Love in the First Degree" and "Robert De Niro's Waiting". Although they didn't get any airplay here in the states (as far as I know), they were just as irresistably catchy as the group's more famous songs. The girls' harmonies were excellent. Gimme Bananarama over Wilson Phillips any day. June 30, 2004

A Simple Pleasure!!!!

I used to love this group when I was a little girl and I used to listen to their songs on the radio and now I have finally found there songs I really do enjoy these songs because they take me down memory lane and I reminsce about all of the good times I had when I was a kid and basically I just like their music. I would recommend anyone who likes 1980's new wave music to buy this album this is a great compilation. My favorite songs on this album are: He was really saying something, Cruel Summer, I heard a rumor, and venus this is really a nice album and I would really reccommend anyone to buy this album!!!!! October 25, 2003

Unadulterated Fun

Until the Spice Girls invaded the planet with their brand of Girl Power, Bananarama ruled the roost with their consistent brand of fun-don't-give-a-damn pop music, which only had one mission - Fun. This Greatest Hits collection explains the timelessness of the Fun Girl Three, dividing their worldwide successes into two part - the early years & the Stock Aiken & Waterman Years. Both parts yielded equal successes & one listen to this CD brings you back in time to when pop was accessible without being overtly marketed. From the summery tunes of NaNaNaNa (Kiss Him Goodbye) to the funky percussion of Cruel Summer, the Bananas brought a smile to the world. Messy hairdos & ripped jeans, the girls only relied on their music & attitude to sell records (hence saving all that money spent on designer clothes for going down the pub). The SAW years saw their star shining brighter than ever. Venus is perhaps the most brilliant pop song ever done - & almost 16 years later still has an oomph & longevity that few bands can legitimately achieve. Became a US No.1 also. I Heard A Rumour, Love In The First Degree & I Can't Help It ensured that the charts were sufficiently set alight. Personal fave is their cover version of Help! (with French & Saunders & Kathy Burke - comic & brilliant). One other irony is their cover of The Supremes' (who prior to the Bananas were the best selling female group ever) Nathan Jones. Proved the girls could sing & give a song their unique verve. Bananas, we salute you & all who have sailed in you. January 14, 2002

"...and Venus was her name..."!

I LOVED this song! As a little girl, I would listen to pop music stations for HOURS just to hear Bananarama's version of "Venus". And since I loved "Venus" so much-I started listening to their other songs and became a Bananarama fan. Their sound was very different-it couldn't be easily placed in any one musical category-which is why I love this Greatest Hits CD! It is still fun, carefree music that can make you move! October 4, 2001

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