Quick Step and Side Kick came out in 1983, and it’s the album where Thompson Twins really started carving out their place in the synth-pop scene. It’s their third record, and by this point they’d streamlined their sound into something punchy, melodic, and full of energy. You can tell they were getting comfortable with synthesizers, drum machines, and catchy hooks while keeping their quirky personality front and center.

The sound is bright, upbeat, and unmistakably early ’80s – shimmering synths, tight rhythms, and Tom Bailey’s distinctive vocals give the whole record a playful, infectious energy. It’s electronic pop that doesn’t feel cold or mechanical – there’s warmth and personality in every track, along with a sense of fun that keeps it lively from start to finish.

Songs like “Love On Your Side” and “Lies” are immediate standouts with hooks that stick in your head, while “We Are Detective” shows off their knack for rhythm and danceable beats. Even the slower or moodier tracks have a charm that makes you want to go back and listen again.

What makes Quick Step and Side Kick worth revisiting today is how effortlessly it captures that early ’80s synth-pop spirit without feeling dated. It’s energetic, melodic, and full of character – the kind of album that’s fun to put on whether you’re reminiscing about the era or discovering it for the first time. It’s light, catchy, and endlessly listenable.