The Lexicon of Love came out in 1982, and it’s the debut album that really launched ABC into the spotlight. At a time when new wave and synth-pop were exploding, ABC carved out a space with this glossy, dramatic, and impossibly stylish record. It’s confident, theatrical, and full of romantic flair, showing the band embracing pop with ambition and a sense of spectacle.

The sound is lush, polished, and irresistibly catchy. Orchestral arrangements, sweeping strings, and crisp synths create a cinematic backdrop for Martin Fry’s smooth, emotive vocals. There’s a clear nod to soul and disco influences, but it’s filtered through a stylishly British new wave lens, giving the album a sophisticated yet accessible vibe. Every track feels carefully crafted, yet it never loses its sense of fun and energy.

Tracks like “The Look of Love” and “Poison Arrow” are instant classics, brimming with hooks and drama, while songs like “All of My Heart” show the band’s ability to mix sweeping emotion with danceable grooves. Even the deeper cuts reward repeated listens, with rich production and clever melodies that make you want to linger in the album’s romantic, slightly extravagant world.

What keeps The Lexicon of Love worth revisiting today is how timelessly stylish and confident it feels. It’s smart, fun, and full of personality, with a combination of drama and melody that still holds up decades later. Whether you’re in it for the heartbreak, the hooks, or just the sheer pop craftsmanship, it’s a record that keeps drawing you back.