Martika

When any new pop phenomenon comes along, history tells us that the music industry gets itself tied up in knots trying to find something similar to milk the cash cow. While it is harsh to label Martika as just a Madonna soundalike - there is no doubt that the industry in 1988 was looking for more female singers in that mould. Born Marta Marrero in California in 1969, Martika's fame came quickly - after she was spotted by producer and writer Michael Jay on a show called Kids Incorporated.

Martika not only had a perfect 80s' pop vocal - she also looked the part. Her sexy image would attract the attention of Prince - who ended up working with her on the follow-up to this - Martika's Kitchen. Before then she was to gain worldwide fame with the unique sounding Toy Soldiers, as well as with follow-up cover I Feel The Earth Move. Both prove to be the strongest tracks on the original ten track album - but added extra Exchange of Hearts shows there was more depth to the hits.

Elsewhere the album sounds a bit too much like Madonna-light. More Than You Know is a little too close to Madge for comfort, while the jumpy rhythms of You Got Me Into This and clunky pop of Cross My Heart sadly prove that the era's production was not made for longevity. The cheeky and hilariously titled If You're Tarzan, I'm Jane is worth a listen - even if it's just for the Tarzan yelp in the chorus.

As with other re-releases on this label - there is a lovely CD booklet with extra background information, where you can learn some great pop quiz gems; such as Fergie from Black Eyed Peas features on Toy Soldiers in the children's choir and I Feel The Earth Move was banned in the US because of the Los Angeles earthquake. There are also Spanish versions and 12 inch remixes included - in an intriguing insight into the world of late eighties' pop.