China Crisis – Flaunt The Imperfection

China Crisis – Flaunt The Imperfection

China Crisis – Flaunt The Imperfection is one of the Liverpool band's most accomplished and highly regarded albums, blending sophisticated pop, new wave, synth-pop and art rock with subtle funk and jazz influences. Originally released in 1985, the album captures China Crisis at the height of their creative and commercial period.

The album opens with "The Highest High", introducing the band's characteristic combination of melodic songwriting, atmospheric keyboards and understated rhythms. "Strength Of Character", "You Did Cut Me" and "Black Man Ray" continue the sophisticated sound, with the latter becoming one of the band's best-known songs and a major UK hit.

"Wall Of God" closes the first side with a more expansive and atmospheric arrangement, while side two begins with "Gift Of Freedom" and the beautifully crafted "King In A Catholic Style". The latter became another significant hit for the band, reaching the UK Top 20 and helping Flaunt The Imperfection become their most successful album in the United States.

The second half continues with "Bigger The Punch I'm Feeling", "The World Spins, I'm Part Of It" and the atmospheric "Blue Sea", demonstrating the album's balance between accessible pop songwriting and more sophisticated arrangements.

Produced by Walter Becker of Steely Dan, Flaunt The Imperfection benefited from a notably polished production style. Becker's influence helped bring additional jazz, funk and sophisticated pop elements into China Crisis' already distinctive sound, while the album featured contributions from musicians including Don and David P. of the Doobie Brothers, adding further depth to the arrangements.

For collectors of China Crisis, 1980s sophisti-pop, new wave, synth-pop, art pop and sophisticated British pop, Flaunt The Imperfection remains an essential album from the mid-1980s and one of the band's finest records.

Tracklist

Side A

1. The Highest High – 4:16
2. Strength Of Character – 2:50
3. You Did Cut Me – 4:18
4. Black Man Ray – 3:39
5. Wall Of God – 5:32

Side B

1. Gift Of Freedom – 4:38
2. King In A Catholic Style – 4:32
3. Bigger The Punch I'm Feeling – 4:21
4. The World Spins, I'm Part Of It – 4:12
5. Blue Sea – 4:46