That doesn't mean that Fry/ABC have lost their musical voice or sound--they've managed to incorporate new elements as all developing bands should.

The departure of Mark White has, surprisingly, reinvigorated the "band". Although founding member White's creative partnership with Fry will be missed, Fry has the added input of songwriting collaborator/musical contributor Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17 and this more than makes up for White's loss. It's unclear if he is to become a permanent fixture in the band(probably not), but his input has helped Fry put together the best ABC album since 1987.

Fry's vocals are passionate. The musical tracks are outstanding. Definitely a must have for ABC fans.


The best since Lexicon of love   December 30, 2005
Carsten Elmose Madsen (Denmark)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

ABCs career have been characterized by ups ("Lexicon of love", "Alphabet city") and downs ("Beauty stab" and "up"). But "Skyscraping" is definately one of their best - if not their best album since groundbraking "Lexicon of love". "Their" is maybe the wrong word since "Skyscraping" is ABC only in the form of Martin Fry.

"Skyscraping" should be a treat for everyone who liked "Lexicon of love". Tracks such as "ask a thousand times", "who can I turn to", "stranger things", "only the best will do", "faraway" and last but not least the fantastic title-track (hear that chorus!!) "skyscraping" are wonderfully produced, has clever lyrics and show that Martin Fry is an intelligent writer with a perfect and unique voice.

Heaven 17 members helped Martin Fry on this album and this seems to have been a creative partnership. Musically "Skyscraping" pays homage to Roxy Music and the early new romatics scene (a scene in which ABC themselves was vital) and if you like music from the 80's this album should appeal to you. Whenever I listen to this album melancholy hits me - somehow it makes you remember all those wonderful people you have met on your lifes journey.

The albums fluctuates a bit in quality and received mixed reviews in the press. Everyone I know loves the album - and it seems that the total lack of marketing was the real reason this album failed. Give it a few listens, remember what ABC was all about (good, strong and catchy pop-songs with intelligent lyrics) and you will have a companion for life.


Just Hold My Hand...   March 21, 2000
wolfgang (iceland)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Skyscraping finds Martin Fry (almost) on his own, since this is really simply a solo album with help from his friends. Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17 e.g. lends a hand giving the sound often a lush feeling. On too many tracks Martin seems to be trying too hard to give the sound some edge. It is the more relaxed efforts that shine and shine they do in epic proportions. Stranger Things is as catchy a pop tune as they come, yet could be classified as easy listening. The title track, however, is the album's gem. One can listen to it again and again without getting tired of it. With enough marketing ammunition this track could easily become a huge hit appealing to a wide spectrum. Really, the album is worth purchasing for that single song. There are other good songs on the album, but programming the CD is still a must.


A big disappointment   August 5, 1999
Kevin O'Conner
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

Having been one of only about eight people on the entire planet to own all of the ABC albums and willingly admit to doing so, I really looked forward to the release of a new ABC album - particularly since their last album, Abracadabra, was easily their best.

Unfortunately, with Mark White out of the picture, ABC falls flat. Even the best moment on the album, "Stranger things", sounds stilted and artificial, the equivalent of trying to bake a cake based solely on a picture of one. Sure, Messrs. Fry and Gregory toss in a few recognizable motifs from ABC past, but this just adds insult upon injury.

Save your money. Buy the remastered editions of the first four albums instead.


Good Stuff   June 17, 2009
Terry (Las Vegas, NV United States)
Not as great as others discs by ABC, but still very enjoyable, especially the track "Stranger Things".