Made in Hong Kong

by Justin M. Kantor Of all of Barry's output from the '70s through the '90s, 1981's Made in Hong Kong is the most eclectic and energetic. While earlier albums such as Sweet Dynamite and The Girl Most Likely offer solid rhythm-section arrangements, they often lack sturdy hooks and cohesive melodies. Here, there's no shortage of either cleverness or catchiness and, as a result, Barry sounds thoroughly into her performance. "Radio Action" relays the first-person tale of an aspiring band vying for airtime atop a swirl of Euro-synths, while guitar power chords and country-tinged background vocals converge on "Don't Talk to the Wind." Equally compelling, the funky, down-tempo "Take Me to the River" merges colorfully punctuated bass and percussion with twangy guitars, and "Love Control" forges ahead with a sterling dance-pop arrangement and buoyant vocals. Throughout the sequence, Barry shines with a sharp soprano that incorporates touches of jazz, opera, and rock into a unique whole. Made in Hong Kong is a delightful treat for not only Barry's dedicated dance fans, but also Top 40, rock, and soul pundits with an ear for something different.