AMG Review of Notorious

Mike DeGagne
All Music Guide

Released in 1986, Notorious has Andy Taylor contributing on only four songs before leaving to start his solo career, but on the strength of the title track's number two placing and "Skin Trade"'s number 39 mark, the album itself peaked at number 12 in the U.S. and number 16 in the U.K. "Notorious" itself showed real livelihood, thanks to its modern gleam and the catchy stutter of its chorus. "Skin Trade" is almost as worthy, thanks to its sultry, seductive air and enchanting but complex rhythmic allure. "'Meet el Presidente,'" a number 24 hit in Britain, sports a rather appealing flow. The provocative, nightclub brand of martini-sipping pop is meritorious, felt mostly in the album's two biggest tracks.