Out of the Blue

AMG Review of Out of the Blue

Steve Huey
All Music Guide

Mention the name Debbie Gibson and you're likely to elicit either a derisive snort or embarrassment from your conversant about ever having owned a Gibson album. Chances are that anyone who falls into the latter category -- and there are several million of them -- bought her debut, Out of the Blue. While Out of the Blue does possess the slick, processed dance-pop production and squeaky-clean innocence of most '80s een pop, it stands out from the competition due to Gibson's talent as a singer, musician, pop songwriter, arranger, and even producer. Five of this album's ten tracks hit the Top 40, with four of those going Top Five, and Gibson's youthful exuberance and energy shine through infectiously. Despite her reputation, it's some of the best een pop you're likely to hear.