Back 2 Back Hits

AMG Review of Back 2 Back Hits

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

This is one of the rare instances where the Back 2 Back Hits concept fulfills its potential. Not only did EMF and Jesus Jones explore a watered-down Madchester and dance-pop hybrid, but they both only had one true hit single, followed by a couple of near-hits that made a slight impression on the charts and in the pre-Nirvana alt-rock consciousness. They're all here -- EMF's "Unbelievable," "I Believe," "Children," and "Lies," Jesus Jones' "Right Here, Right Now," "Real Real, Real," "International Bright Young Thing," and "The Devil You Know." Since neither group had a real deep catalog, this is as close to as definitive collection for either EMF or Jesus Jones as most listeners will need. And the pairing actually results in a more consistently entertaining collection than a full-fledged hits compilation from either artist.