Tiffany - Hold An Old Friend's Hand (Japan, 1988)

Tiffany's second album, a stronger, more complete package than the first, showcased a more mature image and sound without much alteration of the misunderstood-teen theme that brought her first success. Though only the ballad "All This Time" (which hit the Top Five) and the up-tempo "Radio Romance" (which barely broke the Top 40) were the only singles to gain any attention, there were many other cuts worthy of chart action. The title song, conveying an understanding of life the singer may not have been able to fully understand at the time, might have been too adult for her fan base, though its lyrics, asking for a moment with an old friend (I don't believe it hurts to grow/even when the crop you sow is a failure/You don't have to stay/I just want to hold you), are full of nostalgia and longing. "We're Both Thinking of Her," "Walk Away While You Can," and "Drop That Bomb" are perfect pop jingles. "Hearts Never Lie" is a pretty duet with Chris Farren (who went on to big '90s success in country music) that should have jump- started his career as a vocalist. Tiffany's voice is used to a much better end on this album, and it seems she's having fun singing about the perils of young adulthood, which, for music like this, is critical. If pop music isn't fun, it's nothing. The only drawbacks -- and they are minor -- are "It's the Lover (Not the Love)," in which she sounds like she's shouting, and the somewhat grating "I'll Be the Girl," though both are undeniably catchy.