Chris Isaak
Just before all commercial hell broke loose for Chris Isaak, he made another record drenched in reverb, salty tears (he'll have you believe his heart is forever being broken), and the scent of lust. Ignoring the wave of pop and punk-inspired rock that was gaining notice in the late '80s, Isaak continued in his adoration for artists likeRoy Orbisonand Elvis (uh,Presley), and wailed on "Cryin'," "Lie to Me," and "You Owe Me Some Kind of Love."  Isaak's bad-boy tease is irresistible on "Lover's Game," and he exudes a hopeful, endearing optimism on "This Love Will Last." His classic "Blue Hotel" steals the show (he should have earned his fame on this track instead of "Wicked Game"), and his cover of "Heart Full of Soul" (originally done by theYardbirds) is faithful and passionate.--Lorry Fleming