From 1979 to 1981, it could be stated that Blondie was the #1 group in the world. The success of "Parallel Lines," "Eat to the Beat," and "Autoamerican" - and their singles - offer proof.
Fans everywhere wondered what they could do to top their successes.

The result was 1982's "The Hunter," an album that did not top their 1979-81 period; in fact, the album showed with great clarity that Blondie had passed their prime.

Deborah Harry didn't want to be considered "Blondie" anymore; her 1981 solo album went far to demonstrate her intentions. But Chris Stein wanted to continue the group and "The Hunter" was the result. Harry's growing agitation with the "Blondie" image is one reason the album is mediocre; in addition, guitarist Frank Infante sued the group due to his contention that he was being kept out of group decisions. A settlement was reached, part of which was Infante's participation on "The Hunter." Also contributing to the downturn in quality on "The Hunter" was Chris Stein's early battle with a life-threatening illness that would sideline him for several years.

The album overall reflects Blondie's lack of interest in continuing as a group considering the many mediocre offerings ("Find the Right Words," "The Beast," "Little Caesar," "Dragonfly"). The group sounds downright tired on many of the tracks.

There are still classic Blondie efforts and sounds, however. "Orchid Club" is an underrated gem, and "For Your Eyes Only," a song Harry and Stein wrote for the movie of the same name (only to be rejected by the film's producers) comes closer to the spy themed movie than Sheena Easton's effort. "War Child" is full of energy and purpose, and "English Boys" is a nicely constructed, mellow song.

All in all, "The Hunter" is not a bad effort, but it was clear at the time the album was released that this was the group's swan song (until 1999's "No Exit) and the weakest of their six original albums.

In 1982 bad reviews dominated this obscure Blondie album. Blondie had a name and fame to keep up after million sellers like Parallel Lines, Eat to the beat and Autoamerican. Somehow you can hear indeed Debbie's was not on the same level like on the other Blondie albums. But did they want to sound like their former albums? Apparently not, Blondie used to do what they wanted to do: Blondie refused to re-write the rejected Bond theme: For your eyes only. This album might be recorded under pressure of a binding contract with the record company but this album contains very smart lyrical songs. Orchid club, Little Ceasar, the Hunter gets captured by the game, War child, Dragonfly and English boys are stand outs. The single Island of lost souls is t.m.o. more fun as their equal sounding #1 hit The tide is high.
This remastered version contains the extended version of War Child which is one of my favorite all time Blondie songs. Yes I am a Blondie fan and The Hunter is one of my most played Blondie cd's. Maybe that makes me a fool but I don't care: We want fun.....(for fans only)!

The commercial failure of this album has perhaps worked to obscure what is actually a very solid work. This album is eclectic, somewhat along the lines that AUTOAMERICAN and NO EXIT are, with reggae (Island of Lost Souls) and jazz (Hunter Gets Captured by the Game) in the mix. The stand-out song is War Child--an overlooked song I think is one of Blondie's best. Here, Clem Burke on the drums really shines. The extended version of War Child is worth the price of this album alone. Experimental Dragonfly is perhaps an odd favorite of mine. This album will probably resonate more with Blondie fans than casual listeners.

The first thing I noticed about this album is that strong "beats" are featured very prominently on nearly every track. All kinds of beats - straightforward rock, synth, exotic, jungle, you name it. You'll like this if beats are important to you, as they are to me. The second thing I noticed is that overall it sounds somewhat subdued, including Debbie's vocals. Her seductive persona is still in evidence, though not as triumphantly as before. But, really - what could measure up to "Autoamerican", especially at a time when the band members were going through such serious problems? There are still some interesting sounds on here. "Dragonfly" is an excellent track, with a complex, relentless beat and a hypnotic vocal by Debbie. "The Beast" features some very good guitar work as well as some "Rapture"-like rap. Other tracks have excellent guitar work too. "English Boys" has jangly guitars that remind me of 60's folk-rock, and Debbie sings it in a strangely sweet voice that is quite appealing. "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" manages to have a retro R&B sound, updated for the 80's. The final track, the extended version of "War Child", goes back to Euro-disco for inspiration, sounding a little like Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" in places, while a couple of other tracks remind me of the "Parallel Lines" sound. So, although this is certainly not Blondie's most accomplished album, neither is it the failure that some claim it to be. Timing is everything, and that was a bad time for Blondie. I would say, give it a try, especially if you are a fan.

the highlight of 'the hunter' is the amazing instrumentation...clem burke really shines with striking tribal beats on songs like 'orchid club' and 'war child', two of the best songs on the cd. the former ('orchid club') progresses along darkly and debbie's vocals haunt through the thick forest like beats.
'the beast' might be the darkest blondie song, ever.
'dragonfly' is strange but it grows on you.
'little caesar' is a powerful semi-ballad with really breathy vocals and intriguing horn arrangements. one of my favorites on the album!
'for your eyes only' is the would-be james bond theme that sheena e. did instead...but this one rocks right along!
'(can i) find the right words (to say)' should have been a number 1 hit. bottom line.
'island of lost souls' and 'the hunter gets captured by the game' are the singles from the album, and deservingly so...one is a reggae take while the other is jazzy and downtempo, but both are definitely worthy blondie songs!!!
the extended version of 'war child' is awesome...
overall, if you don't love this album, you're just not in touch with the darkside or you're bitter 'cuz it marked the end of an era for blondie.