This is a GREAT ALBUM!! The music of the 80s pretty much Sucked! This album is from 1981, just the begining of the 80s when the "new wave" movement was in full force. Filled with horns and an upbeat tempo, some may consider this commercial music. I bought this album on vinyl when it was released. Trust me there was not a radio station I heard broadcasting this. He was poking fun at "new wave". This is one of Iggy's best albums. The lyrics are hilarious! If you want punk anger turn to "Raw Power", it's a great CD. If you want to have a lighter but still rocking good time then buy this Cd, It's definately one of his best! It was was the perfect anti commercial new wave album. It poked fun at "punk's" ugly stepchild "new wave", some people didn't and still don't get it.

The best of his Arista LPs "Party" may seem like watered down Iggy on the surface (ie "accessible" melodies; that lame cover "sea of love") but check out the lyrics: "Sooner or later, baby, I'm gonna bruse you just like a tomato", "When I walked into the rock n roll club I found myself with the usual bums", "who left that [...] door half open!" Despite the "listenible" almost mainstream music this was Iggy's most bitter album until "Beat Em Up".

It could be that Iggy was a bit shook after James Williamson had walked off the studio recording of "Soldier," when David Bowie had appeared in the studio to help out with the album. It was a real dream of Iggy's to have each included on the album, but unfortunately Williamson's ignorance got in the way. Despite Williamson's walk out, Pat Moran did an above average job fill-in in for Williamson, and the album was a big success for Iggy. Now, Iggy had his sights set on a pop album. It wasn't easy for him to make a pop album. Remember, Iggy was the one that gained his popularity with The "outrageous" Stooges. His trademark had been to appear on stage shirtless, and was one of the first to be comfortable enough to jump into the crowd. I believe his goal had been, ever since he had formed The Stooges, was to make a full circle in his musical career. To make early punk albums, and then turn to pop. This idea really hit full swing when he found out his great friend David Bowie shared the same ambition. (That word happens to be a track on the album "Soldier.") "Party," I don't believe, is a true pop album. Iggy knew that as long as he was signed to Arista Records, he was not going to get the coverage and support he needed to make a very popular album. This would have to wait until 1986 when he was signed to A&M, and where he collaborated with David Bowie to make "Blah Blah Blah." "Party" starts with a delightful and fun track called 'Pleasure.' 'Rock And Roll Party' is another fine track that leads into the oddly named 'Eggs On Plate.' The name of this song reminds me of a lyric in a Brian Eno song, off the album "Another Green World." It's the lyric, "Perhaps my brain(s) are old and scrambled, oh my!" Although the word "egg" is not uttered, scrambled is and I think Iggy have found some motivation in that strong Brian Eno lyric. 'Sincerity' is a song where Iggy is found pleading with his girlfriend to stay. 'Houston Is Hot Tonight' talks of the 'Rock And Roll Party.' Tracks 2, 3, and 4 all center on the same idea and topic. They all also deal with action and consequence. An idea Iggy has not always grasped. 'Pumpin' For Jill' is Iggy being a slave. Although not a work slave, if you know what I mean. 'Happy Man' is one of favorites on "Party," along with the following track, 'Bang Bang.' 'Bang Bang,' which was later covered by David Bowie on this 1987 album "Never Let Me Down," is a very sincere and simple song. I'm sorry to say that Bowie's version is not near as sincere and simple as Iggy's, although still good. 'Sea of Love' is just an excellent love song. From the lyrics to the tune, you can't go wrong with 'Sea of Love.' 'Time Won't Let Me' is a very successful cover of a timeless classic. Again, each of the bonus tracks included on "Party" are superb choices and would have been a perfect fit for the original cut.

To be brief, I am a fan of Iggy Pop, but this cd just didn't cut it for me... somehow it lacks the vision, attitude, and artistry of albums such as Soldier and New Values, or Zombie Birdhouse. I just thought I should put my 2 cents in. I listen to those albums constantly. This one I sold back to my local used cd shop.

If you want vintage dirty-hard-garage band-rock Iggy from the Stooges, you may be disappointed by this album. If you think you can get into some vintage Iggy mixed with 80s New Wave, I think you'll enjoy this album as much as I do. Great stuff.