When I heard about Blondie reunion release in 1999 it got me interested. I tried mp3 samples on the web and I was really disappointed with what I heard. Apart of Maria, an obvious and very good hit single, there's no decent track on the record. Frankly I lost all the interest to Blondie reunion efforts. I almost forced myself to give it a try when the new CD, the Curse of Blondie, was released in 2003. And, boy, I was really rewarded for my interest. I have found surprisingly good and consistent record. It's a little bit eclectic as Autoamerican with rap, disco, rock and pop there. Surely trademark Debbie's vocal is present as well. No doubt this is one more classic record from Blondie (with almost the same line-up). Nice riffs and tunes can be found here and there all over the record. Although, in my opinion, 'Good Boys' is not that good as a hit single as Maria from 1999 CD, but I found no filler track on this record. If you like Parallel Lines and Autoamerican I believe this 2003 release is for you.

But do not expect to be surprised with the sound quality. This is the pop-oriented record and they tried to correspond to all the modern standards of the industry. So, it has overcompressed sound that is harsh at times. But it's not that bad to detract you from the music which is quite good. Not that good as Parallel Lines but good enough to give it a try.

The leading element of cohesion is definitely the shocking confidence and maturity of Deborah Harry's vocals. Where did that come from? They weren't there on "No Exit" but in any case, she adeptly sweeps and glides with almost haunting accuracy and effortless grace across every note on the record. She is the thread holding all the styles together, and has more command over more styles of material than anytime in Blondie history.

If it's true "there are no HITS" as some reviewers seem to be concerned with, that's because this record is better than that, deeper than that. Every song HITS right where its supposed to, and there are no letdowns. I can't think of an album in recent years I could hear 20 times in 3 weeks. And more astounding, this infectious earcandy is still getting better with repeated listenings.

For some reason, no one seems to mention "The Tingler" and "Hello Joe" --so, I will--which are incredibly sublime Blondie, and "End To End" is surprisingly vulnerable and touching if you listen to the words beyond the galloping rhythm. And finally, the last 2 tracks do bring Blondie into real art-music territory without any pretention or over-reaching, and is the final sign in this recording that they can rock like crazed youths and be true to their older, more mature evolved sensibilities with just as much immediacy.

For ANY Blondie fan, rejoicement is in order! For any who have yet to be initiated, this is actually a great place to start. Blondie blends, in perfect doses, light synth-pop with hard-edged punk as no other band can, making a strange and successful marriage between pure fluff and a power drill.