Singer/dancer/choreographer Paula Abdul hit the big time with the third single, “Straight Up,” off this album, which sparked a string of hits that carried through to her follow-up. Despite having a slight voice, her voice is distinct and perfectly suited to this synthesized type of late-’80s dance-pop. “Cold Hearted” is insistent and catchy, “Forever Your Girl” is sweet and accessible, and “Opposites Attract” gives Abdul a chance to spar with the Wild Pair. There is some filler — “Next to You,” for example — that hasn’t aged as well as the better material, but overall this is a consistent album with some great dance-pop songs. Unfortunately, as Abdul and her material matured, her audience waned. – Bryan Buss
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