"Jesus of Cool was a jukebox, spinning out a series of perfectly crafted -- and decidedly quirky and subversive -- pop singles. In contrast, Nick Lowe's second album, Labour of Lust, is the work of a bar band, in this case Rockpile, playing the hell out of the same type of songs. Naturally, the result is a more coherent sound that may be a little less freewheelingly eclectic, but it is no less brilliant. Recorded simultaneously with Dave Edmunds' Repeat When Necessary, Labour of Lust benefits from the muscular support of Rockpile, who make Lowe's songs crackle with vitality. Working primarily in the roots rock vein of Brinsley Schwarz but energizing his traditionalist tendencies with strong pop melodies, a sense of humor, and an edgy new wave sensibility, Lowe comes up with one of his best sets of songs. It's an exceptional collection of inventive pop songs, delivered with vigor and energy, making it one of the great records of the new wave." -- Allmusic Guide

Track Listing
1 Cruel to Be Kind
2 Cracking Up
3 Big Kick, Plain Scrap
4 American Squirm
5 Born Fighter
6 You Make Me
7 Skin Deep
8 Switchboard Susan
9 Endless Grey Ribbon
10 Without Love
11 Dose of You
12 Love So Fine
13 Basing Street