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"A two-fer CD of the group's third and fourth albums, which shows that the sharp-suited boys from Detroit had a less obvious creative trajectory than some might imagine. The first of the two LPs featured here, 1981's "Strictly Personal", suggest a band shooting for arena success without having much of anything arena rock fans would want, and it's frankly a depressing listen. Things take a dramatic turn for the better on 1983's "In Heat"; producer Peter Solley, who produced the Romantics' first album, was back behind the boards for this one, and while the stripped-down arrangements and audio were a switch from their best work, it also put the focus back on the band's hook-laden tunes and estimable on-stage energy, and "Rock You Up," "I'm Hip" and "Open Up Your Door" brought the fun back to the Romantics. If it isn't up to the quality of the first album, it's good solid fun." (Mark Deming, Allmusic)