A value-priced collection of compilations that feature the music of the '50s through the '80s, Definitive Records' A Year in Your Life series presents a fun and eclectic mix of the sounds that defined the babyhood of the baby boomers through the adulthood of the "me" generation. Ranging across a variety of pop- and R&B-influenced styles, each CD in the series highlights the music of a single year. Historical tidbits and a musical trivia quiz are also included in the liner notes. 1983, Vol. 2 contains a unique mix of quirky, swanky, overwrought, and minimal songs that range from After the Fire's "Der Kommisar" to Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart." The influence of new wave music is felt even on the loungy "Puttin' on the Ritz" and the sweet Kinks song "Come Dancing." Reggae-pop also makes an impact with Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride" and Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue." ~ Stacia Proefrock, All Music Guide