You’ve probably heard the story of the Minnesota exchange student who single-handedly broke Roxette in America. It sounds like one of those urban legends, but it’s actually 100% true. Dean Cushman came back from Sweden in 1988 with a Roxette Look Sharp CD in his luggage, gave it to KDWB-FM in Minneapolis, and the rest is history. Before that moment, EMI America had basically told the band they weren't "suitable" for the US market.
Crazy, right?
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They were wrong. Dead wrong. Look Sharp! didn't just break the US market; it shattered it. We’re talking about an album that eventually moved over 9 million copies globally. It wasn't just a lucky break, though. If the songs weren't absolute "bangers"—to use a modern term for a very 1988 sound—the momentum would have fizzled out after one week. Instead, it gave us four massive hits and turned Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson into global icons.
What Makes the Roxette Look Sharp CD So Special?
Honestly, it’s the production. While a lot of 80s pop sounds like it was recorded inside a tin can, Look Sharp! has this weirdly muscular, punchy energy. Per Gessle has always been a student of 60s power-pop melodies, but he dressed them up in neon-lit, late-80s armor.
The CD version was particularly important back then. In 1988, the "compact disc" was still the shiny new toy of the music industry. Fans wanted that "digital" clarity for the opening "nanana" hook of The Look. If you find an original 1988 or 1989 pressing today, you'll notice something collectors call "full dynamic range." Unlike modern remasters that are compressed to be as loud as possible, the original Roxette Look Sharp CD breathes. The snare hits actually hurt a little. The bass in Dangerous feels like it’s actually moving air.
The Tracklist That Wouldn't Quit
Most people remember the "Big Four" from this record, but the deep cuts are where the real Swedish magic happens:
- The Look: The song that started it all. Total accidental hit.
- Dressed for Success: Marie’s powerhouse vocals on full display.
- Sleeping Single: A moody, synth-heavy track that should have been a single.
- Paint: A bit more experimental, showing their rockier edges.
- Listen to Your Heart: The ultimate power ballad. Seriously, try not to hum that chorus.
- Dangerous: The final single from the album that proved they weren't a fluke.
Why Collectors Scour eBay for Specific Pressings
If you’re looking to buy a Roxette Look Sharp CD today, don't just grab the first one you see. There are levels to this.
First, there’s the 1988 Swedish original. It’s got a slightly different vibe because, at that point, they were just local heroes. Then you have the 1989 worldwide release on EMI. But if you really want the "holy grail," you look for the Japanese CP32-5827 pressing. Why? Because Japanese engineers in the late 80s were wizards at mastering. They managed to make Marie’s voice sound like she’s standing three feet in front of you.
There is also the 30th Anniversary Edition released in 2018. This one is a beast. It’s a box set that includes a DVD and a CD of demos. If you want to hear what The Look sounded like when it was just a rough idea in Gessle’s "T&A Studio," that’s the version you need. It includes 21 demo tracks and outtakes, some of which were never released before 2018.
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The Dean Cushman Factor: A Lesson in Serendipity
We have to talk about Dean again. Imagine being a college kid in 1988. You’re in Sweden, you hear this catchy track called The Look everywhere, and you buy the CD. You go home to Minneapolis for the holidays and literally pester the local DJ to play it.
The station, KDWB, finally gave in. The phone lines went nuts.
At the time, Roxette didn't even have a record deal in the States. EMI America had passed on them. Suddenly, they had a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and no records in the stores. They had to rush-ship copies of the Roxette Look Sharp CD to meet the demand. It was a complete "people's choice" success story. No corporate payola, no massive marketing budget. Just a great song and a persistent fan with a shiny silver disc.
How the Album Holds Up in 2026
It’s easy to dismiss 80s pop as "disposable." But Look Sharp! feels different. Maybe it’s because Marie Fredriksson was such a transcendent vocalist. She didn't just sing pop songs; she inhabited them. When she sings Listen to Your Heart, you feel every bit of that melodrama.
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Per Gessle’s songwriting is also deceptively complex. He’s often called the "Swedish King of Pop," and this album is the blueprint. He knows exactly when to drop the beat and when to let the melody soar. It’s "deliciously commercial," as some critics back then put it (often as a backhanded compliment), but that’s why it has survived for nearly 40 years.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
If you're hunting for a copy, keep these tips in mind to ensure you get the best audio experience:
- Check the Matrix Code: If you want the original uncompressed sound, look for the 1989 EMI/Parlophone pressings. They usually have a catalogue number like CDP-7910982.
- Avoid Early 2000s Remasters: Some of the reissues from the early 2000s are a bit "loudness war" heavy. They're okay for the car, but they lose the nuance.
- The 30th Anniversary Box: If you’re a superfan, this is non-negotiable. The "Don't Forget You're a Rocker" documentary included on the DVD is worth the price alone.
- Condition is Everything: These old jewel cases crack easily. Make sure the disc itself is "Near Mint" (NM). Scratches on early CDs can sometimes cause "bronzing" or playback errors that modern players struggle to error-correct.
The Roxette Look Sharp CD isn't just a piece of plastic; it's a time capsule of a moment when two Swedes took over the world by accident. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovered them through a movie soundtrack, owning a physical copy of this album is a must for any serious pop-rock collection.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
Start by checking your local used record shops for the 1989 US EMI pressing; it’s usually affordable (under $10) and sounds fantastic. If you want the deep-dive experience, hunt down the 2018 30th Anniversary Box Set on Discogs to hear the original T&A demos that show how these hits were built from the ground up.