Were it not for the fact that Graduate included the future members of Tears For Fears, this re-release of a 1980 album might never have happened. Their former group were more concerned with new wave music rather than epic pop. 'Acting My Age' is, at its worst, teeth-grindingly embarrassing on 'Shut Up' (featuring Roland Orzabal horribly immature vocals screeching "Shut up, shut up, you naughty boy") but is largely bearable. There are tunes which XTC wouldn't have been ashamed in the hook-laden 'Watching Your World' and 'Ever Met A Day'. Better still, though, are the nine extra tracks, some of which were to feature on an aborted second album. The two non-album tracks, 'Ambition' and the white funk of 'I See Through You' reveal songwriting maturity and are a definite step forward whereas the unissued 'Christ Look Upon Us' , 'Think Of Me' and 'No Second Troy' reveal their more considered, soulful side. The move towards their emotional keyboard-driven pop success of the future was just a small step away but much of this music is surprisingly palatable.