Summary
“Love Games” (EPIC – 650437 8, 1988) captures Pretty Maids right in their sweet spot: big hooks, big hair, and even bigger choruses. This 12″ vinyl single spins out the band’s melodic metal side, pairing arena-sized riffs with a surprisingly tender heart. For collectors, it’s a snapshot of the Danish rockers at peak late‑’80s power.

About the Artist
Pretty Maids formed in Horsens, Denmark, in the early ’80s and quickly carved out a niche between classic heavy metal and glossy AOR. Led by Ronnie Atkins’ gritty yet melodic vocals and Ken Hammer’s sharp riffing, they built a cult following across Europe and Japan.

By the time “Love Games” dropped, the band had already released the highly regarded Future World (1987), produced by studio legend Eddie Kramer. That album pushed them from underground contenders into serious international hopefuls, with metal press regularly tipping them as one of Europe’s most promising melodic metal acts.

About the Record
“Love Games” is pulled from Future World and showcases the band’s more emotional, radio‑friendly side without losing their metallic bite. Where earlier releases leaned harder and darker, this single leans into melody: soaring choruses, layered backing vocals, and a strong sense of drama.

Issued on Epic in 1988, this pressing often came backed with non‑album cuts or live versions, making it particularly attractive to fans who already owned the LP. It helped cement Pretty Maids’ reputation for balancing toughness with a knack for big, memorable hooks—part of what set them apart from many contemporaries.

About the Cover
The sleeve art fits squarely in the late‑’80s metal universe: bold logo, saturated colours, and a slightly fantastical, romantic edge that ties back to the “game of love” theme. It visually bridges the neon futurism of the Future World album art with something more intimate and human.

It’s the kind of cover that looks right in a crate: instantly recognizable from across the room and very much of its era, in the best possible way.

About the Lyrics & Music
Musically, “Love Games” is classic Pretty Maids:

Tight, melodic riffing. A mid‑tempo beat that invites a slow head‑nod. A huge, sing‑along chorus built for lighters‑in‑the‑air moments. Lyrically, it plays with the push‑and‑pull of romance—miscommunication, temptation, and the “games” people play when feelings get complicated. It’s not poetry‑class material, but it connects because it’s direct and honest.

Ronnie Atkins’ vocal performance is the standout: gritty in the verses, then opening up into an almost soaring AOR delivery in the chorus. Underneath, tasteful keyboards soften the edges of the guitars, giving the track that unmistakable ’80s sheen.

Conclusion
For fans of melodic ’80s metal, this “Love Games” 12″ is more than just a single; it’s a time capsule. You get Pretty Maids at a key point in their rise, wrapped in punchy production and era‑perfect artwork. A solid spin for both dedicated fans and curious newcomers.

Other Recommendations
If you enjoy this record, you should also check out:

Pretty Maids – Future World (1987) – The parent album, essential.
Pretty Maids – Red, Hot and Heavy (1984) – Heavier, rawer, but full of hooks.
Europe – The Final Countdown – For more Scandinavian, keyboard‑laced melodic rock.
Helloween – Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. I & II – A more power‑metal take with similarly big choruses.