Typography Help?

I am working mainly graphics and my work is getting much better...

But as I look back at my portfolio, I keep noticing the same problem again and again.

My typography just doesnt POP!!!

It is definitely my achellios tendon and needs to be addressed, the problem is that in searching the net for information on it, what I stumble on most are typography works that are nice and pretty but not functional.

I need advice from someone who is good with it, where do i go, what do I buy, to help kick my typography up a notch???

Any advice/help is appreciated!