Dare!

Listening to this album reminds me that if I had embarked on this musical journey a decade ago, it would have gone far differently. And by differently, I mean worse. Generally my attitude toward listening to music has been the same attitude that I have about eating at restaurants: when I take the time to leave the house, drive somewhere, and pay all that extra money for restaurant service, I want to be absolutely crazy about that food. And if I am going to purchase music, and listen to it when I could be listening to literally anything else, it ought to be damn good. Is there anything worse than a $15 burger that’s dry, or a record with one hit and nine forgettable tracks? The difference between “current me” and “10 years ago me” is that now I recognize that there is another tier of music that, while not my favorite, can be very enjoyable in certain settings, primarily those settings where the music is in the background (like during a game night with friends). So what does all this have to do with The Human League’s album Dare? Well, there was a time where I absolutely hated all music that even had hints of an 80’s feel. Synthesizers, that 80’s drum sound (I looked it up and it’s called gated reverb), all of it made me cringe. Nowadays I am better at appreciating a good pop song despite its particular textures, and so I’m actually able to get some enjoyment out of a record like this. This is early 80’s synth-pop with a sinister flair to it, with a good amount of dark lyrics. I think the sound of both vocalists really goes well with the music, and I’m always happy to hear a vocalist sing in lower registers. Like probably everyone, I was familiar with the song Don’t You Want Me, but I was surprised that there weren’t many other monster choruses here. 80’s pop will never be my favorite, but overall I didn’t hate this, and its inclusion on this list seems pretty obvious to me. My personal enjoyment: 3/5 Did it belong on this list: 4.5/5

This list really loves low-stakes 70s and 80s one hit wonders that are all but forgotten outside of classic rock radio stations that play on an endless loop in the workplace as bland, inoffensive background noise. Not. Fucking. Essential.

80s vibes at their finest.

A synth-pop 80s purgatory is a better place to be than a 80s post-punk hell.

Electronic pop from this era is like pizza to me. It nearly always hits the spot. I prefer the human league lineup with ware and marsh but this is definitely choice synthpop. There is something about the relative flatness/stiffness of the delivery style that I find endlessly entertaining. An evolution from Kraftwerk that even members of Kraftwerk appreciated.

Just ok. It was clever of them to put the best song at the end, so you'd listen to the rest of it first

WOW!!! What a surprise! Incredibly synth-heavy pop, I had never heard of this band and was ready to write it off seeing that they're responsible for "Don't You Want Me," which is a fucking crime because that song slaps! Seriously, incredible album, it's immediately going into the rotation. I'll be listening to a lot more of this band going forward. Favorite Songs: 1. The Things That Dreams are Made of 3. The Sound of the Crowd (HOLY SHIT THAT SYNTH!) 4. Darkness (Incredible, seriously) 8. Seconds 9. Love Action

This is kinda like Devo meets Bowie imo (but with a more pop vibe), I dig it!

Love it, seminal new wave, can hear the influence on so many later electro-pop bands. Sparse, melodic hooks, great beats. So many hits here, favourite is probably Love Action.

Absolute classic 70s synth pop This shit hard as fuck

stinky 80s cheese 🧀

Absolute Jams

I am very familiar with THE HUMAN LEAGUE and the DARE album. I have it and I’m a casual fan of the band. The early material is interesting but not up to their more poppier efforts. The band has some hits and misses on their other albums, but DARE is one of those perfect albums. After re-listening to DARE, my opinion has not changed this is a really great album. Every single song is catchy and extremely enjoyable to listen it. It is the most popular HUMAN LEAGUE album and in this case the best one, deservedly so. Pop wins out on this one. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, DARE is the only album included. Rate Artist: THE HUMAN LEAGUE (4.0) Rate Album (Year): DARE (1981 Original) (5.0) Ranking of THE HUMAN LEAGUE - DARE songs 01) The Things That Dreams Are Made Of 4:15 10.0/10 02) Open Your Heart 3:56 10.0/10 03) The Sound Of The Crowd 4:05 10.0/10 04) Darkness 3:59 09.0/10 05) Do Or Die 5:25 10.0/10 06) Get Carter 1:02 08.0/10 07) I Am The Law 4:08 10.0/10 08) Seconds 4:59 10.0/10 09) Love Action (I Believe In Love) 5:00 10.0/10 10) Don't You Want Me 3:57 10.0/10 Original 1981 Release 97.0/100 = 97.0 / 2 = 4.85

Brilliant. Soooo 1980s but who cares? Catchy tunes, all excellent - not a bad track on the album.

I never owned this album in the 80s, but I wished I had. Given the large number of albums where the non-hit tracks weren’t great, I think I would have liked most of this album then. Still, better late than never. My favorite Human League song (“Don’t You Want Me”)appears on this album. How surprising that the lead singer thought it the weakest track on the album and buried it at the end of side B. It is still my favorite song on the album, but I’m glad to have some new candidates for the position after listening to this album. “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of” is a great song! I’m not sure how I missed it all these years (I think it was released as a single?) but glad to know it now. “Open Your Heart” was a single in the UK (not sure about the US) that I also missed. I quite like this song as well. “The Sound of the Crowd” is really fun and catchy and makes me want to go to all the 80s clubs. So much 80s fun! By the third listen I liked all the songs on this. Amazed to hear a Casio VL-1 as the sole instrument on “Get Carter”. Too cool! Great album!

I think Purgatory was just the 80's.

If you took the entire recorded output of Yes, King Crimson and ELP, added it together and multiplied it by 3, that level of pretentiousness would still be less than that of the morose, navel-gazing catalog of synth-pop bullshit contained in the 1001 Albums list. In closing, let me sing you a portion of the “Don’t You Want Me?” x 1001 Albums Generator parody song I’ve written: [synth sounds] I was bored of working at my nine to five When I met you I got online, I signed right up You told me that you Would turn me on to something new Now one year later on you've got me losing my mind Assigning albums has been so easy for you But don't forget it's me who put you where you are now And I can put you back down too? Don't Don't you want me? You know I can't believe it when I get another synth pop record Don't Don't you want me? You know I don't believe you when you say that it’s the last one You think that this is fine? You think that I don’t mind? One more OMD album and I’ll be leaving here for good this time… Don't you want me, baby? Don't you want me? Noooooo! Don't you want me, baby? Don't you want me? Noooooo!

No, I don’t want you. Never did

It’s the album that killed Lester Bangs! I’m all seriousness, it’s a genre-defining album, and it’s my favourite musical genre. A full five star-rating was never so easily given.

Beautiful

Right up my street. Catchy melodies, luscious synths, smart lyrics. The 80s in a single album.

The 3rd HL album, for some strange reason the first two albums are not universally liked but Dare is one of the best albums from the 80s, must be the perfect pop album ever.

Highly groundbreaking and influential synth pop release that helped change mainstream pop music at the time and it's easy to see why with synth sounds as warm as this.

🤘🏼

Fun album. Very 80s

Jo, det är en bra platta.

It didn't invent electronic music but for a lot of people it might as well have. And when you have Open Your Heart, Love Action and Don't You Want Me it's not surprising. What a run of singles. Pure pop in the best of all possible ways.

Super fun synths.

Used to listen to this on my Walkman at college during lunch time playing the 1942 arcade machine in the leisure centre across the road. Good times. A cracking album btw. One that’s often mimicked, but rarely bettered.

With this album, The Human League took a clear step toward a more accessible, radio friendly, and commercial sound compared to their earlier releases. I’ve always appreciated their first two albums, but I have to say, this one takes the cake for me. It’s got everything that makes synthpop so catchy and fun. Every element of this album is electronic, from the drum machine driven beats to the synth driven melodies and basslines. What I really love about 80s synthpop is its natural quirkiness, and this album has its share. When it comes to easygoing electronic synthpop from the 80s, this album is always going to be at the top of my list.

'Don't You Want Me' makes this a 5 for me!

Electronic pop. an immensely fun album that had me grooving the whole way through.

It took quite a long time for this album to click for me, but boy, when it did, it was a minor revelation for sure. Before listening to that record I thought that none of those synth pop acts form the early eighties had been able to create full-length masterpieces, contrary to the skills and flair they often displayed for singles (still hate that ABC LP from this list, for instance...). So when I first listened to *Dare* I was highly skeptical--I thought I was in for another instance of Duran-Duran-like overrated drivel. Turned out I was wrong. If you have the right amount of mellifluous earworms, it doesn't matter if your style is dated or not. This what happens in *Dare*. You won't find a single dud in this record, because there is the sort of combination that usually makes an album great, and this in any style. And the equation is this: instant catchiness + imagination + layering + dynamics. The slow songs always have something intense to them, and the livelier numbers remain classy and enticing--avoiding the sort of vulgar flourishes that often turned synth-pop hits into a cheesefest. Not that this class-act nature prevented The Human League to find memorable melodies, as I said earlier--the sort of melodies a recent act like The 1975, painfully trying to harness similar eighties aesthetics, is notoriously unable to write, for instance. Choruses and hooks are stellar in *Dare*: "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of", "The Sound Of The Crowd", and--of course--"Don't You Want Me", first come to mind here. But each and every song has its own share of wonderful moments. And the instrumental parts between those choruses are also great, with catchy arrangements that are often surprisingly subtle (see that minor chord-major chord modulation in "Darkness", for example). With this LP, The Human League also used interesting textures that still sound fresh today, against all odds. Take those "flute" sounds in "Open You Hear" or "Get Carter". As for the drums sound, it is actually quite restrained, mostly avoiding that gated reverb that pestered most pop acts during that decade. Synth basslines owe a lot to Kraftwerk of course, but The Human League also bring their own pop drive to the whole thing, making this music unmistakably theirs. Add the evocative lyrics to this recipe--drawing from eighties concerns about jobs and fame and love and money and travelling, with some empathic angles about the whole thing, yet still keeping the gently sardonic touches of The Human League's previous LPs--and what you have here is an essetial album, no doubt about that. In a way, the productive compromise that gave birth to those lyrics is the same sort of compriomise that gave birth to the music itself. Digging further into The Human League's discography, now I know that their first two full-length records, before the line-up change, had been slightly more experimental--and that records after *Dare* would be far more "commercial". But with this particular LP, you just have a perfect middle ground between those two extremities. So it's no wonder you can find it in many music anthologies and lists similar to this one. 5/5. Number of albums left to review: 443 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 260 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 132 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 168

One of my favorites! Standouts: Don't You Want Me, The Things That Dreams are Made of, The Sound of the Crowd, Love Action, Seconds, Open Your Heart, Get Carter/I Am the Law, Do or Die, Darkness and Hard Times (Bonus). Yes. It is an amazing album. Start to finish, it is absolutely perfect. This was one the first albums I ever bought. It will always be special to me. 5/5

First time I’ve ever listened to this all the way through.

10/10 one of the best New-Wave albums I’ve ever heard — endlessly creative

Was going to say very 80's but instead it's defining 80's. some may hate it but it's such a strong statement of what music was and could be at this time. 5

### **In-Depth Review of The Human League's "Dare!"** **Introduction** Released in 1981, "Dare!" by The Human League stands as a seminal work in the synth-pop genre. The album marked a significant transformation for the band, transitioning from their early experimental electronic sound to a more polished, commercially viable approach. This review delves into the intricacies of the album, examining its lyrics, music, production, themes, and overall influence, while also weighing its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** The lyrics on "Dare!" explore a range of themes, from personal relationships to broader societal observations. The album’s lead single, "Don't You Want Me," is a quintessential narrative of love and heartbreak, depicting the complexities of a deteriorating romantic relationship. The interplay between Philip Oakey’s detached vocals and Susanne Sulley’s retorts adds a dramatic tension that resonates with listeners. "Open Your Heart" and "Love Action (I Believe in Love)" further delve into the nuances of love, albeit with a more optimistic outlook. The former encourages vulnerability and emotional openness, while the latter celebrates love as a guiding principle. "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of" shifts focus, offering a list-like reflection on the desires and aspirations that drive human ambition. The lyrical simplicity in many tracks is both a strength and a limitation. While it ensures accessibility and immediate connection, it occasionally borders on superficiality, lacking the depth found in more introspective works of the time. **Music** Musically, "Dare!" is a masterclass in synth-pop. The use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers creates a futuristic yet melodically rich soundscape. The opening track, "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of," sets the tone with its infectious synth riff and driving rhythm. The minimalistic yet catchy arrangement is a hallmark of the album. "Seconds," with its dark, pulsating bassline and eerie melodies, contrasts starkly with the upbeat "Don't You Want Me," showcasing the band's versatility. The instrumental track "Get Carter," inspired by the 1971 film of the same name, provides a brief, atmospheric interlude that highlights the band's ability to evoke mood purely through instrumental composition. One of the album's musical triumphs is "The Sound of the Crowd," which blends a propulsive beat with layered synth textures and call-and-response vocals. The innovative use of technology, such as the Roland System-100 and LinnDrum, played a crucial role in crafting the album’s distinctive sound. However, the heavy reliance on electronic instruments sometimes results in a dated feel, particularly in the context of modern production standards. **Production** Produced by Martin Rushent, "Dare!" is notable for its clean, precise production. Rushent’s expertise in electronic music production is evident in the album’s meticulous arrangement and sound design. The production strikes a balance between the raw energy of early electronic music and the polish required for mainstream appeal. Rushent employed advanced studio techniques, such as extensive multitracking and the use of the then-novel Fairlight CMI, to achieve a lush, layered sound. This meticulous approach ensured that every element, from the synth lines to the percussion, was finely tuned and perfectly placed within the mix. However, the pristine production occasionally sacrifices warmth and organic feel. The album’s clinical precision, while impressive, can sometimes come across as emotionally detached. This is a common critique of electronic music from this era, where the emphasis on technical prowess occasionally overshadowed the human element. **Themes** "Dare!" encapsulates themes of love, ambition, and the human experience through a modern, urban lens. The juxtaposition of hopeful and melancholic tones reflects the complexities of navigating contemporary life. Tracks like "Love Action (I Believe in Love)" and "Open Your Heart" emphasize the importance of emotional connections, while "Seconds" and "Do or Die" hint at darker, more existential concerns. The album also touches on the theme of identity and self-realization. "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of" speaks to the universal quest for fulfillment, listing everyday desires and goals that resonate on a personal level. This blend of introspection and universality is a key factor in the album's enduring appeal. Furthermore, "Dare!" captures the zeitgeist of the early 1980s, a period marked by rapid technological advancement and cultural shifts. The use of cutting-edge electronic instruments not only defines the album’s sound but also mirrors the era’s fascination with the future and the possibilities it holds. **Influence** The influence of "Dare!" on the music industry is profound and far-reaching. As one of the defining albums of the synth-pop movement, it paved the way for numerous artists who sought to blend electronic music with pop sensibilities. Bands like Depeche Mode, Eurythmics, and Pet Shop Boys drew inspiration from The Human League's approach to songwriting and production. "Dare!" also played a pivotal role in bringing electronic music to a mainstream audience. The success of "Don't You Want Me" as a chart-topping single demonstrated the commercial viability of synth-pop, encouraging record labels to invest in similar acts. The album’s impact is evident in the continued popularity of electronic music and its integration into various genres. Moreover, the album's production techniques, particularly the use of synthesizers and drum machines, have become standard practice in modern music production. The precision and innovation demonstrated by Rushent set a benchmark for future producers, influencing the way electronic music is created and perceived. **Pros and Cons** *Pros:* 1. **Innovative Production**: Martin Rushent’s production techniques set new standards for electronic music, utilizing advanced technology to create a polished, layered sound. 2. **Catchy Melodies**: The album is filled with memorable hooks and infectious melodies that have stood the test of time, particularly in tracks like "Don't You Want Me" and "The Sound of the Crowd." 3. **Thematic Cohesion**: "Dare!" successfully captures the essence of the early 1980s, reflecting the era’s cultural and technological shifts through its lyrics and sound. 4. **Commercial Appeal**: The album’s accessible pop sensibility helped bring electronic music into the mainstream, influencing countless artists and shaping the future of the genre. 5. **Versatility**: The album showcases a range of musical styles within the synth-pop framework, from the dark, brooding tones of "Seconds" to the upbeat, danceable rhythms of "Love Action." *Cons:* 1. **Lyrical Simplicity**: While accessible, some of the lyrics lack depth and complexity, occasionally bordering on superficiality. 2. **Emotional Detachment**: The clinical precision of the production can sometimes feel emotionally detached, missing the warmth and organic feel of more traditional instrumentation. 3. **Dated Sound**: While innovative at the time, some production elements now sound dated, which may affect the album's appeal to modern listeners unfamiliar with its historical context. **Conclusion** "Dare!" by The Human League is a landmark album that played a crucial role in the evolution of synth-pop and electronic music. Its innovative production, catchy melodies, and thematic resonance capture the spirit of the early 1980s, making it a timeless piece of musical history. While it has its flaws, such as lyrical simplicity and a sometimes emotionally detached sound, its strengths far outweigh these minor drawbacks. The album's influence on the music industry is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire artists and producers to this day. In essence, "Dare!" is not just an album but a cultural artifact that encapsulates the hopes, dreams, and technological advancements of its era.

80's nostalgia. brilliant.

Loved the 80s vibe of this. Want to listen again for sure.

I have the vinyl, some 12" singles, and the cassette... This is one of those things where honestly the absolutely worst thing on the record is the big hit! Rare, but something which does occur in the wild, just not often. There are a ton of great tracks on this record, it's interesting, lyrical, dark in places, great vocals, good songwriting, fantastic drum programming... amazing that it came out in 1981. Outstanding. Easy to dismiss it as synth pop but it's so much, much, much more. I probably listened to this record hardcore for several months, and it was on regular rotation for three or four years. Many new wave records never achieved that for me... I thought this was a great record then, I think it's a great record now... and "Don't You Want Me" is a very catchy single, just not something I'm terribly interested in revisiting, it was way overplayed and there are much better tracks on this record. Even "Love Action" is a better track, and I don't think it's a particularly strong one... great bass line, incredible hooks, fun to sing along with. My favorite tracks are probably the opener "The Things Dreams Are Made Of" and "The Sound of the Crowd" though "Darkness" and "Seconds" show some real range for this band.

Great album

It took me a bit, but I'm really getting into this record. The first songs to really catch my attention were "I Am The Law" and "Seconds." Those slower tracks seem stranger to me. More weird soundscapes and bizarre little accents crafted with the synths. (There's a fantastic LCD Soundsystem cover of "Seconds" that is worth checking out!) Those strange, early-synth/electronic Kraftwerk-inspired elements are evident elsewhere in the record. But, coming to this record from 2022, it was hard for me to get into the sound which (A.) has been parodied and mimicked to death, (B.) reeks distinctly of chart-topping pop music from a decade I don't particularly care for, and (C.) sounds cheesy and dated in the same way proto-CGI work in a film always feels cheesy and dated. But, as with those film effects, such knee-jerk aversions to early technology in art are best looked past as they really have very little to do with the music. It's just the unfortunate effect of perspective. So, now that I'm into it, I'm digging it. I think the second half of the album, from the instrumental "Get Carter" through the immortal "Don't You Want Me," is seriously fantastic stuff. The front half still feels a little single-focused to me, and a bit less cohesive. But it doesn't take at all away from the album's flow. I think that kind of pro/faux-commercial wink is a very important part of the band's identity, as it was many other bands of the era from Devo to Frankie Goes to Hollywood and even some 80s Bowie. The band name as well as the album title and art—such weird stuff going on with typeface and that cropping haha—certainly supports that. Overall, it's an amazing, essential album buoyed by what is quite possibly an even more amazing backstory behind it's creation. (Seriously, has no one made a movie about this yet?) I've had a great time jamming to this today and an incredible turn around with it. I went in thinking it would be a 3. But honestly, think I'm going to give it a 5! I can't think of any good reason why I shouldn’t.

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this all that much but this synthy, new wave shit is pretty fun. "Don't You Want Me" is the big hit for a reason. What a jam. The first couple songs I kept thinking, if it weren't for Kraftwerk...

Having learned recently about the evolution of electronic music and the early prominence of this album in the synthpop movement helped me appreciate this album. It definitely has that 80s synthpop sound, but I didn't realize previously how influential this album was in creating that sound. There are some aspects of this album that sound dated now, but given the technology that they were working with and the uncharted territory that they were moving into, this is a really cool album 4/5

Well, that was really enjoyable… My wife and I are big fans of the 80’s, and are well-versed in the music of the Human League… That said, if you asked me what year these songs came out, I would have said 1983, or 1984 – or WELL after the 80’s alternative movement had begin… Was absolutely shocked to find that this album was released in 1981 – and probably WAS one of the bands that influenced that movement… I was in high-school between 1977-1981, so was very aware of the music tides and shifting landscapes during that period (i.e. sans the disco crap…). Besides U2 (“Boy” 1980 & “October” 1981), the other “early” band whose sound I think many in the 80’s are a derivative of was Joy Division – as their album “Unknown Pleasures” which came out in 1979, and the single “Love Will Tear Us Apart” in 1980 – can be heard in the DNA of ALOT of 80’s alternative music… I will now add Human League to that narrative… Their sound is very unique – for coming as early as it did (i.e. pretty sure the band ABC was a complete knock off of Human League…), and the quality of the recording is excellent… I enjoyed every track, and appreciated the diversity of the tracks on the album… The best songs IMO were - “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of” – 4-stars of 7-stars “Seconds” – 5-stars of 7-stars “Love Action” – 5-stars of 7-stars “Don’t you Want Me” – 6-stars of 7-stars Have a much greater appreciation for the band and these songs knowing how early they arrived on the scene – as they were one of the true trailblazers – as opposed to the myriad of copy-cat pop bands that tried to imitate their sound… Solid 4-stars from me for their originality, and their influence on the genre…

Seminal synth-pop record with a dark flair which recalls their previous albums or even Ultravox's. A few of them are best songs of the genre

Great flash back.

minimal, clean synth sounds, cool production but still warm to hear. Surprisingly good tunes beyond just the singles, especially 'The things that dreams are made of' and 'The Sound of the crowd' and 'Get Carter/I am the law'.

This album taught me something. There are two ways to look at 80's music. Either as "oh, THAT is very 80's" or "damn, they made some pretty good music in that era" In plainer English, music of any era is either FROM that era or more timeless, some even seems "fresh" for first time contemporary listeners no matter what the era. I felt like The Human League is very representative of that veering towards "dated by proxy" line. Most of their music would be great for an 80's themed party but kind of dated by today's standards. On the other hand they have a couple of classics that stand the test of time and overall are worth a listen to, even without the party!

Great Value Depeche Mode

2.3

Meh very 80s

So 80s 😂😂 the frontman can't sing for shit, so there's that 😂. Love Action is a good track and Don't You Want Me is a banger, but still, can't base the whole album off that. Prob worth a 2 as an album.

It's crazy how much they rip off Kraftwerk's general sound while making it sound stupid.

really quite shite. all sounds the same. like he got a casio keyboard for christmas.

Brilliant

Color me impressed. This feels like generic, run-of-the-mill 80s synthpop, but that sinister undertone that gradually becomes lighter until the hit arrives is actually quite thrilling, and reminds me heavily of the other synthpop greats. Wonderfully layered production, unique hooks, and a sense of pop music pride that it still wears on its sleeve despite the new wave boom trying its best to avoid it all still. I am thoroughly enthralled by most of this album, and consider it something quite amazing.

Pre-listening thought: YES, I’ve been excited to get this. Post-listening thought: HELL YEAH!

One of my favourite early synth pop albums

I loved this, the 80s vibes just dripped off this and it climaxes in a banger of a song, campy OTT and cheesey AF

Didn't know lcd soundsystems did a cover for seconds, I like the original version, super cool

Synth pop masterpiece. I remember seeing this on cassette when I was at the record store growing up. First time listening all the way through. This whole thing is outstanding. The motorik beat in Seconds is a highlight. I hear a Kraftwerk influence and that's a good thing. Easy 5 stars for me.

Nice!

Needs to be listened to at volume, but a great album of its time.

This album had not right to be this good. Each track is a world in it's own.

I can't resist.

So far out of my comfort zone but damn I loved this

I just love the energy of this. It's so upbeat but sounds cool at the same time. Maybe I am also in the mood for this today.

Synthtastic!

Friday night, window seat, Malt & Hops. Student soundtrack.

Incredible album. This was where Synth began. Full of hits and with a real attitude. Love this era.

Excellent synth pop record. The catchiness is unmatched here, 8makes me wanna move a little bit Makes it a very fun listen. It’s all just great. Very cool!

A totally landmark album

Oh my gosh. Banger, absolute banger!

I loved it. Totally my 80s music. Well known song . Don’t you want me

Silly 80's album like I love

This barely made it onto my favourite list, I just can't deny it's catchy as hell and great whenever it pops up on the radio

Eeeeeelsk! Mikið af plötunni er \"dálítið\" niche en ég elska þetta allt!

Part of the soundtrack for the eraly 1980s. So many great tracks on this album: "Open Your Heart", "Love Action (I Believe in Love)", and the Xmas 1981 number 1 "Don't You Want Me".

On the surface, it just seems like a fun synth-pop album that sounds like someone snorted crystallized 1980s and sat down at a keyboard. But when you see that it was released in 1981, you realize that it wasn’t a distillation of the 80s—it was the catalyst! Though some of it sounds goofy by today’s standards, there’s a lot of bravery in an album as sparse, experimental, and synth-driven as this. For most of the album, every element is very plainly heard, nothing hiding behind lush production. And of course, it ends with the anthem “Don’t You Want Me,” an unforgettable and contagiously catchy song. Though it isn’t a perfect album, the “daring” behind it and its legacy earn it a 5/5.

Love it

Perfect! Great! Love it! Standouts: Don't You Want Me, These Are the Things Dreams are Made Of, Love Action, Open Your Heart, Sound of the Crowd, I Am the Law, Doe Or Die, Darkness, Hard Times (Bonus)

Great 80’s synth bop

Amazing synths, nice rhythms, has aged well

This was really, really good.

Budget Depeche Mode

и это тоже, знаем, любим

cool

I could get down to this. 6/10

Have a soft spot for this brand of synth-pop. I know in good conscience this could be left out of a 1001 albums list, but Don't You Want Me is just perfect so this gets a 4 from me.

Deeper than I expected

Songs for my wife to be. Fabulous album full of memory.

“Chock-full of precise, memorable melodies delivered with style and humour.”

So fun

Oh how excited I was for this. Early 80s English synth-pop was my jam back in the day, and one of my favorite songs ever is "Don't You Want Me." The first couple of listens through, it seemed like too much of the same thing, and I got a little bored. Philip Oakey's monotone, so cool in each song on its own, gets a bit much over ten in a row. This is not to say that I didn't enjoy it! I did! But maybe I had my expectations too high. Maybe sometimes it's okay to love a single more than its album. I will keep listening to this one, though, until I know for sure.

Excellent, and probably light years ahead of its time. Haven’t listened to Side B yet though as I am too sleepy

Saved Prior: Love Action (I Believe In Love), Don't You Want Me Off Rip: The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, Open Your Heart, The Sound Of The Crowd, Do Or Die, I Am The Law, Seconds Cutting Edge: Darkness Overall Notes: Despite the large quantity of songs saved (all but 1 were at least on my Cutting Edge playlist) and Don't You Want Me being one of my favorite songs of all time, this album was simply above average. It's good and most of the songs have multiple good elements to them, but they rarely come together to form a truly transcendently great song (Don't You Want Me being the only exception good lord is that song good). I liked it better than the Eurythmics album for sure, but nothing close to Depeche Mode. Lots of good songs, a couple very good songs, one incredible one.

Das good shit. Funky, part disco, poppy, just a classic and more

really fun!