Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Phil Oakey's voice is a bit flat throughout. The sound is a bit samey. But it is still likeable to an oldie like me Youngsters may not be so charitable.
BL: I love the human league. I have very happy memories of me and my dad listening to “keep feeling fascination” when I was younger, and I was inspired by the vocals in the hook. That being said, I have never really delved into the human league besides that track, “don’t you want me”, and “together in electric dreams”. So it’ll be interesting to hear a full LP from them. AL: this album clearly blew the top off of the new wave movement at the time. There were some fascinating production choices and it was overall an incredibly enjoyable listen. Today it doesn’t quite hold up as the monolith it may have been upon release, but that’s not to say there definitely isn’t replay value here and it will definitely be something where I will come back to certain tracks, and I think it’ll grow on me over time. FT: “Do or Die”, “Seconds”, “Don’t You Want Me” 3/5
We all know this is a good album. There was some boring songs midway through the album, but come on - Don't You Want Me Baby is an all time classic.
Simple 80s synthwave with 'Don't You Want Me' being the most iconic song from the album. I don't think many of the songs are memorable outside of that one, which I have heard many times over the years and always enjoy.
Jaren '80 pop uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk. Mannen met eyeliner. Dit hebben we op deze lijst al een paar keer eerder gehoord en dit gaan we nog wel een keer horen. Ik leg me daar bij neer, zonder weer een monoloog af te steken of dit wel of niet essentieel is om te horen voordat je een tuintje op je buik krijgt. Dit album is weer ontzettend '80's, maar tegelijkertijd is het verder op geen enkele manier aanstootgevend. De zanger verveelt zich minder dan normaal bij dit soort muziek. Het is zelfs een beetje catchy en de chiptune-achtige geluiden waardoor je je af en toe in Hyrule of op de straten van Double Dragon waant zijn ook wel weer grappig. De lengte van 40 minuten is perfect te doorstaan en de grote hit hebben ze helemaal aan het einde gepropt, wat ik vaak wel kan waarderen. Niet mijn muziek, niet mijn decennium, maar dit is een keurige 3 ondanks dat ik dit op maandag luister. Binnen z'n genre zelfs wel een 4.
A synth pop classic. Glad to revisit this one.
From my youth, had this album and in the UK that year Human League were Huge! Some has past the test of time some hasn't. 3 out of 5
It's not great art, but it's about as good of a new wave synth pop record as the genre permits. Pure synth with a smash hit at the end - that's how you do it.
Pretty good synth pop, but I can’t help feeling that this album is mostly here because of its smash hit closing track. It really takes something unique within this genre to blow me away - and The Human League don’t quite deliver that.
Don’t you want me saved this crap album from being. 1
Went back and forth on 2 or 3 for this one. On one hand, it's historically relevant. On the other, it's just boring. Other than one or two tracks, this album was a bit of a slog. We'll call it 2.5/5
I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to this again, though its' importance can't be understated. Especially with Don't You Want Me's featured spot on MTV as it was just beginning to feature videos, Dare! had a wide ranging impact on music and culture in the 80's. 2.5/5
Ressemble à Depeche Mode.
Un album dont le son est très daté, mais assumé et cohérent, ce qui en fait une écoute fort agréable malgré quelques petits embellissements 80s de trop
Usually a band like this would put the hit first. Ballsy leaving it for the end of the record.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
2.25
Fun album. The famous track is the last one (Don't You Want Me Baby), but all the songs had the same fell, and I half-expected them to bust into that lyric at any moment. Interesting that this is the only track that has female vocals (and they're not bad!); all the others have just the guy singing. I could imagine this one growing to a 4 after some more listens.
Yeah, not really. One great single and a bunch of other songs that feel like send-ups of songs from this time period. Just not great. Except that one song thats excellent.
I have a soft spot for 80s synth bands, but beyond the 1 single everyone knows, this largely made me grateful we no longer live in an era of spending a ton of money on an album where you only like 1 song.
New Romantic classic
Well that was a trip down memory lane - and nowhere near as bad as I remember it!
Often wonder what they would have produced had they stayed on the Being Boiled/Empire State Human track, but nevertheless, this was thoroughly enjoyable
I love 80s synth pop. I can't even totally explain why. It just hits my ear the right way. It also heavily influenced bands that I love like Future Islands or Nation of Language. I wouldn't say this is a perfect record, though. The album starts out a bit slow for me, but it does continue to build to that incredible finish. Overall its very good, and I'll be adding this to my listening collection.
More of the same canned synth-pop rom the early '80s brings the same melodies and danceable beats as every other canned synth-pop artist. The tracks are, as usual, upbeat that capture the 80's electronic vibe. Terribly repetitive, lacking depth to keep engaged throughout. Overall, I tolerated it, even if it doesn't hit many marks.
Jeg har alle dage syntes at Human League er Bilka Talking Heads. Catchy nok album, bliver trukket under middel fordi den er så uessentiel selvom der er et par bangers (2)
Super catchy plade! Don't You Want Me kæmpe banger!
Kæft det er flabet at smide bedste og eneste gode sang i slutningen.. Øv. Synes at man kunne høre ret direkte inspiration til James Murphy på den her plade?
слишком примитивно
синт поп да, норм. Отдает краут роком с этой репетативностью барабанов. В целом, приемлемо Алкоальбом: шот за шотом чето-то сладкого. Может настойка апельсиновая с сахаром
it's ok, not really into synth pop. their songs sound kind of quirky and repetitive.
Totally 80's. 3.25
interesting synth pop sound, definitely a historic place in the development of this genre.
„Don‘r You Want Me“, genialer 80er Wave. Aber nicht alles auf dem Album. „Do or Die“ ist ein Geheimtipp, „I am In Law“ klingt wie Depeche Mode im „Memento Mori“, „Seconds“ und „Darkness“ sind typischer Human League Sound. Aber leider sind auch manche Songs etwas eintönig. Trotzdem komme ich wieder auf „Dare“ zurück.
First time I’ve ever listened to this all the way through.
Pretty nice
He leído muchos comentarios negativos con respecto a este disco, pero en Chile (más específicamente en Santiago), hay una disco que se llama "Blondie", y este disco completo está en circulación casi todas las noches. Es un clásico y escucharlo me llena de ganas de ir a bailar toda la noche al ritmo de estos sonidos "vintage". No sé si indispensable, pero definitivamente entretenido.
I stopped caring about 3 songs in
I’m not a huge techno fan—too much repetition for mes but several songs were good and Don’t You Want Me is very good so it’s a high 3 for me.
The Things That Dreams Are Made Off - 2/5 Open Your Heart - 2.5/5 The Sound of The Crowd - 2.5/5 Darkness - 3/5 Do or Die - 3/5 I Am The Law - 0/5 Seconds - 3.5/5 Love Action - 3/5 Don't You (Want Me Baby) - 4/5 Overall - 2/5
Way better than I expected for synth pop.
Interesting that the two best tracks, imo, are the last 2. So many albums open with their best but this album starts off mediocre at best and picks up with Love Action and takes off with Don't You Want Me.
Ok, so I may have become a little more amenable to synth pop in recent years, but this still doesn't quite land for me. Definitely prefer the Heaven 17 offshoot of this sound. This album might just be a victim of its own success? It created such an iconic sound that it spawned a bunch of soundalike rubbish? I dunno. Listening to it at a decent volume and there were some flourishes in most of the songs that I actively liked, but they're embedded in a sound overall that doesn't work for me. I guess I'd go 3.5 on this, if that were possible. Fave tracks - "The Thing That Dreams Are Made Of" was a good opener, and "Do Or Die" and "Seconds" both caught my attention. "Don't You Want Me" is fun in a karaoke room, but I've heard it too many times to dig hearing the album version again...
One hit wonder.
New wave, synth-pop, Son los de Don't You Want Me. Bien, está bien. 3. 80's
great album
Now we're talking! This was great. Very unusual decision to leave the big hit til last, but it kind of paid off, because I was very in the zone for it by the time it arrived. I will say this for The Human League. At their best, they remind me a little of some of the Pet Shop Boys less good songs.
Stop letting the British make music
It's SO FUCKING GOOD I LOVE PROG-ROCK. kinda repetitive tho. strong 8/10.
Don't You Want Me is the only great song on here; the rest is fairly run of the mill 80s synth pop
Jo, det är en bra platta.
As 80s as it gets. Nothing I’m crazy about though.
I dare you to listen to the first 9 tracks and remember any of them. I do not love you baby.
Kinda sitting around 3.5 on this one. It's pretty classic synth pop. The transition from I Am the Law to Seconds is pretty sweet... Don't You Want Me is also a classic, and I dig the upbeat music coupled to the somewhat dark lyrics. I did 3 for Duran Duran... a 2 for Pet Shop Boys... a 3 on one of the Depeche Mode albums, 4 on the other... II like the vocals and colder minimal synth vibe going on more. It seems more Kraftwerk-inspired new wave synth pop... Great synth sounds! So I'm doing a 3.5+ on this one.
i'm struggling to think of a reason why i consider this much worse than something like age of consent which released 2 years later and im realizing there is no single reason. new order was just a band with better ear for melody, better lyrics, better singing (impressive to have worse vocals than fucking bernard sumner), better use of a repetitive synth motif (im looking at you bizarre love triangle), better understanding of song dynamics. human league was a bold band and the mixing of the synths is interesting. whereas the cars used them to fill space, human league songs have no space that isnt synth aside from oakleys vocals. they are loud to a fault and the songs often have no layers to them whatsoever. someone on RYM wrote this feels like an album you have to been there for when it released and i totally agree. whereas that criticism will be thrown at a band like the beatles, the difference really is just that the beatles genuinely hold up melodically as well as from songwriting and production standpoints (at minimum for pop rock). Dare's most admirable quality is probably just how aggressive sounding and mixed the synths are, you can absolutely hear how someone like john maus heard this album and then did what he did. honestly Dare reminds me a lot of 808's & Heartbreaks, another album that has aged horrendously in the face of modern music production but was incredibly, obviously influential. i truly Dare anyone to name one thing this album does better than other classics in its own genre. synth-led albums that came out within 3 years after this are so signficantly more enjoyable (OMD, New Order, Depeche Mode, even Duran Duran had better singles) and synthpop classics are still being made today such as Little Dark Age Seconds was far and away my favorite song here, it has a very dramatic and nostalgic melody from both the synth and Oakley's voice and it contains the only notable lyrics on the album about the assassination of JFK. these are a lot of negative words for an album that's not downright horrible, especially one that is a staple of the genre. it's just that in the face of what immediate succeeded this album, im struggling to rate this positively. it's not human leagues fault necessarily, most bands are not transcendent enough to both innovate entire genres and create the greatest albums ever, and Dare totally deserves to be on a list such as 1001.
### **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.
Fun completely midi/electronic album. Was not too keen on it for the first half, but I did enjoy the second a lot more. When I heard the final song it all clicked, because I never knew who sang it, but it’s a great one. Standouts: The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, Do Or Die, Seconds, Love Action, and Don’t You Want Me.
80’s music has always been a blind spot for me, which means I’ve based my opinion of it on a very small sample size and decided based on that limited exposure that 80’s music was generally bad and that I didn’t like it. This project has helped challenge and change that perception. This album has done the most work that any one album has to do so. This is peak 80’s music. I don’t necessarily mean that it’s the best the decade had to offer. Rather, that this is the peak 80’s sound. The synths. The echo. The singer’s voice. The subject matter. All of it is what I imagine when I think of 80’s music. But what did I think of it? It was good. Not just for what it was or who it was for, but in general. This is really well-constructed music, layered and even nuanced at times. Really catchy hooks that maybe wouldn’t have been as catchy or played as well if not coming from a synth. This isn’t going to get 5 stars; it wasn’t mind blowing or a masterpiece. But I do think it was good that it’s included here and I do feel like this was a good representation of its genre and era. That, and it was just well written and constructed. I’m surprised to be saying this, but 4 stars. Standout tracks: The Things that Dreams Are Made Of, The Sound of the Crowd, Darkness, Seconds, Love Action (I Believe in Love), Don’t You Want Me
So far out of my comfort zone but damn I loved this
Great album but not all songs are bangers
Not bad, not terrible.
Eeeeeelsk! Mikið af plötunni er \"dálítið\" niche en ég elska þetta allt!
It has that one song “Don’t You Want Me,” but not much else. The first few songs have some fun instrumental choices, but this really is a one hit wonder on a very long list.
Great early synth pop band and that final track is a bop and a half.
A fun synth pop album that swells to their mega hit
80s bullshit. Don't You Want Me is a banger though, and could have brought the album to a 2 if not for that awful album cover
A couple good tracks
Very ‘80s. Some work for me and others don’t. This doesn’t
Simultaneously peppy and depressing. Is “emo-synth pop” a thing? I do admire the variety of styles the 80s presented.
Bold move putting the two best songs last on the album. Mostly arcade noises and simple lyrics. This album is an oversimplification of what the early 80s were. A 3 is generous.
Ok, but forgettable.
non mi è piaciuto... non sono riuscita ad ascoltarlo tutto
Very much a product of its time. Did get kind of into it though.
Thoughts before listening: I know this is 80s new wave and I recognize the cover so I'd assume there will be a hit or two that I'll recognize. Review: Well, this certainly sounds like the 80s. Synths and drum machines and beeps and bops dominate. This just isn't my style of music but it's a fine album. \"Don't You Want Me\" is an all time banger. 3-stars.
Meh not my thing
Boring.
Clever putting that one song at the end.
Megahitillä on paikkansa, mutta muutoin vähän löysä levy. Mielestäni yhtyeellä on parempiakin levyjä. 2/5
Tää vaatii sellaista pilke silmäkulmassa kuuntelua. Tykkään kyllä, muttei nyt ehkä ihan nelonen. 3/5
Megahitin ympärillä aika keskinkertaista synapoppia. 2/5
This one grew on me as I progressed through the album. There are some musically interesting bits, all of them sequenced before the most famous track on the album. I feel like I will revisit this one!
A nice slice of new wave. This is pretty much exactly what I want from the genre.
Peak 80s, undoubtedly a fine example of that synth pop sound and the hits are massive but a whole album of this stuff is, for modern ears, a bit much.
This is a good album. Look I don't know what you want me to say about it. Ohh fascinating use of I don't know, whatever. who gives a shit.
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.
so gosh darn 80s the synth is reallllly working in this album
Very 80s. I like
Now that is the sound of a specific point in time right there. All in all, not a bad album.
Don’t You Want Me is catchy, but it’s also cheesy and borderline annoying - and it’s the best song on the album.
"It's wild how this album is on the list. Outside of ""Don't You Want Me"", the rest of this album doesn't stand out at all. More proof the British bias of this list only continues to negate this list's claim of needing to hear these albums before you die. "
That was a thoroughly enjoyable album! As a big fan of synth-pop, I loved the experimentation audible here. However, I think I’ll stick just listening to ‘Don’t You Want Me’ on further listens. 9/10
Sweet early synth pop!
Boring, trite 80's synth-pop but finished off by a worldie song in "Don't You Want Me" that is as catchy an earworm one can find.
Everyone knows Don't You Want Me but I had never heard of the group or the album before. Overall a solid but unremarkable 80's pop album. They remind me of a slightly worse Depeche Mode.
2/5. LCD Soundsystem’s shout out gets this 2 stars. This isn’t that great minus the last song.
Not my fav but it had its moments …
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…
This is a one hit thing. I was interested due to the name check by LCD soundsystem. But meh.
I thought I’d hate this but I ended up really enjoying it, there’s some nice groovy songs on there and it’s not just throwaway 80s synth pop. The last song is obviously a monolith of 80s music but the rest reminded me of Kraftwerk at times. A pleasant surprise.
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!
Ok so each song on this album tiptoes the line between pretty good and downright irritating. For me I think that comes from the vocals mostly, but sometimes the synths can get on my nerves too - which for a synth pop album is a bit worrying. It has some fun moments though and I can't say I didn't enjoy a bit of it. Fav songs: - The Things That Dreams Are Made Of - Seconds - Don't You Want Me
Typical 80s synth pop ... none of it has aged well.
It's been a long time but I'm pretty sure my younger sister had this album when we were kids. Don't remember being a fan then and that did not change with my listens. You still here Don't You Want Me on today's radio, but not much of a fan. It's kind of a creepy song to be honest. Just let it go, man. Yea, this album didn't do much for me. A little annoying at times, but nothing outright terrible. 2
3 I really thought that The Human League were one-hit wonders, but I guess this album was a pretty big commercial and critical success. It’s also credited as having helped define the synth-pop sound of the 80s, though I feel like I’ve seen that said about multiple albums on this list. I don’t know how many albums one can realistically give credit to for having done so, so maybe it’s fair to say they all had a part in it, but I couldn’t tell you what this one does any better or worse than the others. For the most part, it’s just as mid and mostly inferior to a lot of the music it allegedly inspired later in the decade. This album does start pretty strongly though with the opening track The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, which has a catchy beat to it that I found myself vibing with and great lyrics to match. Well, maybe not great lyrics, but “Meet a girl on a boat” and “Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee, good times” were both things that spoke to me on a personal level. So, I thought I was in for a bit of a surprise treat ahead, but man, does this thing just kind of devolve into the same kind of thing over and over again, to the point where you’re not sure if it’s getting worse or if you’re just growing bored, but either way, the sound of the synth is slowly driving you to commit atrocities. Fortunately, it ends on a high note with Don’t You Want Me Baby, a welcome (albeit awkwardly-placed) closer to the album. It’s not a song I would consider amazing by any means, but it’s at least pretty good - maybe it’s for the best it’s what the group is mostly remembered for these days. Outside of the two tracks that bookend this thing, the only song I really kind of dug was Seconds, and the rest I found to be kind of annoying. Still, it’s well-paced enough and provided enough of a sense of enjoyability that I’ll shoot for the higher end of average here, but not by much. Interesting tidbit from Wikipedia: In a bit of foresight, the group intentionally used extreme close-ups of their faces on the cover and within the gatefold knowing that the style of their hair and outfits would likely make the album appear dated years down the line. It’s kind of ironic given that everything else about this feels incredibly dated, but I appreciate their attempt. Decent album, but timeless music this is not.
quando è finito l'album, ho lasciato che l'algoritmo di spotifiy procedesse avanti: sono arrivati in rapida successione Kraftwerk, Soft Cell, Gary Numan... una perfetta foto dell'epoca e del genere. A volte geniale a volte noioso; a volte innovativo a volte autoreferenziale; sicuramente qualcosa che - in positivo o in negativo - rimarrà nei tempi.
If you like synth pop and can ignore the tenuous vocals, then this is the album for you. Thin, tinny, grating, and repetitive. Minus a bonus star for the bad boyfriend vibes on the only track people remember from this album. Human League has done better work.
I was never a waitress at a cocktail bar idk what you're talking about
I can see this album as an early blueprint for synth-pop that paved the way for much better bands and albums further down the road. In itself, while there are some good parts in the songwriting, it's really not great. The biggest downer is that the main vocalist simply isn't good.
One good song.
7.5/10
Barely beating the "one hit wonder" allegations, this is the closest any artist on here has come to the title. I think they were a consistently big deal in Europe, but over in the states it's Human and Don't You Want Me. I generally don't like synthpop, so by extension I don't care for this album. It's not awful per se, and I've definitely heard worse, but I can't say I'll come back to anything that isn't Don't You Want Me.
I might Dare to listen to this again sometime, but would have to be in the mood to spend the Seconds again.
Interesting that their most famous and best song was last on the album. I am not a big fan of bands that only play synthesizers and no real instruments.
It the 80’s so classic. Anyone who doesn’t give it a decent score is disrespecting the decade.
Another day, another totally meh pop album. This just was not even remotely good or special enough to be on this list but for some moronic reason it is. Everything is plastic and fake sounding. They also try to stick in some songs like "Do or Die" and "Seconds" I'm assuming in an attempt to sound serious but I simply cannot do that after listening to the first couple tracks and the ridiculous cover image. Yes, "Don't You Want Me" is a classic, but that cannot save the album. The only reason this isn't a 1 star is because his voice doesn't make me want to kill myself so they've got that going for them I guess.
early 80's heavy on the synthesizer music, lot of the songs sound the same
Obviously can’t go lower than a 4 for the album with Don’t You Want Me. Also really liked seconds. Is it dated? Absolutely. But it’s also very fun.
Average 80s music. Not sure why this is on here.
This is the epitome of early ‘80s synth new wave music. It was fun at the time but just hasn’t aged well. It feels a bit old and soulless now. Belongs in a time capsule, not on the list
This is so 80s I can’t handle it or take it seriously which isn’t really their fault but it doesn’t make me a bigger fan of it.
Incredible album. This was where Synth began. Full of hits and with a real attitude. Love this era.
Tecno pop bailable. Una gran canción y el resto pasable
Oof. I got so tired with this album when it came out. I can't eek out another listen. You might like it if you're not familiar with it. Enjoy!
First listen: this is just a bunch of random 80s crap with a great one-hit wonder at the very end. Second listen: I like 80s stuff, I’ll let this play through again while I work. Third listen: maybe there’s more than meets the eye here? Is it DARING? Fourth listen: nah, it was fine and listenable. But it’s nothing special. Fifth listen: no thanks, I’m going to put on some 80s Bowie now instead.
Fun, energetic, and still not something I want to listen to for 40 minutes
You’d better change it back or we will both!! be! sorry!!!
Sounds like it was written and recorded in an alley
Couldnt finish
There is some good stuff here, notably "The Sound of the Crowd" and "Don't You Want Me." Somehow I didn't get tired of the vocals. I might give this a second listen some time.
Better than I remembered. Love Action is a classic
This sounds like the first time synthesisers and electronic music really sounded polished and shiny and pop-tastic. More songs I remember and they are pretty good too. Pivotal and fun.
short but sweet . i guess
Great last song. Solid album.
Don’t you want me is a banger, and i liked the things the dreams were made of, but not much else.
This synthesizer sound is just the representation of 80s era
Super 80s. I shall have to listen more.
Pop, 1981 -> 3
OK - there ist the hit-single "Don´t You Want Me". But overall it´s not my thing.
Great Value Depeche Mode
Why is this album even on this list?
I found the lyrics to be pretty cheesy. I respect the artistry, but otherwise this wasn't for me.
Dont you want be banger, aprés le reste ça sort du style je suis moins fan
as a rule I hate 80's synth music, this album did nothing to change my mind
Not too bad. Not great.
Some of the most boring uses of electronic keyboards ever on these songs. Key factor as to why a lot of early '80s songs are a miss for me.
I kinda enjoyed it more that I thought I would. This genre is one that gets old after a while for me, but it was a decent album. Who doesn't know that last track?
Was thinking "boy, they sound familiar" but chalked it up to sounding basically like every other 80s synth band. Then "Don't You Want Me " came on and bingo. Still, it's a style of music that has not aged well. Tears for Fears and Depeche mode are likely the only exceptions.
A lot of 80s synth-pop music is droning and repetitive, but this is not and has enough variety to keep it interesting.
A totally landmark album
Love Action is an old favorite and Don’t You Want Me was an anthem when it came out. Everybody can sing that one by heart. A lot of this album is dated by today’s standards. Darkness is still surprisingly good. Do or Die could do with a little update, but there’s something good there. Seconds is still relevant. The album gets much better in the second half. This band had some really fun tracks.
Ok, I'd give it a 2.5 but since I can't I'll give it a 3
I loved it. Totally my 80s music. Well known song . Don’t you want me
don’t you want me baby
Bastions of 80s synth pop. Some of these songs are deceptively simlple but true classics. Started and ended with dynamism - flagged a bit in the middle. I’m still humming Open Your Heart. It’s probably a 3.5 but it’s a real nostalgia hit.
While there were legends built on great music in the '80s, there are as many things to poke fun at. For me, this band is an amalgam of everything I didn't like from the era. The keyboard sounds are deliberately Casio Atari, the drum sounds are simply awful, dude's voice ... ugh, and the songs themselves sound to me like a 7th grader's diary. I was baffled that people liked this when it was being released, and it certainly hasn't aged well.
some cool things going on here, even though each song was pretty sparse. it's not really my jam, but I liked it more than i thought i would. it was interesting reading about Don't You Want Me. The lead singer hated it (which is why he relegated it to the last track), and he didn't want it released as a single. Funny how artists often don't understand their own work.
Full of underproduced, whiny songs but anchored by the massive hit Don't You Want Me. I had more fun learning about the groups history on wikipedia then I did actually listening to their music. This album was certainly influential but if I'm rating it based on my actual tastes and enjoyment I had with the album, I give it a 2/5
Not a fan.
This is a nice album! I love Phillip Oakley’s voice on songs like “The Sound of The Crowd” and “Open Your Heart”. The instrumentation is sparse but fluid. Everything flows like a stream. 4.5/5 Fav: “The Sound of The Crowd” Least Fav: “Get Carter”
It's got that one song!
I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar, true. But even then I knew I'd find a much better listen that doesn't sound like poo. I kept thinking about Kraftwerk, which it seems this album attempts to be like. But then, it ruins it with emotion and vocals. Dude, the whole point of Kraftwerk is progression. By doing this, you've effectively put a stake in the ground and declared, "We're not moving on. We'll be right here." While your chorus is saying "Don't you want me?" The rest of the world is saying a resounding 'No."
A 25-year-old pop star sees your 17-year-old daughter dancing at a club and immediately asks her and her friend to join him on tour as a dancer and back up singer, even though they have no singing or professional dancing experience. Do you let her go? If you said yes, you might have a lot in common with the parents of Joanne Catherall and Susanne Sulley. And their school, which let them go because the European tour would be a good educational experience. Joanne wound up in a romantic relationship with that 25-year-old pop star, Philip Oakey of Human League. The renewed Human League, now 50% underage girls, put out “Dare!” Unfortunately, no amount of teenage backup singing makes up for Oakey’s voice, which is everything I dislike about early 80s British synth-pop. Along with the surprisingly boring tracks, “Dare!” goes nowhere until the very end. “Don’t You Want Me” actually holds up really well, as long as you enjoy the poppy hook and don’t think about it too hard. Don’t think about how it became a duet after the success of “A Star is Born.” Don’t think about Oakey’s much younger duet partner, or that he got the idea for the lyrics from a teen girl magazine. And definitely don’t think about those lyrics about how he plucked her from obscurity and is now manipulating her to stay.
Positive: The album has a consistent upward trajectory. Negative: the first half is an 80s music parody. Just cheesy sounding. It has not aged well.
No me gusta. Antiguo. Mucho sintetizador. No. Conozco las canciones de peliculas como mannequen
Good synthpop
Awesome new wave album. The techno-synth beats aren’t too in your face. I can see why this album was a defining feature of the genre.
Tidslomme, men lidt for meget tidslomme.
Couldn’t do it…skipped til I found their one hit from 1981.
His voice annoyed me. Had the one classic song and the rest were mid.
I’ve been really into the 80’s lately so I really enjoyed this!
Nice!
The Things That Dreams Are Made Of: 3/5 Open Your Heart: 3/5 The Sound Of The Crowd: 3/5 Darkness: 4/5 Do Or Die: 4/5 Get Carter: 4/5 I Am The Law: 3/5 Seconds: 3/5 Love Action: 4/5 Don't You Want Me: 4/5 Avg.: 3.5
Most 80s album you’ll ever listen to.
Much better than I thought
Each track had a delightfully cringy sound that permeated. I loved it
An extra star for the excellent final track, otherwise I feel this is an album that has not aged particularly well.
There’s no mistaking the decade that produced this album. I used to say I hated 80’s music, which was a really bad take in hindsight. Plenty of music from the 80s was way ahead of its time and sounds fresh even today. DARE is an album I’ve had on my periphery for some time and I’m glad this generator had me listen to it. It’s super synthy, pretty weird, darker than expected, and totally great. Darkness and the hit single Don’t You Want Me are the highlights for me.
I was greatly amused to find out that their number one hit was the last song on the album. Nice album to make pancakes on a Sunday morning to
2.5 for me. Don't you want me is a great tune but the rest is exactly the kind of 80s sound I don't like
Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe middling and repetitive
There's maybe 1 song on the album that warrants the album being on the list. The remaining 9 songs are cheesy 80s synth slop.
Non Plussed
I appreciate the art/pop-rock that Dare! inspired many later artists, including of the 2000s, to jump in and try. The bouncy synths that are present in possibly every song here feel like they are driving the songs. Stand-outs: Open Your Heart, The Sound of the Crowd, Love Action (I Believe In Love), Don't You Want Me
3/5 interestingish
my 6 year old sister could write better lyrics
It's definitely the start of many things, and very much the 80s. The last track is a banger.
I always liked the look of the New Romantics - the heavy mascara, eye-shadow, blusher and lipstick. However, I rarely liked they music. Time to turn the dial back 40 years and listen again. The Things... - Thought I was listening to Kraftwerk?! 🤔😅 Open Your Heart - repetitive, monotone electronicse The Sound of The Crowd - bit better Darkness - listenable background track Do or Die - decent dance track. Best of album so far I am the Law - experimental crap Seconds - bit like Do or Die Love Action - decent track. Don't You Want Me - liked the video A 2 star for the lipstick💄💋😎
1. the thingz - 0 2. open your heart - 0 3. the zound of the crouud - 1 4. darknezz - 1 5. do or die - 0 6. get carter - 0 7. i am the lauu - 0 8. zecondz - 1 9. love action - 0 10. dont you uuant me - 1.5
Don't You Want Me is one of the all time classic 80s songs and synth pop songs, I quite like the rest as well. But we know why we're here.
Fun little album. Another where I wish I could hear it with 80's ears to understand how cool and novel the synth was.
So fun!
Didn't love it .will.revisit
Oh my gosh. Banger, absolute banger!
Pop un tanto electrónico de principios de los 80. Algún tema reseñable. Discos que a estas alturas, suenan un poco viejos
One good song
Tepid synth pop. Another album that's guilty of having one decent song but the rest doesn't hold up.
Well - here's a bleep from the past. The Human League did things their own way, throwing away the guitars for some cutting edge 80s synths. New toys however can't hide bad songwriting, and this seems like the scrawlings of a schoolkid in detention. The sounds are thin and bare.
The first two tracks absolutely slap and obviously Don’t You Want Me is a stone cold classic. Unfortunately the songs in between are a bit mid The one exception is the surprisingly dark I Am The Law, which sticks out quite a bit but is a very good song in itself. Just a bit of a shame the rest of the album can’t quite keep the highs of its bookends
It's weird that that this album came out three years before Eddie Murphys album and sounds like the copy. And I think someone was playing Mega Man 2 when they were in the recording studio, which is also weird because that hadn't been developed yet. ALSO weird that the singer sounds like a Dollar General version of David Bowie. But the album isn't too bad except that one song where they forgot they were making a pop album and reverted back to that experimental sound, which the Grateful Dead did four times better a decade earlier.
Ok 80s pop with 1 great song
I kind of liked this album. A lot of these ‘80s synth pop albums are just very one note. “Don’t You Want Me” is one of the greatest songs of this genre though. 3/5 Might listen again
Track 1: sounds like a fun 80’s song Track 2: I like the synth and the robotic drums Track 3: I like the weird synth lead thing it sounds fun. Track 4: I like the bass in this one. And the chorus synth part is fun I like the pop of the chords. Track 5: This one is fun I like the instrumental part in the middle. Track 6: decent song Track 7: kinda slow not my favorite. Track 8: I like the transition into this. Also all the weird noises that come and go. Track 9: decent song again. Track 10: I like the pace of this one. I also like the chords that come in and out that are staccato. Once the chorus hit I knew the song. Overall: 6.9/10 I liked the different sounds throughout the album and there were a few good songs on this but a lot of this album sounds like each other.
I don’t know what to say about this one. Enjoyable. Of its time - or it helped define its time.
I went to see The Human League in the 2000s but I don't think I'd listened to this album. Pioneering stuff, and now I know Kraftwerk better you can trace the influence. I don't think Phil Oakey would claim to be the greatest singer ever, and some of the lyrics are a bit creaky, but a really enjoyable, cohesive album otherwise.
Do not enjoy this
If you made a playlist of New Wave songs from the 80's, Don't You Want Me would be on that list. The rest of the album may not have the recognition of that one song, but in general it is about as '80s New Wave as you can get. From a listenability perspective, it has held up over time. It's not awsome but it's not cringe either. If it came up on the radio, I wouldn't change the station. But I don't think this is what I would pull up if I was in the mood for New Wave. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
HOLY 80's NEW WAVE Batman. This Album COMMITTED to one sound and rode it al the way through. It's fun in small doses, but a whole album is a bit much.
I got all excited when the super-80s pop synth sounds started (which I love so much) and then the singing started - oof. This album is outrageously bad. Don’t You Want Me is a banger though, they somehow struck gold at the very end of this… whatever this is…which rescues this from being a 1. Listens: 1.5 Fave Track: Don’t You Want Me Rating: 2
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".
It's the blueprint for 80s synth. All stems from this. It still has filler but Oakley's voice is iconic
It’s indeed new wave… but not much more to say about it than that. 5/10
Pretty good electro-dance synth-pop album. Sure it is of a particular time and sounds dated but the songs are of pretty high quality...and not just don't you want me. There's a lot of good quality songs here. And I like the playlist that Roon created after the last song...some really fine memories. 3.5 stars
Possessive boyfriend issues is the theme of this album seemingly. Hard to tell if it's validating these feelings or poking fun at them. Maybe both. Maybe that's brilliant and a good way to hedge your bets, provoke the thought and don't push the issue hard, just a gentle nudge to cut that shit out. Either way, the music is solid, even if it's been played out.
Synthie-Pop. Ganz nett. Bischen kalt vielleicht. Würde ich mir nicht noch einmal anhören.
More annoyed about some reviews on here than anything else. People talking about Casio keyboards and one hit wonders are display their ignorance about music history. You forget how massive this album was. Love it. Want to give it a 4.5
Enjoyable. Love Action is the standout for me
Not bad but a bit repetitive. Not bad but a bit repetitive. Not bad but a bit repetitive. Not bad but a bit repetitive. Not bad but a bit repetitive. 3 stars.
Yeessss some New Wave... Don't You Want Me is still a banger.
- you. you were working. you were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar. - WORKING AS A WAITRESS. IN A COCKTAIL BAAAAR
Decent
Decent songs, but too 80s for me.
3,5
Classic
Not the biggest fan of synth-pop, but I don't mind this. I wish there was a little more of the female singer and less of the guy. 3 stars.
Doesn't do it for me.
The best song is saved for last. The rest is meh. I don't care that much for Philip Oakey's singing.
Too much synth for me.
I Dare! you to listen to this album ... ... because it's boring :( 0/5 if it were possible
Decent album. Probably ahead of ita time when it came out but feels very conventional new wave. Did not age as well as some other artists of the era
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.
Didn't expect it to be as listenable as it was
Ive always loved 'don't you want me' but somehow never listened to the rest of this album. It doesn't reach quite the level of earnest anthemic belt-outable pure pop genius of that hit, but is a demonstration of the possibilities of synths for making era defining sounds. Bright and light instrumental tone combined with a dark moody vocal, robotic rhythms and human heartache. 'Seconds' does all that perfectly with a deeply affecting minor key Electro Joy Division dirge. Generally though it's more towards the pop new wave side of the spectrum, it still retains a lot of the energy of talking heads style post punk. Favorites: seconds, dont you want me, sound of crowd, darkness, love action
Not too shabby. The last 2 songs were the best ones. I like the synth sound.
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)
It is definitely an 80s album with all of the synthesizers. I knew several of the songs. I would listen to some of the songs again but the entire album. I will round up.
Ensimmäinen biisi nujertaa kaiken toivon, vai nujertaako? Siinä kysymys jota joutuu miettimään koko albumin. Pienten transition kappaleiden sävyttämänä tämän voi nähdä todella vahvana esitksenä synth popista, enkä syytä ketään joka on erehtynyt ja päätynyt neljään ja viiteen tähteen arvioissaan. Kuitenkin ensimmäisen kappeleen sanat ovat anteeksiantamattomia ei ironisesti ja jokaisella ironia-tasolla, paitsi neljännellä tasolla. En aina osaa käsittää neljättä tasoa ja ajatukseni harhailevat sen laitamilla ja lähellä noita laitamia. Laidunmaani objektiamaa vastaa hätäsoittoihin. Näet yksinumeroisen vastauksen liitteenä. Ammuu! Ammuuu! Muuuh! Meuh! Mooo! Moo! 4th person perspective expanded through time helps us understand the choices we make.
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.
Favorite Tracks: Don’t You Want Me The Sound of the Crowd
It was okay. There were a couple of decent songs outside the single, but the single became such a giant hit for a reason. Nothing else on the album even approaches it in terms of quality. I doubt I will ever listen to this album again.
anglophobia
Don't You Want Me is the only one that really stands out
Don’t you want me is a legit good song, but the rest of it sounds very sophomoric (at least I didn’t find it grating). Ultimately, I don’t think this one is worthy of being on the 1001
These snyth pop albums sound quite boring to me, saves itself with the belter that is "Don't you want me" but other than that this album is quite disappointing. 1.5
Strong 80s sound. Fun music
New wave, synth-pop, Son los de Don't You Want Me. Bien, está bien. 3. 80's
Meh. 80s AI pop. One decent song that was a hit, the rest cheap bubblegum used to fill the gaps. No need to revisit this one.
It was very synth pop - I could see the appeal and I love the single on the album (it was the last song on the record, which was a good decision).
Loved the 80s vibe of this. Want to listen again for sure.
Fine, not offensive
🤘🏼
Classic 80s.
This was a solid 80s synth pop album. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found this record very enjoyable throughout. I only knew the closing track (which is one of those songs one knows simply by existing), but found the album easy to get into. The groove is consistent throughout and though the synths are dated, they hold up well today and are even used in contemporary pop. From what I read about this album, it is hugely influential and is considered a herald of the second British invasion.
Very ‘80s sounding. Doesn’t do much for me
Bit boring except "Don't you want me". I still own the vinyl version of this song. Played that one a lot. Intern on a goatfarm in the middle of nowhere in the flevopolder.
Ooh wat is dit heerlukk. Krakende synths niks zeggende teksten en een oude drum computer Kende don't you want me natuurlijk maar de rest een welkome verrassing
Ik vond deze een beetje tegenvallen helaas, had er stiekem iets meer van verwacht. Het laatste nummer is natuurlijk een all time classic maar de rest vond ik simpelweg een beetje saai… misschien had dat ook te maken met dat ik een beetje een dinsdag dip had?
This was a lot
A bit synthed out after that. I'd say that apart from Don't You Want Me, the rest of the songs sit in the average category. There's a few flashes of brilliance, but mostly hiding behind some spacey electronic noises.
Interesting. This seems like the ultimate synth heavy early 80s album. It was pretty great, although vocals are so front and center in the mix it's hard to ignore how dumb the lyrics sometimes are.
new wave synth pop the way god intended
Do you remember that song that's used in commercials a lot that goes "Don't you want me baby"? What if that band actually had recorded a whole album? It's certainly fun to imagine and think about, but luckily they never did so we don't have to worry about it too much.
It's the 80s
Despite what everyone seems to think the 80s really were a dark time for music. Absolutely unlistenable garbage
Fun album. Very 80s
Somethings need to stay in the 80's.
This was a new one for me. I liked it overall. Sounds like the missing link between Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode. I like those bubbling, farty-sounding synths.
'Don't You Want Me' makes this a 5 for me!
Doesnt really hold up over time.
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.
Good! Don’t You Want Me is a classic.
I liked how this album had the iconic 80s synth pop vibes. The first 2 or 3 songs almost made me give up on the album but then it picked up enough. I did enjoy how the songs had smooth transitions between them. However at time it did feel like I was listening to an overly long intro to the next song. Thankfully the album ends on a high note with the iconic song “Don’t you want me”. Now that was a jam! I did like the album but not my favorite. 3.5 from me! 😁
This was a huge influence on a ton of 80s music. I only saved the last song because it’s a banger. I feel like i was listening to music in GTA vice city and that is a cool vibe. Not 100% my cup of tea but hey at least it’s not another 70s album
Initial thoughts: Woo! Moving on to the 80's! Our first pop album too! Never heard of this guys, so I'm curious where this will go. Final thoughts: DONT YOU WANT ME BABY? DONT YOU WANT ME OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH Iconic pop songs, some of the pop melodies are even used to this day. I even spotted a few sounds that have definitely been sampled by various other artists. Genre defining for sure, but is it just me or does it feel like outside of the iconic songs the rest of the album seems half baked?
Not my style
80s af. Dont you want me baby
Enjoyed this much more than I expected, would listen again. Slightly dated sound wise, but some really great songwriting. Possibly the best I've heard from this New Romantics period.
Couple of really great songs but also balanced by some so so ones
"Don't you want me" is a well-known song, and a few other hit songs (like "Human") keeps The Human League from being considered a one-hit wonder on its back, but the rest of the album, to me, sounded like competent but fairly generic 80s electronic pop. Granted, coming as it did at the beginning of the decade, Dare may well have helped codify the genre, but otherwise nothing in the other songs popped to me - which isn't to say it was bad, however.
Me di cuenta que hay mucho de pop ochentoso en esta lista, por lo menos este album tiene una canción reconocida, y no es tan avasallante por lo que podría volver a escucharlo, ahora mí tema es que quizás esté encajaría mejor en una lista de éxitos más que en la de un album completo, pero dicho esto, queda en el medio
Very 80s, but in a good way.
All I can say it's very 80s with heavy electronic and synth. Sometimes it's almost too much. I love 80s music but this just has nothing to it, it's like they released this in the 80s and really went with that theme, but the songs themselevs weren't great. A lot of shouting without really being able to sing. The only good song on this album is, Don't You Want Me.
Good
Learning to love a genre I really had no interest in has been a fun experience. And as time goes on, I find myself enjoying new wave and synthpop more and more. This album in particular is probably the most synth focused of the albums I have listened to in this genre so far. Some of these songs hit you with really great, massive sounding synth leads. The chorus on the opening track is a great example of that. I'm still not 100% on the vocals for this kind of sound though. To me, they still sound a little processed and over-produced, but I could eventually become used to it. Unfortunately, the b-side of this album falls short for me. I think the first half is really solid, but other than the closing track, nothing really stands out to me. Also wasn't aware that I had heard Don't You Want Me before, but I recognized it the moment I heard the chorus. Rating: 6/10
Klassiker. Kunne kanskje gitt 5 på ein god dag
There is so much 80s electronic pop on this list. In my opinion, there is some good to come out of this genre, such as Tears For Fears. This record is certainly not that. Maybe this type of music isn't for me. It just sounds so bad and lifeless.
A standard ‘80s dance record saved by an absolutely incredible single which also acts as the records swan song. Outside of this the songwriting is fine and instrumentally there’s not a whole lot going on outside of the ONE song.
I have hit or miss enjoyment of most new wave. I don't think I've ever listened to this whole album before now. There's good stuff here beyond just "Don't You Want Me" (my favorite song in 2nd grade, no lie). Open Your Heart is great, Do or Die is fine (though you can pretty much sing the words to Don't You Want Me to this song and it fits - at least with the chorus. They're very similar songs), Get Carter reminds me of John Williams's Close Encounters theme a little. On the other hand, there are some atrocities: I am the Law is horrendous. It's musically all over the place and it seems to advocate for over policing and implies that people can't take care of themselves. Maybe it's meant to be ironic? I dunno - did not care for that one. Seconds is equally terrible. Presumably it's meant to showcase how bad killing others is (not disagreeing), but it's obnoxiously repetitive. Still, overall there are really only two good tracks here, so that's how it's getting rated.
honestly sounded like a cheap imitation of early depeche mode at times.
Had no idea they sung that last song. That's a jam. The rest was like dime store depeche mode.
It’s ok. That last track has always been a banger, though.
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: I adore this one, full of hits and what got me into synth pop! Favourite song: Track 8 - Seconds
Dare has a second layer of impossibility, layered since synth-pop is always in some way happy-forcing. Here, the 80s hit waits politely for prefigured '10s dance music, their convergence papering over many a dated production sin. The Human League even pull out of what one can read as Dreddian language a hopeful living conclusion.
80 luku new wave elektro hömpötystä, ihan kivaa kait.. hittasi minuutin pitusella ambientilla ja vittu MAINOSTA SIIHEN....... TÄHTEÄ POIS SIITÄ!!!! olisi kannattanut miettiä tämmösiä asioita, aina ollaan musiikki sitä ja musiikki tätä... ja tässä musiikkkihan on PASKAA!!!!!! ei voi muuta sanoa. mutta sanon silti.. objenktive kaksi i am the law
The reputation of DYWM (which is a sensational pop song, btw) has maybe overshadowed how innovative the Human League were, and this album really was the one that put synthpop on the map. A real study in contrast with Heaven 17's debut, and a significant step forward from the earlier Human League work.
I appreciated that one much more than I would have imagined. Synthpop that's on the sugary side, but the melodies are great and the whole thing reeks of spray net.
This album is so much fun!!
Wow, I didn't knew about this album before and it's a very good new wave piece! I like when the 1001 challenge surprises me positively.
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.
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