Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Inte hört tidigare (förutom Don’t you want me) men det här tyckte jag var kul! Kanske ska sadla om till synthare så här på ålderns höst?
This album sounds like ripped stonewashed Jordaches, neon leg warmers, and Member’s Only jackets. That’s not a compliment. There’s really only one good song on here (Don’t You Want Me, obviously), and if I’m being honest with myself I probably only like that out of nostalgia.
I remember classical pop music from the early eighties. If I remember correctly, I already found it boring back then. That hasn't changed to this day. I'm not wasting my time listening to it again. 1/5
I'll admit I liked it when it came out. Didn't age that well.
Considering how huge Don’t You Want Me is, the rest of this album felt a bit repetitive and monotonous throughout. Like one big synth noise that then culminated in the aforementioned track. Meh, it screamed peak 80s
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.
An album filled with a bunch of forgettable songs and one hit at the end doesn’t qualify for this list. Try again. 2/5
Synthpop isn't among my favorite genres, but this shit kind of slapped. Don't you Want Me is an all time standout for the genre -- timeless and catchy as hell. Other standouts for me were Darkness (from which Shlohmo has certainly gained instrumental inspiration); I Am The Law (with moody droning synths and some weird effects that remind me of Mong Tong); and on the brighter end of the spectrum The Sound of The Crowd (which I feel like could be Juan Maclean song). Didn't expect much, but really loved this one. Solid 4 / 5.
Lot of build up for Don't you want met. Boring 80s album that is not my jamb. 2.5 stars
Sounds like a poppier Depeche Mode. Some of the electronic work is really enjoyable in this album, but I can't get over the singers voice and the lyrics. It just sounds like a hopeless romantic stalking a girl. Low 3, saved by the nuggets of electronic goodness
Holy synth-wave 80s noises. This album teetered on the line of being pretty cool or quite terrible. I did like a lot of the synth sounds that they put in that were all super unique sounds that I have never heard. This album makes complete sense now that I heard Don't You Want Me as the last song I thought they sounded familiar. This teetered upwards into a 3- mid 3
This certainly has some 80's cheese to it, but also has some parts I really like. Idk maybe this whole thing is opening my eyes up to 80s music is a better light. Going with a 3 on this one as it was interesting. Plus Don't You Want Me fuckin rules.
Fond memories of this album. There are a lot of nuances picked up on a close listen that I missed casually listening to the album. Lots of layers that create a depth you can get lost in.
Electronic pop. an immensely fun album that had me grooving the whole way through.
An album of dizzying highs and plastic 80’s excess.
It's clearly an album on a learning curve. Creating a pop album on a machine that was only starting to gain prominence is wild to me, but the album is kind of a clunker until you get to that massive hit. And that song is so well done it just makes the rest of the album sound even worse. That being said the album works solely on attitude and the "idea" of this album tickles me in the exact same way that people are down voting it. I think they understand its pretentious. That's the whole point. If they didn't have attitude what is left? a bunch of nerds plunking on computers? Anyway it gets a 4 just on attitude alone. And that banger of a last song.
Great single. Okay album.
80s proto synth pop. Prefer the darker songs vs "don't you want me"
Horrible
i dont like it
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.
This was okay. It's open of those albums I feel I ought to rate higher because of its influence - and I do like a bit of eighties synth pop! - but most of the album felt fairly forgettable. (Except, of course, that closing track...)
This was jazzercise and retro bowling alley music - stereotypical 80s synthpop, although it was one of the pioneers of the genre. I'd argue that this *is* essential listening, especially to appreciate how synthpop has evolved, but it sounds so dated compared to modern synthpop. I didn't realize that "Don't You Want Me" is on this album and I nearly fell over in shock when it came on. It's a classic banger that has stood the test of time for a reason, and, of course, by far the best track on the album.
Oh, THIS is why people hate the 80's. I get it now.
Have loved this album for years.. for that say they were a one hit wonder... there were two hits on this album.. "don't you want me baby" was of course a number 1 track, but "Love Action" was at number 3 and was in the charts for 13 weeks... same as the # 1 song. as a group they had 6 other songs in the top 10 and a few just outside..
I am a fan of synthpop so receiving this was nice. I found the album to be rather enjoyable although it is a little repetitive.
Fond memories of this. Pure 80s.
Most noted for its closing track, “Don’t You Want Me,” which heralded the breakthrough of the new wave sound (and essentially telegraphed what the next decade would sound like). Nothing else on the record hits quite as hard, but Philip Oakley is a decent singer.
Enjoyable. I forgot about the song Seconds, which is a highlight. Some rather boring songs on here also.
Get Carter, I Am the Law, Seconds are too slow; I especially like The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, Don’t You Want Me
2.3
Meh very 80s
Boring. Monotone. Repetitive Not for me thanks. But I have to say Don't You Want Me is a banger. Only good song on the album 2 ⭐️
One-dimensionally synthy, despite the the singers all having strong voices. "Don't You Want Me" is uniquely hooky and relatable, a near-perfect artifact of its day and era, but lord knows one's heard that song more than enough time for life and there's no good reason to hear any more of this record. Thank god at least that the editors didn't try to convince us this was like Kraftwerk or Neu.
Another one where most famous song is best song by far
Great record. Classic 80s vibe
The good thing about early 80s UK Synth Pop!™ is that when its good, its good and when its not, you know it. Dare! by The Human League plays easily in the background or for your 80s retro game night. 3/5.
Actually slaps insanely hard. I "Dare!" to say, this is actually a good album! *Does a backflip, breaks own neck*
Pretty cool 80s songs
Aside from that classic last song the rest made for a reasonable if forgettable listen. I do enjoy 80s tunes but found some of the songs a little repetitive.
bops!!!
Super fun synths.
This wasn't great 80s music. The one hit on here isn't worth it, either. 2/5
I like it! Great beat and pleasant to listen to.
Yep. That's 80's music. Gonna leave that right there....
Nothing major to note. The best track was last—have to agree with another reviewer that it was a pretty neat trick.
"Don't You Want Me" is the reward for making it through this album.
Really buried the lede here with the big hit being the last song. Anyways the album sounds super dated and cheesy with these synths and really simple melodies. Not my thing
Very 80s. I liked the synths, but the repetitive lyrics on some tracks got annoying. Not bad, not particularly memorable.
Their one hit is on this album (in case you were wondering).
Synths as thin as paper dolls, with the songwriting to match.
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.