Dare!

by

The Human League

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Back in 1982, "Don't you want me" was inescapable. The song was basically an update of A star is born for the 80s, with one of the best videos made at the time. Forget the fact that none of the two female singers can carry a tune. This song is an all time classic. Today, it can be played along any new electronica release and it will sound as fresh as it sounded almost 20 years ago. It is a combination of Disco/pop/electronica that few have managed to match, and many tried to copy. The rest of the album is just as good! This is definetely not a case of a one hit wonder.

The entire album is an electronic attempt to match ABBA. Phil Oakey and his gang succeded in completing an infectious album full of catchy pop tunes all set to electronic beats. There is not a single bad tune in here. The haunting "Seconds" (about the assassination of JFK), creeps right through your skin with its hard hitting beat. "Open your heart" (listen carefully to see where the title of the album comes from) is a masterpiece in itself, far superior to "Don't you want me". The middle part has to be heard to be believed.

"Do or die" is another great dance anthem that should have been released as a single. Play that at a party today and see if people can recognise that it was recorded in 1981!!!! Same goes for the UK hit "Love action". The hooks are incredible.

The cover (made to look like the cover of "Vogue" magazine), is hilarious, with Phil Oakey giving a new meaning to the term supermodel (6 years before Cindy).

If you are a serious collector, this album is essential. It captures the spirit of the early 80s perfectly and it is a blueprint for countless other artists that followed (Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, New Order).