LISTEN TO THE BEST SPANDAU BALLET SONGS IN STREAMING

If you’ve been in love with ‘80s music, then you might have heard of Spandau Ballet. This British band has created a distinct, pop-oriented sound that has become a staple of the era. Formed in 1979, Spandau Ballet has gone through various musical transitions, creating a unique blend of soul, funk, and new wave that set them apart from other bands at that time. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the band’s musical biography, from their beginnings to their most famous soundtracks.

Spandau Ballet got its start as a new wave band, inspired by the likes of Roxy Music, Kraftwerk, and David Bowie. Their early songs, such as To Cut a Long Story Short, were edgy, guitar-driven tunes that showcased lead singer Tony Hadley’s powerful vocals. As they progressed, they moved away from their punk sound to focus more on soulful ballads, with Hadley’s voice taking center stage. Their debut album, Journeys to Glory, released in 1981, embodied the band’s new direction, hinting at the soulful sound that would define them.

The band’s most famous album, True, was released in 1983 and proceeded to top the charts throughout Europe and North America. The title track, True, had a soulful, romantic sound that transcended the musical boundaries of the time, becoming an iconic song that people still enjoy today. The album’s other hits, such as Gold and Communication, further cemented Spandau Ballet’s place in the music world, showcasing their unique blend of soulful crooning, funk-driven bass lines, and catchy melodies.

Spandau Ballet’s influence on music is undeniable, with their sound inspiring other artists such as Duran Duran and George Michael. They paved the way for bands that mixed pop and R&B, creating a fusion of genres that has since become the norm. Their use of synthesizers and electronic drums would influence pop music’s production and recording styles, becoming a significant influence on artists of the ‘80s and beyond.

In 1985, Spandau Ballet released Through the Barricades, which showcased the band’s political and social awareness, tackling issues such as apartheid and the Northern Ireland conflict. The album’s title track, an epic ballad, was an instant hit, becoming one of the band’s signature songs. As the ‘80s progressed, Spandau Ballet would dabble in more cinematic sounds, particularly highlighted in the track Always in the Back of My Mind, which featured strings, horns, and an aching vocal performance by Hadley.

After a disbandment in 1999, Spandau Ballet would regroup in 2009, performing sold-out concerts and releasing a new album, Once More. The band’s legacy lives on, with their distinctive sound and unforgettable hits still loved by millions today.

Spandau Ballet’s musical biography has been one of changing styles and evolving soundscapes that have undoubtedly shaped pop music’s landscape. Their fusion of soul, new wave, and funk has created a sound that was unique to them – and still is. From their punk-influenced early sound to their ‘80s pop anthems, Spandau Ballet has been a brilliant source of inspiration for music listeners over the decades. Let us all continue enjoying the timeless music that this band created.

Spandau Ballet’s musical biography has been one of changing styles and evolving soundscapes that have undoubtedly shaped pop music’s landscape. Their fusion of soul, new wave, and funk has created a sound that was unique to them – and still is. From their punk-influenced early sound to their ‘80s pop anthems, Spandau Ballet has been a brilliant source of inspiration for music listeners over the decades. Let us all continue enjoying the timeless music that this band created.

Spandau Ballet has been at the center of debates about New Wave music since their rise to fame in the 1980s. While some critics have argued that their biggest hits were too commercialized and lacked substance, there is no denying that Spandau Ballet helped define an era of music that still lives on today. This blog post will take a look at both what critics feel is lacking in Spandau Ballet's discography as well as why they have become such iconic figures within pop culture history. So whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering them for the first time, let's dive into what makes Spandau Ballet so great (and not-so-great)!

When it comes to bands that defined the New Wave movement of the 1980s, Spandau Ballet is always at or near the top of the list. Their unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music helped them achieve worldwide fame, producing several hit singles that still resonate with audiences today. However, while many fans view them as a symbol of the era, critics have long argued that much of their music is forgettable, overly commercialized, and lacks the depth of other New Wave bands. So which view is correct? In this post, we’ll examine Spandau Ballet’s music and their cultural significance to help determine what makes them so great and why they continue to be remembered decades later.

First, let’s explore the criticisms that some have levied against the group. To some ears, Spandau Ballet’s music may seem overly focused on catchy pop hooks and slick production values, with shallow lyrics that often prioritize style over substance. While hits like “True” and “Gold” are undeniably catchy, they also tend to be quite repetitive and simplistic, lacking the depth and complexity of other New Wave artists like The Cure or Joy Division. Additionally, some have criticized the band’s tendency to embrace mainstream commercial success, which can make their music feel more calculated and less genuine.

That being said, it’s impossible to deny the impact that Spandau Ballet had on the music industry and popular culture at large. As one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, they helped define the so-called New Romantic movement, which centered around fashion, style, and decadence. Their distinctive image, marked by flamboyant clothing and heavy makeup, was a vital part of this cultural moment, and helped inspire the larger New Wave movement. Additionally, their influence can still be felt in contemporary music, with artists like The 1975 and Dua Lipa citing them as an inspiration.

Furthermore, while some may dismiss Spandau Ballet’s music as shallow or simplistic, there is an undeniable emotional power to many of their songs. “True,” for example, may seem cheesy to some, but its soaring orchestration and heartfelt lyrics have earned it a place in the canon of pop balladry. Similarly, tracks like “Through the Barricades” and “Empty Spaces” showcase the band’s ability to craft poignant, affecting songs that speak to universal human experiences. At their best, Spandau Ballet were able to combine catchy pop hooks with genuine emotional depth, creating music that still resonates with listeners today.

In addition to their musical achievements, Spandau Ballet are also remembered for their impact on fashion and celebrity culture. Their flamboyant style and over-the-top stage shows helped to define the “new romantic” aesthetic, which embraced dramatic clothing, makeup, and hair. This trend would go on to influence countless designers, artists, and musicians in the decades to come, cementing Spandau Ballet’s place at the forefront of pop culture. Additionally, the band’s outsized celebrity status helped make them international icons, further solidifying their place in the cultural pantheon.

While Spandau Ballet have long been at the center of debates about New Wave music, it’s clear that their cultural significance can’t be denied. Though some critics may argue that their music is overly commercialized or simplistic, there’s no denying the emotional punch of their best songs, nor the enduring impact they’ve had on fashion and popular culture. As we continue to look back on the music of the 1980s, Spandau Ballet will undoubtedly remain a fixture in the cultural imagination.