Bronski Beat: Classic or Corny?

If you've ever heard the 1980s-era hits from British synthpop band Bronski Beat, then you know their music can be described using a lot of adjectives: catchy, infectious and - most notably – cheesy. Sure, listening to Smalltown Boy or Why? is sure to bring back nostalgic memories for many people. But if we're being honest here, there's no denying that much of Bronski Beat's music doesn't quite stand the test of time. In this blog post, I'll take an in-depth look at what makes Bronski Beat such a classic—but also so utterly corny!

Bronski Beat has etched a unique place in the history of British synthpop. Their music had a contagious charm that won over many music lovers throughout the 1980s. However, while their music may still be catchy, it's hard to ignore that it comes across as cheesy to some people. This blog post takes you through the highs and lows of Bronski Beat's music career and looks at whether their music stands the test of time.

Bronski Beat was formed in 1983 by Steve Bronski, Larry Steinbachek, and Jimmy Somerville. The band's music explored themes such as gender and sexuality, which was a rarity in that era. Their debut single 'Smalltown Boy' was a massive hit, loved for its synth hook and for Somerville's arresting vocals. The track's music video was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a young gay man, shunned by his family, trying to find his place in the world. It's notable for its frank and sensitive representation of queer life. Even though it may seem a bit dated today, the song still packs a powerful emotional punch.

While Bronski Beat's first album The Age of Consent was hailed as a landmark album in the gay liberation movement, it wasn't long before their music started to become repetitive. By the time their second album Truthdare Doubledare was released, many critics started to describe their music as redundant and monotonous. The band's songs had become formulaic and mechanical, relying too much on synthesizer loops. Some of their lyrics lacked originality and felt like they were written to generate controversy rather than artistic expression.

Despite the criticism, Bronski Beat continued to produce hits through the late 80s, with tracks like Hit That Perfect Beat and I'm Gonna Run Away, but their sound was gradually becoming outdated. Many people by this time had grown tired of their predictable chord progressions and unimaginative arrangements. The band eventually broke up in 1995, leaving behind a body of work that is undeniably cheesy but also surprisingly endearing.

Bronski Beat's music may not be to everyone's liking. Their songs, while catchy, often come across as cheesy, and their subject matter can seem a bit jaded these days. However, one cannot deny the significance of their first album, which offered a frank and honest look at the struggles of young gay men in the UK. Even though Bronski Beat's music may not stand the test of time, their music remains an important part of UK synthpop history. Listening to their songs evokes an era of neon lights, big hair, and shoulder pads, a time when the world seemed a little more colorful and a little more innocent. Whether you consider their music corny or classic, it's hard not to feel nostalgic when you listen to Bronski Beat.