"The Human League" - It's Only Human to Like Them
If you are an old enough “human,” then you will be familiar with the evolution of a new wave band that reached the zenith of their popularity in the 80s. A group that came out with hits that sound as good today as will for future fans. “The Human League” – It’s Human to Like them.
Thapson
The Human League
The origins of this group go back to the late 70s during the then new synth-pop wave. And they went on to add to the soundtrack our lives with some memorable hits. The earliest incarnation of the band was an all-male group out of Sheffield, England. The founding members included Martyn Ware and Craig Marsh. They brought on Philip Oakey on vocals, and Adrian Wright on keyboards. Influenced by other electronic synth bands, they concentrated synthesizer laden music tracks with a “futuristic” experimental sound. At this time, they also adapted the name “The Human League.”
Their earlier albums reflect this then new style of music which had a cult following. An example of their sound then, is reflected in this song off their first album “Reproductions” from 1979.
“Almost Medieval” (1979)
This music style is the one that earned them the biggest fan following. Inspired by the likes Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, Depeche Mode, and Kraftwerk, etc. The Human League had, hence set the niche they intended to follow. While I enjoy electro-music like any other fan, I feel their music tends to be somewhat atmospheric here, albeit talented.
dave owen / YouTube.com
“While I enjoy electro-music like any other fan, I feel their music tends to be somewhat atmospheric here, albeit talented”
“You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” (1979)
Off of that same first album, this is another classic example of the original Human League music style. Check out their cover version of this Righteous Brothers song. This pretty much tells you how they experimented with the electro-pop. And while doing so, they have this ability to take a song and make it completely their own and as far removed from the original as possible.
electrozaps / YouTube.com
But I am not their fan at this time. In fact, at this time, I was not even into electro-pop – though I appreciated Kraftwerk. Probably because they were from Germany and for some reason, we expected that style of music from there. Sorry for stereotyping here, because German pop music is as eclectic as from any other country. It’s just they seem to experiment with electro-pop more than others.
Band Reshuffle and Change in Music Style
And so, for the first 2/3 years or so, and the first three albums The Human League won a cult following with this pure experimental electro-synth style of music. But I was not on board then. After their third album, they’re evidently having problems coming out with new stuff. And there was a reshuffle as Marsh and Ware left, and Ian Burden had joined on. And they acquire Susan Sulley and Joanne Catherall on backup vocals.
While still electro-pop dominated, their music became more lighter and “commercial” and their album “Dare,” in 1981 brought much success. Although their cult following was not happy. But it was when I noticed them for the first time. From here onward, they likely became more “mainstream” and garnered a wider following. Check out this hit from this album:
“Don’t You Want Me” (1981)
This song was a monster hit for The Human League in this new incarnation. While the song is closer to the “new wave” style that was big in the early eighties, I think the additional of the two ladies definitely did wonders for the band.
The Human League / YouTube.com
“Lebanon” (1984)
This song came off their next album “Hysteria,” in 1984. While this album was not as big as “Dare,” this was likely the best known of the songs from the album. It’s quite political and refers to the war in Lebanon at the time. Although not much of a hit, I think this helped them map out a new music style, and in the process, win new followers – me included.
La Oveja Stigma / YouTube.com
“Life on Your Own” (1984)
Although this song, from the same album was not a big hit, for me personally, it was. I love the video that goes with the song and Philip Oakey’s vocals go very well with the grim scenario. His deadpan style is spot on. And the video, at the height of the music video craze, very nicely captures a post-apocalyptic scenario and the creepiness of it all. I love the organ/synthesizer towards the end at 2:50 onwards. Don’t ask why, as the brain likes what the brain likes.
jpdc11 / DailyMotion.com
By now, The Human League had definitely carved out a name among the mainstream audience. The next song is another big one from them. Coming out in 1986, off their album “Crash,” this was:
“Human.” (1986)
This song became a massive hit in in the United States late 1986. Touches on quite a serious topic of cheating on your loved one and then states you’re only human to do it. Brilliant stuff by a band with the word “Human” in it. The song is beautifully produced with a very sophisticated sound – far from their original “experimental” stuff back in the late 70s – early 80s. And the music video is also very haunting. I think this song and video puts them firmly in the mind of any connoisseur of music from the 80s. And it will play a prominent part in any compilation of music from what I think is one of the best decades of pop music.
The Human League / YouTube.com
“Electric Dreams” (1984)
Now I need to close off with a lighter song. This is not a Human League song, but they have added it to their repertoire. It’s the result of Philip Oakey’s collaboration with what some consider the father of synthesizer music, Giorgio Moroder. Its mind boggling as to the number of productions associated with Giorgio. The beginning refrains from this song resemble another song I have already covered here. That’s Giorgio for you, I guess.
This song was used for the movie “Electric Dreams,” which is forgotten now, though available free on YouTube. But the song seems to have aged well. Almost nostalgic for people of my age as we remember those heady days when computers were becoming a thing and would be almost “human.
PhilipOakeyVEVO / YouTube.com
Epilogue
So, this was my look at The Human League and their contribution to the soundtrack of our lives. Evidently Phil Oakey’s lost all that wonderful hair he had then – happens to the best of us. They’re still out there doing their thing, while putting on shows for their die-hard fans along with new ones.
I’ll be back with another musical artist/band/group from my music vault. Feel free to contact me using the form below with anything to add or comments.
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