Dare [Import]

Human League | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 31, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Virgin Aus/Zoom
• ASIN: B00007KMZS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,930 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When flipping through the annals of new-wave history, one can easily enough overlook the entry marked "Human League." But the truth of the matter is, this Phil Oakey-helmed synth-pop outfit was crucial to the movement, and, Dare!, its third release, is an absolute linchpin. Thanks to its breakthrough single, "Don't You Want Me," the record almost single-handedly made it safe to like new wave, and an MTV video gave it a fashionable face that was impossible to ignore. The sound was theatrical, awash in kitschy keyboards, but felt new and refreshing back in 1982. The League would never climb to such hooky aesthetic heights again; Dare! ranks as its greatest achievement--and it still sounds new and refreshing today. --Tom Lanham

Product Description

The Human League are often praised as architects of the electronic new wave genre, they have been around for 30 years and have sold over 20 million albums.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic pop album - and a MUST have for every collection!, August 24, 2000

By 

"johnrocker74" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dare (Audio CD)

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).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Synth-pop masterpiece, April 8, 2007

By 

Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Dare (Audio CD)

This album was just so right for its time. Kraftwerk, Bowie, Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder and Gary Numan had been paving the way in using the synthesizer in popular music, so the tuneful synth-pop of Human League's third album was received with open arms. The fashion magazine cover perfectly captures the atmosphere of rock's early 80s 'new romanticism'. After all these years, the synth & drum machine novelty has worn off, but this album remains a masterpiece on account of the quality of the songs. Phil Oakey's voice is perfectly framed by the female vocals and the arrangements are great. My favorites include the soaring Open Your Heart, the solemn lament Seconds, plus The Sound Of The Crowd, Do Or Die, Love Action and Don't You Want Me. This classic is definitely their best album and the recommended entry point for those wishing to investigate the band.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, February 15, 2003

By 

A. Andringa (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dare (Audio CD)

People who say this album is no good obviously know nothing about New Wave.

Although a bit dated in parts, this album was amazing in 1981, and with the current Electroclash thing, this album has become popular once again along with their debut album, Reproduction.

If all you know is "Dont You Want Me Baby" you may be in for a surprise, although still wonderful thats one of the worst tracks on the album. The music and vocals arew a bit mechanical at times too but I actually like that, hopefully you will too.

But this album is a must have for anyone who claims to like New Wave or 80's music.