Scritti Politti is a British pop band formed in Leeds in 1977 by Welsh singer-songwriter Green Gartside. The band’s sound has evolved over time, incorporating elements of punk, new wave, and funk, and their music is known for its eclectic, experimental nature. Their early releases, including the albums “Songs to Remember” (1982) and “Cupid & Psyche 85” (1985), featured catchy, synth-driven pop songs with political and social commentary. The band achieved commercial success in the mid-80s with hits like “Perfect Way” and “Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)”, which combined elements of funk and R&B with Gartside’s distinctive vocals.
After a hiatus in the 1990s, Scritti Politti returned in the 2000s with a new sound that incorporated elements of electronic music and hip-hop. The band’s later releases, including the album “White Bread, Black Beer” (2006), featured intricate, layered productions and continued to explore Gartside’s fascination with language and communication.
Throughout their career, Scritti Politti has been known for their innovation and experimentation, combining a wide range of musical influences to create a unique sound that defies easy categorization. Their music remains a favorite among fans of intelligent, genre-defying pop music.
1. Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me (featuring Sweetie Irie)
“Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me” is a song by British pop band Scritti Politti, featuring Jamaican MC Sweetie Irie, released in 1999 on their album “Anomie & Bonhomie”. The song features a funky, upbeat sound with a memorable horn section and Green Gartside’s smooth vocals. Sweetie Irie’s dancehall-style rap adds an extra layer of energy and excitement to the song. The lyrics describe the narrator’s desire for intimacy and connection, showcasing Gartside’s talent for exploring complex emotions in his music. “Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me” remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the album, demonstrating Scritti Politti’s ability to incorporate diverse musical influences into their music.
2. The Sweetest Girl
“The Sweetest Girl” is a 1981 new wave song by British band Scritti Politti, known for its catchy melody and infectious chorus. The song features a mix of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, with driving drum beats, pulsing synth lines, and the smooth vocals of lead singer Green Gartside. The song’s lyrics explore themes of desire, longing, and unrequited love, with Gartside singing about his infatuation with the titular “sweetest girl” who remains out of his reach. “The Sweetest Girl” is a classic new wave track that showcases Scritti Politti’s unique blend of pop sensibility, experimental production, and clever lyrics.
3. Hypnotize
“Hypnotize” is a catchy and upbeat song by British band Scritti Politti, released in 1985 on their album “Cupid & Psyche 85”. The song features a funky and danceable rhythm, with prominent use of synthesizers and lead singer Green Gartside’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics describe the hypnotic power of attraction and the irresistible pull of desire, with the narrator unable to resist the charms of their lover. “Hypnotize” is a quintessential 80s pop song that showcases Scritti Politti’s ability to blend elements of funk, soul, and electronic music into a unique and catchy sound that remains a classic of the era.
4. She’s a Woman (featuring Shabba Ranks)
“She’s a Woman” is a song by British pop band Scritti Politti, featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Shabba Ranks, released in 1991 on their album “Anomie & Bonhomie”. The song features a groovy, funky sound with Green Gartside’s smooth vocals and Shabba Ranks’ distinctive toasting. The lyrics describe the narrator’s admiration for a strong, independent woman, celebrating her strength and independence. The song’s catchy hook and danceable beat have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s ability to create infectious, uplifting music that combines diverse musical influences. “She’s a Woman” remains a highlight of the band’s career and a favorite among fans of pop and dancehall music.
5. Oh Patti (Don’t Feel Sorry for Loverboy)
“Oh Patti (Don’t Feel Sorry for Loverboy)” is a 1988 pop song by British band Scritti Politti, known for its upbeat melody and infectious hooks. The song features a mix of funk and pop influences, with driving basslines, funky guitar riffs, and the smooth vocals of lead singer Green Gartside. The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, with Gartside singing about his failed relationship and urging his former lover not to feel sorry for him. “Oh Patti” is a quintessential 1980s pop track that showcases Scritti Politti’s unique blend of funk, soul, and pop sensibility, with a catchy melody that is sure to get stuck in your head.
6. The Word Girl
“The Word Girl” is a funky and energetic song by British band Scritti Politti, released in 1985 on their album “Cupid & Psyche 85”. The song features a driving rhythm, with prominent use of synthesizers, horns, and lead singer Green Gartside’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics describe the power of language and the seductive allure of a woman’s words, with the narrator captivated by the wordplay and wit of his lover. “The Word Girl” is a classic example of Scritti Politti’s unique blend of pop, funk, and soul, and remains a fan favorite and a definitive moment in their career.
7. Boom! There She Was (featuring Roger Troutman)
“Boom! There She Was” is a song by British pop band Scritti Politti, featuring American funk musician Roger Troutman, released in 1988 on their album “Provision”. The song features a funky, danceable sound with a catchy synth hook and Green Gartside’s smooth vocals. Roger Troutman’s distinctive talk box guitar adds an extra layer of funk to the song. The lyrics describe the narrator’s fascination with a mysterious woman, celebrating her beauty and allure. “Boom! There She Was” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the US dance chart and showcasing Scritti Politti’s ability to create infectious, groove-driven music that defies easy categorization.
8. Perfect Way
“Perfect Way” is a 1985 synthpop song by British band Scritti Politti, known for its catchy melody and upbeat production. The song features a mix of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, with funky basslines, bright synth hooks, and the smooth vocals of lead singer Green Gartside. The song’s lyrics celebrate the pleasures of everyday life, with Gartside singing about the “perfect way” to enjoy the world around us. “Perfect Way” is a classic 1980s pop track that showcases Scritti Politti’s unique blend of pop sensibility, experimental production, and clever lyrics, with a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.
9. Absolute
“Absolute” is a sleek and seductive song by British band Scritti Politti, released in 1984 on their album “Cupid & Psyche 85”. The song features a smooth and sultry rhythm, with prominent use of synthesizers and lead singer Green Gartside’s velvety vocals. The lyrics describe the all-encompassing power of love and the overwhelming feeling of being completely consumed by another person. “Absolute” is a sensual and sophisticated song that showcases Scritti Politti’s ability to blend elements of funk, soul, and electronic music into a smooth and irresistible sound that remains a standout moment in their career.
10. Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)
“Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)” is a song by British pop band Scritti Politti, released in 1984 on their album “Cupid & Psyche 85”. The song features a catchy, synth-driven sound with Green Gartside’s smooth vocals and a memorable horn section. The lyrics describe the narrator’s desire for love and connection, using references to Aretha Franklin and other musical icons to celebrate the power of music to bring people together. “Wood Beez” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the UK singles chart and cementing Scritti Politti’s reputation as innovative purveyors of intelligent, genre-defying pop music. The song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of the band’s career.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
