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The Human League, an English synth-pop band, has been creating music for over four decades, and is regarded as one of the most significant bands of the 1980s. Their sound is characterized by the use of electronic instrumentation and melodic pop sensibilities, resulting in a unique and timeless style. Throughout their career, The Human League has produced a plethora of hit songs that have defined the sound of the era, making them one of the most influential bands of the synth-pop movement.
In this article, we will be delving into The Human League’s discography to bring you the ten best songs of all time. The list includes both their most popular hits and some lesser-known gems that showcase the band’s musical versatility. We will explore the stories behind each song, including their influences, lyrics, and production techniques, as well as the impact they had on popular culture.
From their breakthrough single “Being Boiled” to their chart-topping hit “Don’t You Want Me,” we will take a deep dive into The Human League’s most iconic songs, as well as some underrated tracks that deserve recognition. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the band, this article will serve as a guide to their best work, providing insight into the evolution of their sound and their enduring influence on pop music.
1. Don’t You Want Me
“Don’t You Want Me” is a synth-pop song by British band The Human League, released in 1981. The track became a commercial success, reaching number one on both the UK and US charts, and has since become a classic of 1980s pop music. The song tells the story of a waitress who becomes a successful model, but her former lover, a bar manager, is reluctant to let her go. With catchy melodies, driving synths, and memorable lyrics, “Don’t You Want Me” remains an iconic and danceable tune.
2. Tell Me When
“Tell Me When” is another synth-pop hit by The Human League, released in 1994. This track sees the band return to their signature sound with a mix of dance beats, lush synths, and catchy choruses. The song features lead vocalist Phil Oakey’s distinctive voice, and the lyrics speak of a relationship on the rocks, with the protagonist pleading for communication from their partner. “Tell Me When” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in the UK and becoming one of the band’s most popular songs.
3. The Lebanon
“The Lebanon” is a song by the British synth-pop band, The Human League, released in 1984. It is a politically charged track that addresses the conflict and violence in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, where the band had previously performed. The song features a driving beat and dramatic synthesizers, creating an urgent and tense atmosphere that reflects the seriousness of the subject matter. The lyrics are a call for peace and understanding, urging listeners to put aside their differences and work towards a brighter future. “The Lebanon” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK charts, and remains a powerful and relevant statement about the ongoing struggle for peace in the Middle East.
4. Louise
“Louise” is a song by British indie rock band The Human League, released in 1984. The track features a catchy melody, driving percussion, and atmospheric synths, all anchored by lead vocalist Philip Oakey’s distinctive voice. The lyrics speak of a woman named Louise who has moved on from a previous relationship, leaving the protagonist feeling lost and longing for her return. “Louise” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in the UK charts, and remains a popular track among fans of 80s synth-pop.
5. Open Your Heart
“Open Your Heart” is a synth-pop classic by The Human League, released in 1981. The song features a mix of driving synths and percussion, with Philip Oakey’s emotive vocals delivering lyrics about unrequited love and longing. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Oakey imploring the object of his affection to open their heart to him. “Open Your Heart” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK charts and solidifying The Human League’s place as one of the most successful synth-pop acts of the 1980s.
6. Love Action (I Believe In Love)
“Love Action (I Believe in Love)” is a synth-pop hit by British band The Human League, released in 1981. The song features a catchy melody, driving synths, and strong vocals from lead singer Phil Oakey. The lyrics express a message of love and unity, urging people to come together and believe in the power of love. “Love Action (I Believe in Love)” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK charts and solidifying The Human League’s place as one of the leading bands of the 1980s synth-pop movement.
7. Blind Youth
“Blind Youth” is a track from The Human League’s 1980 album “Travelogue”. The song features a minimalist arrangement, with sparse instrumentation and robotic vocals from Phil Oakey. The lyrics express a sense of detachment and disconnection from society, with the protagonist feeling like an outsider looking in on a world they don’t understand. “Blind Youth” showcases The Human League’s experimental side, with its stripped-down production and introspective lyrics, and stands out as a highlight of the “Travelogue” album.
8. The Sound Of The Crowd
“The Sound of the Crowd” is a synth-pop classic by the British band The Human League, released in 1981. The song’s catchy melody and pulsating beat were characteristic of the band’s early sound and helped establish them as one of the leading acts of the genre. The lyrics, written by lead singer Phil Oakey, celebrate the power of unity and togetherness, as the crowd becomes one entity through the shared experience of music and dancing. The song’s use of synthesized sounds, including the iconic Roland CR-78 drum machine, became a defining feature of 80s pop music and cemented The Human League’s place in music history.
9. Being Boiled
“Being Boiled” is an experimental synth-pop song by The Human League, released in 1978. The track features a mix of dissonant guitar riffs, electronic beats, and haunting vocals, which combined to create a sound that was both eerie and compelling. The song’s lyrics explore themes of industrialization and human experimentation, with references to the boiling of vegetables and the boiling of people in scientific experiments. “Being Boiled” marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, which was rooted in punk rock, and signaled the start of their exploration into electronic music. The song remains a cult favorite among fans of synth-pop and experimental music.
10. Human
“Human” is a ballad by The Human League, released in 1986. Unlike the band’s earlier synth-pop hits, “Human” features a stripped-down, acoustic sound, with gentle guitar strumming and emotive vocals from lead singer Phil Oakey. The lyrics explore the complexities of human relationships, particularly the struggle to communicate our innermost thoughts and feelings to one another. The song’s poignant message and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, and “Human” became one of the band’s biggest commercial successes, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Today, it remains a beloved and timeless classic that showcases The Human League’s versatility as a band.
Macey West 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.
