1981 in British Music

The Story of 1981

Synth-pop took over Britain, and the New Romantics made pop glamorous again. The Human League's 'Dare' was the year's defining album – 'Don't You Want Me' was a Christmas number one that became one of the decade's biggest sellers, Phil Oakey and the girls creating a synth-pop classic. Adam and the Ants were the biggest pop star in Britain, 'Prince Charming' and 'Stand and Deliver' blending pirate costumes with Burundi drum beats. Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love' was a cover that became an epic – it spent 43 weeks on the chart, a record. Ultravox's 'Vienna' was magnificent, synth-pop grandeur at its peak. Depeche Mode released 'Speak & Spell', their debut, with Vince Clarke's pop genius. The Specials' 'Ghost Town' was the sound of a nation in crisis – number one as riots erupted across British cities. Britain's cities were burning, and the music reflected it. Bucks Fizz won Eurovision with 'Making Your Mind Up'. Queen were still huge. 1981 was synth-pop's coronation year, and British music felt modern, glossy and forward-looking for the first time since the Sixties.