Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Welcome To The Pleasuredome (2LP) - VG+/VG+

Frankie Goes To Hollywood's debut album, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome," was released on October 29, 1984, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a bold statement that encapsulates the vibrant and often tumultuous spirit of the 1980s. With its mix of pop, rock, and dance music, it pushed boundaries both musically and thematically, addressing topics like sexuality, war, and hedonism in a way that was both provocative and celebratory.

From the very first track, the title song "Welcome to the Pleasuredome," listeners are thrust into a world of euphoric beats and lush production. The song is an epic journey, clocking in at over 13 minutes, and it showcases the band’s ambition and flair for the dramatic. The lyrics, filled with double entendres and vivid imagery, invite listeners to escape into a realm of pleasure and excess. It’s a perfect introduction to the album’s overarching themes.

One of the standout tracks is undoubtedly "Relax," which became a massive hit and is often regarded as one of the defining songs of the decade. The song's infectious beat and controversial lyrics led to it being banned by the BBC upon its release, which only fueled its popularity. The iconic line "Relax, don’t do it" became a rallying cry for a generation, and the song's success helped solidify Frankie Goes To Hollywood as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The accompanying music video, filled with provocative imagery, further cemented the band's reputation for pushing societal norms.

The album also features the powerful ballad "The Power of Love," which showcases the band’s versatility. This track, with its sweeping orchestration and heartfelt lyrics, became another chart-topping hit and is often seen as a love anthem of the era. It’s interesting to note that "The Power of Love" was later covered by several artists, including Jennifer Rush and Celine Dion, highlighting its lasting impact.

Critically, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" received a mixed but generally positive reception. Major publications like NME and Rolling Stone praised its ambition and the band’s unique sound, while others were more critical of its excesses. However, the album has since been re-evaluated and is now often celebrated as a classic of the 1980s. It was nominated for several awards, including a Brit Award for Best British Album, and it has been included in numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time.

The production of the album is noteworthy as well. Produced by Trevor Horn, known for his work with The Buggles and Yes, the album features lush arrangements and innovative soundscapes that were ahead of their time. Horn’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, with layers of synthesizers, strings, and percussion creating a rich auditory experience. The album’s production quality was a significant factor in its success and has influenced countless artists in the years since.

On a personal note, many fans of the band have shared how the album resonated with them during their formative years. The themes of liberation and self-expression struck a chord, especially during a time when the LGBTQ+ community was fighting for visibility and rights. Frankie Goes To Hollywood became icons not just for their music but for their unapologetic embrace of sexuality and identity.

In conclusion, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" is more than just an album; it’s a cultural artifact that captures the essence of the 1980s. Its bold themes, memorable hits, and groundbreaking production make it a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of pop music. Whether you’re revisiting it or experiencing it for the first time, the album invites you to indulge in its pleasures and revel in its audacity. It’s a timeless piece of art that continues to inspire and provoke thought, making it a true classic.