Album Info
| Artist: | Spandau Ballet |
| Album: | Diamond |
| Released: | Australia, 1982 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Chant No 1 | 4:05 |
| A2 | Instinction | 4:48 |
| A3 | Paint Me Down | 3:44 |
| A4 | Coffee Club | 5:30 |
| B1 | She Loved Like Diamond | 2:55 |
| B2 | Pharaoh | 6:35 |
| B3 | Innocence And Science | 4:15 |
| B4 | Missionary | 7:15 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Details
Visually Graded Record: |
EXC |
Visually Graded Sleeve: |
EXC |
Catalogue #: |
L 37779 |
Format: |
LP Vinyl Record |
Genre(s): |
Electronic, Synth-pop |
Description
Spandau Ballet's "Diamond," released in 1982, is the band's second studio album and represents a key moment in their evolution, blending post-punk, new wave, and blue-eyed soul into a distinctive sound that would come to define their early career. This album, following their debut "Journeys to Glory," showcases a more experimental and eclectic approach, highlighting the band's willingness to explore different musical styles and textures.
"Diamond" is notable for its ambitious production and the inclusion of a variety of musical influences, from funk and jazz to synth-pop and soul. The opening track, "Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)," exemplifies this blend, combining a funky bassline, brass section, and Tony Hadley's powerful vocals to create a danceable and sophisticated sound that was somewhat atypical for British bands at the time.
The album's title track, "Diamond," further showcases Spandau Ballet's experimental approach, with its atmospheric synthesizers and intricate rhythms. The song's production, featuring layers of sound and a somewhat avant-garde structure, reflects the band's artistic ambitions and their desire to push beyond the boundaries of the typical pop song.
"Innocence and Science" and "She Loved Like Diamond" explore more introspective themes, with the band employing a softer, more melodic approach. These tracks highlight the versatility of Hadley's voice and the band's ability to craft songs that are emotionally resonant and musically rich.
The production of "Diamond," led by Richard James Burgess, who had also produced their debut album, is characterized by its innovative use of electronic instruments and studio effects. The album's sound is a testament to the creative synergy between the band and Burgess, whose experimental production techniques helped to realize Spandau Ballet's artistic vision.
Critically, "Diamond" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some praising the band's bold experimentation and others feeling that the album's eclectic nature lacked coherence. Despite these critiques, the album's standout tracks, particularly "Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)," were recognized for their innovative sound and strong melodies.
Commercially, "Diamond" solidified Spandau Ballet's position as one of the leading bands in the New Romantic movement, with the album achieving commercial success in the UK and Europe. The success of singles like "Chant No. 1" helped to broaden the band's audience and established them as a major act in the early 80s music scene.
In retrospect, "Diamond" is seen as a crucial album in Spandau Ballet's discography, marking a period of creative exploration and growth. The album's fusion of genres and its ambitious production set the stage for the band's later successes and their transition towards a more mainstream pop sound. "Diamond" remains a fascinating snapshot of Spandau Ballet's early years, showcasing their willingness to experiment and their ability to create music that was both innovative and accessible.
