Album Info
| Artist: | Spandau Ballet |
| Album: | Through The Barricades |
| Released: | Australia, 1986 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Barricades - Introduction | 1:16 |
| A2 | Cross The Line | 4:09 |
| A3 | Man In Chains | 5:35 |
| A4 | How Many Lies? | 5:20 |
| A5 | Virgin | 4:21 |
| B1 | Fight For Ourselves | 4:20 |
| B2 | Swept | 5:50 |
| B3 | Snakes And Lovers | 4:30 |
| B4 | Through The Barricades | 5:55 |
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!
Description
Spandau Ballet's "Through the Barricades," released in 1986, stands as a poignant and mature work in the band's discography, marking a significant shift towards more introspective and politically charged themes. This album, coming after their initial burst of success in the early 80s, showcases the band's evolution from their New Romantic roots to a more refined pop and rock sound, underscored by thoughtful lyricism and emotive melodies.
The title track, "Through the Barricades," is a powerful ballad that serves as the album's centerpiece. The song's narrative, centered around a Romeo and Juliet-like love story set against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, showcases lead singer Tony Hadley's commanding vocal presence and the band's ability to craft songs that resonate on a deeply emotional level. The track's poignant lyrics, combined with its sweeping melody and Gary Kemp's heartfelt guitar solo, make it one of Spandau Ballet's most enduring and beloved songs.
Another highlight of the album, "How Many Lies," continues the theme of introspection and social commentary, with the band questioning the political and personal truths that define our lives. The song's sophisticated arrangement and the band's polished performance underscore the maturity and depth that characterizes much of "Through the Barricades."
"Fight for Ourselves" stands out as an anthem of self-empowerment and resistance, featuring an infectious chorus and a driving rhythm that showcases the band's ability to blend rock and pop elements seamlessly. The song's energetic tempo and uplifting message contrast with the album's more reflective tracks, highlighting the band's versatility.
The production of "Through the Barricades," handled by Gary Langan and the band, is notable for its clarity and depth, allowing the emotional weight of the songs and the intricacies of the arrangements to shine through. The album's sound, while still featuring the signature Spandau Ballet polish, leans towards a more organic and rock-oriented approach, reflecting the band's growth and the changing musical landscape of the mid-80s.
Critically, "Through the Barricades" was well-received, with many praising the band's songwriting and the emotional depth of the tracks. The album's exploration of more mature themes, coupled with its refined musical direction, was seen as a successful evolution for Spandau Ballet, showcasing their ability to adapt and grow as artists.
Commercially, the album achieved success, particularly in Europe, with the title track becoming one of the band's most significant hits. The album's commercial performance solidified Spandau Ballet's status as one of the leading bands of the 1980s, capable of delivering both commercially successful and artistically meaningful work.
In retrospect, "Through the Barricades" is regarded as a highlight in Spandau Ballet's career, representing a period of artistic sophistication and emotional depth. The album's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend memorable pop melodies with meaningful lyrics, making it a testament to the band's legacy and their contribution to the music of the 1980s.
