Soft Cell

Soft Cell avatar image
checked

Get ready to travel back in time to the late 70s and early 80s with the incredible synthpop duo Soft Cell. Consisting of Marc Almond on vocals and David Ball on instruments, their music transported audiences to a world of catchy electronic melodies and dance-worthy beats that still holds up today. They are best known for their iconic hit song "Tainted Love," but there is so much more to this talented group that deserves recognition.

About Soft Cell

Soft Cell is an English synthpop group that formed in 1978, consisting of Marc Almond on vocals and David Ball on various instruments, including synthesizers and keyboards. Almond and Ball first met in 1977 and immediately bonded over a shared love of electronic music and bands like Kraftwerk and David Bowie.

With their distinctive sound and innovative approach to making music, Soft Cell quickly gained a following in the underground music scene. They were signed to Phonogram Records in 1980 and released their debut album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which featured their most well-known song, "Tainted Love."

"Tainted Love" was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, but Soft Cell's version became a massive hit in the UK and Europe in 1981, reaching number one on the UK charts and staying there for a staggering 12 weeks. It also made it to number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, cementing Soft Cell's place in music history.

Soft Cell followed up with more successful albums, including The Art of Falling Apart and This Last Night in Sodom, both of which showcased the duo's talent for blending electronic dance music with poignant lyrics.

Despite achieving worldwide success, Soft Cell disbanded in 1984, with Almond and Ball pursuing solo careers. They reunited in 2001 for a farewell concert, but have since reunited sporadically for live shows and special events.

Throughout their career, Soft Cell's influence on the synthpop genre and electronic music as a whole cannot be overstated. Their catchy melodies, unique sound, and innovative production techniques have influenced countless artists in the decades since their debut, proving that Soft Cell's legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

So if you're looking for a trip down memory lane or just want to discover the origins of electronic music, Soft Cell is the perfect band to start with. Their music is still just as relevant and exciting as it was when they first burst onto the scene in 1978.