The Human League - The Sound Of The Crowd 12''

The Human League were deemed all but dead when the ‘musicians’ left to form Heaven 17. So, perhaps subconsciously acknowledging that all the best pop groups of the time – Abba, Chic, Fleetwood Mac – had two women in their line-ups, Oakey went down to his local nightclub and recruited Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley, initially pissing off the Electro purists. They were followed by another new member, Ian Burden, who was actually a musician. That new line-up, helped by the production of Martin Rushent, made “The Sound of the Crowd”, which became the band’s first top 20 hit in spring 1981. The combination of drum machine and shards of vocal heralded the way, and the Human League were finally a viable hit-making machine.

The 12-inch release of "The Sound of the Crowd" is often cited as the definitive turning point for The Human League, capturing the exact moment they evolved from avant-garde synth experimenters into pop icons. Recorded just before producer Martin Rushent introduced the LinnDrum, the track relies on a more primitive, "clunky" synthetic percussion that gives it a raw, industrial edge compared to the polished versions found on Dare. This version is celebrated for its cavernous "dubspace" mixing, where the heavy, driving bassline and Ian Burden’s rhythmic work are pushed to the forefront, creating a club-ready atmosphere that sounds remarkably modern even decades later.

Clocking in at over six minutes, the 12-inch mix allows the track's repetitive, hypnotic energy to breathe in a way the radio edit cannot. Phil Oakey’s vocals, backed by the then-new additions of Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall, create a stark, stylish contrast against the minimalist electronic backdrop. Critics and collectors frequently point to this specific pressing as a masterclass in early 80s synth-pop production, offering a grit and intensity that perfectly encapsulates the transition from the band's darker roots to their eventual global domination.

Ripped to MP3 for your enjoyment

The Human League; The Sound Of The Crowd 12”

A.     The Sound Of The Crowd (Complete)

B.     The Sound Of The Crowd (Instrumental)