Human League - Dare

Drafting in Martin Rushent to produce was the master stroke. In 1981 we seemed on the threshold of a brave new world where guitars and drums gathered dust in museums, and the sleeve of 'Dare' proudly lists the technology behind this album; Casio, Korgi, Roland and Linn. And thanks to the Rushent touch the League's tunes were given a gleaming, electronic snap, crackle and pop that catapulted four of the tracks on 'Dare' into the upper reaches of the UK singles chart. The production also made these metronomic tracks perfect for the dancefloor; check out the prickly, punchy, almost military beat of 'The Sound of the Crowd' or the lush sweep and swirling percussion of 'Do or Die'.