add to wish list | library


11 of 12 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
 
 
 
Label:
  Virgin
Serial:
  SACDV2192
Title:
  The Human League: Dare!
Description:
  "Dare!"

The Human League:
Ian Burden (synthesizer)
Jo Callis (synthesizer)
Joanne Catherall (vocals)
Philip Oakley (vocals, synthesizer)
Susanne Sulley (vocals)
Philip Adrian Wright (slides, occasional synthesizer)
Track listing:
  1. The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
2. Open Your Heart
3. The Sound Of The Crowd
4. Darkness
5. Do Or Die
6. Get Carter
7. I Am The Law
8. Seconds
9. Love Action (I Believe In Love)
10. Don't You Want Me
Genre:
  Pop/Rock
Content:
  Stereo
Media:
  Hybrid
Recording type:
 
Recording info:
  Produced by Martin Rushent and The Human League
Assistent Engineer: Dave Allen
Recorded at Genetic Sound
Remastered by Simon Heyworth at Sanctuary Studios, July/August 2001

delete from library | delete recommendation | report errors
 
Reviews: 3

Review by Marc P April 16, 2003 (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
I wanted this title for as long as I knew it was available. But it took more than I year before I finally bought it.
Dare is probably the most famous album The Human League made. I has the huge hit single “Don’t you want me baby” on it and it’s still a classic song. Other highlights for me are “Open your heart” and “Love Action”.
The sound and sound quality are very 80’s. There doesn’t seem to be a real instrument in sight. Everything on this album (except for the vocals) comes for 80’s keyboards. So don’t expect this album to blow you away sonically and no it’s not a showcase SACD to impress your friend. What it is, is a typically 80’s album which is only interesting when you are a fan.
My performance rating is purely based on my personal taste. And the fact I used to be a big fan.

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no

Review by beardawgs November 20, 2003
Performance:   Sonics:
Basically, you either like this kind of stuff or you don’t. I love it, and can’t get enough of the 80-ties electro pop. This has been one of my all time favourites, and this is the 3rd time I’m buying this title. And it’s getting better and better. The sound is much improved comparing to CD, bass firm and masculine, stereo image focused, vocals clear. My only regret is that they didn’t put more effort in re-mastering and created also the MC mix, as this music would be perfect for surround treatment. Especially the track like ‘Seconds’. But what is on here is more than good for me, so 5 stars all around (sorry, I’m a big HL fan!).

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no

Review by emilsjr July 4, 2003
Performance:   Sonics:
Dare! is often sited as the Human League's best effort. While I like Crash more, this album is a very solid example of the early 80's techno phase. Best known here is "Don't you want me", a very catchy tune that still holds up today.

However, the rest of the album does not fare so well. Most of the album is highlighted by what one of my friends calls "Speak and Spell Tracks". Lots of electronic sounds litter the album. So if this kind of music does not appeal to you, stay way. Time has not been kind to some of the tracks here. However, there are some gems here. In addition to "Don't you want me", "Open Your Heart", "Sound of the crowd" and "Love Action" are the gems. They highlight Phil Oakey's vocals and blend nicely with the female voices. However, this disc will not convert anyone into liking 80's music. If you feel this era was a waste, do not bother to listen.

As for the SACD, it is a slight improvement over the red-book. By no means is this a demo disc. However, bass is tight and compared to the redbook version, the lyrics and electronic noises do sound cleaner. There is a feeling of digital sound to the album, but it is approriate to the material. It is disappointing that the extra tracks from the redbook remaster are not on this disc.

So is it worth the imprt price? If you are a huge Human League fan or an 80's fan, then yes. However, if you just know "Don't you want me", pick up the redbook that includes the complete Love & Dancing album as a bonus.

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no