Top 20 Spandau Ballet Songs: The Ultimate Playlist

Spandau Ballet, the iconic 1980s New Romantic band, left an undeniable mark on music history. Their blend of sophisticated pop, soulful vocals, and undeniably catchy melodies captivated a generation, and continues to resonate with listeners today. But with such a rich catalogue, where do you even begin? This is where our definitive list of the best songs of Spandau Ballet comes in. Whether you're a longtime fan reliving the magic or a newcomer discovering their timeless appeal, this curated selection will transport you back to the era of big hair, bold fashion, and unforgettable tunes. We'll explore the tracks that defined their career, examining their songwriting prowess, the impact of their unique sound, and ultimately, what makes these songs still so incredibly popular. Get ready to rediscover the magic—and maybe even find some new favorites—as we dive into the very best of Spandau Ballet's impressive discography.

Top 20 Spandau Ballet Songs: The Ultimate Playlist
SongAlbumListens
1. True Billy Idol 270M+
2. Gold37M+
3. Through the Barricades31M+
4. Only When You Leave16M+
5. I'll Fly for You8M+
6. To Cut a Long Story Short6M+
7. Round and Round4M+

1. True

Catchy Melody: "True" boasts an instantly memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the 80s synth-pop sound, making it an undeniable earworm.

Gary Kemp's Vocals: Kemp's smooth, emotive vocals deliver the lyrics with heartfelt conviction, adding a layer of vulnerability to the upbeat tempo.

Enduring Popularity: Its timeless appeal and continued presence in popular culture solidify "True" as a quintessential Spandau Ballet track and a highlight of the 80s music scene.

True - Spandau Ballet

2. Gold - 1983

Catchy Melody: "Gold" boasts an instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy melody that perfectly encapsulates the 80s synth-pop sound.

Iconic Synth Line: The song's iconic synth line is both memorable and instantly evocative of a specific era, contributing to its lasting appeal.

Nostalgic Vibe: Its blend of upbeat energy and romantic lyrics makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking to relive the sounds and feelings of the 1980s.

Gold - Spandau Ballet

3. Through the Barricades (1986)

Power Ballad Prowess: "Through the Barricades" showcases Spandau Ballet's mastery of the power ballad, perfectly balancing soaring vocals with a driving rhythm.

Emotional Resonance: The song's passionate lyrics and heartfelt delivery create a deeply emotional experience, resonating with listeners on a personal level.

Enduring Appeal: Its timeless melody and relatable themes of love and overcoming obstacles have ensured its continued popularity among Spandau Ballet fans and beyond.

Through the Barricades - Spandau Ballet

4. Only When You Leave (1984)

Catchy Melody: "Only When You Leave" boasts an instantly memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of loss and longing, making it a quintessential Spandau Ballet track.

Emotional Resonance: The song's evocative lyrics and soaring vocals create a powerful emotional impact, resonating with listeners who have experienced heartbreak or separation.

Synth-Pop Perfection: The track showcases Spandau Ballet's signature 80s synth-pop sound at its finest, with a polished production that stands the test of time.

Only When You Leave - Spandau Ballet

5. I'll Fly for You

Synth-driven melody: "I'll Fly for You" showcases Spandau Ballet's signature 80s synth-pop sound, a driving force behind their popularity.

Gary Kemp's vocals: Kemp's emotive vocals deliver a powerful performance, conveying both vulnerability and determination.

Uplifting energy: The song's infectious rhythm and optimistic lyrics create an undeniably uplifting and memorable listening experience, perfectly fitting for any Spandau Ballet best-of compilation.

I'll Fly for You - Spandau Ballet

6. To Cut a Long Story Short

Catchy Melody: "To Cut a Long Story Short" boasts an instantly memorable melody, a hallmark of Spandau Ballet's signature sound, making it incredibly earwormy and instantly recognizable.

Synth-Pop Perfection: The song perfectly encapsulates the 80s synth-pop sound, with its driving bassline and shimmering synths creating an irresistible groove.

Gary Kemp's Vocals: Kemp's smooth vocals deliver the lyrics with effortless cool, adding to the song's overall sophisticated yet undeniably catchy appeal.

To Cut a Long Story Short - Spandau Ballet

7. Round and Round - 1984

Catchy Melody: "Round and Round" boasts an instantly memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the upbeat energy of Spandau Ballet's signature sound.

Synth-Pop Perfection: The song showcases the band's mastery of the synth-pop genre, with its driving rhythms and shimmering synths creating an irresistible dance groove.

Enduring Appeal: Its timeless quality ensures "Round and Round" remains a beloved classic amongst Spandau Ballet fans and continues to resonate with new listeners.

Round and Round - Spandau Ballet

8. Lifeline (Spandau Ballet)

Catchy Melody: Lifeline boasts a memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the 80s synth-pop sound, making it instantly recognizable and highly singable.

Gary Kemp's Vocals: Kemp's distinctive vocals are at their best here, conveying both vulnerability and strength, adding emotional depth to the song's uplifting message.

Nostalgic Vibe: This track evokes a potent sense of nostalgia for the era, solidifying its place as a classic within Spandau Ballet's discography and the broader 80s landscape.

Lifeline - Spandau Ballet

9. Be Free With Your Love - 1989

Be Free With Your Love

Catchy Melody: The instantly memorable melody of "Be Free With Your Love" is a hallmark of Spandau Ballet's signature sound, making it instantly recognizable and enjoyable.

Romantic Lyricism: The lyrics explore themes of love and liberation with a heartfelt sincerity that resonates deeply.

Synth-Pop Excellence: This track perfectly encapsulates the band's mastery of the synth-pop genre, showcasing their innovative use of synthesizers and production techniques.

Be Free With Your Love - Spandau Ballet

10. Highly Strung

Catchy Melody: "Highly Strung" boasts an instantly memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of Spandau Ballet's sound.

Synth-driven Production: The song's distinctive synth lines are a hallmark of their 80s new romantic style, contributing to its timeless appeal.

Vocal Performance: Tony Hadley's powerful vocals shine, delivering the emotional core of the song with effortless charisma.

Highly Strung - Spandau Ballet
  • Chant No. 1
    11

    Chant No. 1

    Spandau Ballet

    1981

  • Once More
    12

    Once More

    Spandau Ballet

    2009

  • Communication
    13

    Communication

    Spandau Ballet

    1983

  • Instinction
    14

    Instinction

    Spandau Ballet

    1982

  • Musclebound
    15

    Musclebound

    Spandau Ballet

    1981

  • She Loved Like Diamond
    16

    She Loved Like Diamond

    Spandau Ballet

    1982

  • How Many Lies?
    17

    How Many Lies?

    Spandau Ballet

    1986

  • Paint Me Down
    18

    Paint Me Down

    Spandau Ballet

    1981

  • With the Pride
    19

    With the Pride

    Spandau Ballet

    1984

  • Pleasure
    20

    Pleasure

    Spandau Ballet

    1982