Album dossier / 1981
Dare!
The Human League · Synth-pop
Recorded March-September 1981 at producer Martin Rushent's Genetic Sound Studios after founding members Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh departed, songs were built up from simple Linn LM-1 drum-machine patterns, each track taking about a week to construct. Frontman Philip Oakey initially hated 'Don't You Want Me' and buried it as the last track on side two, but Virgin insisted on releasing it as a single; it became the 1981 Christmas #1 in the UK and a US #1 in 1982, credited by Rolling Stone with helping spark the 'Second British Invasion.' Dare topped the UK Albums Chart, stayed on the chart 71 weeks, and won Rushent the 1982 Brit Award for Best British Producer.
Record facts
- Label
- Virgin
- Producer
- Martin Rushent, The Human League
- Chart peak
- #1 UK, #3 US Billboard 200
- Notable tracks
- Don't You Want Me
- Love Action (I Believe in Love)
- Open Your Heart
Artist & discography
Campaign & landing routes
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Source register
en.wikipedia.org, https://www.banquetrecords.com/the-human-league/dare%21/5345449, officialcharts.com, soundonsound.com · cover art: coverartarchive.org
Last enriched: 2026-08-20