Breathe: The Sophisti-Pop Sound of British New Wave

Breathe was a British pop rock band that emerged from the vibrant 1980s music scene. The group is best known for a series of smooth, soul-inflected hits that achieved significant international chart success, particularly in the United States.

Early Career

Formed in London in the mid-1980s, Breathe consisted of lead singer David Glasper, his brother Michael on bass, and keyboardist Ian Spice. The band's sound was shaped by the era's new wave and sophisti-pop movements, blending melodic pop with polished production and soulful vocals. They were signed by a major label, positioning them for a run at the charts.

Breakthrough

Breathe's breakthrough came in 1987 with the release of their debut album, All That Jazz. The album's lead single became a slow-burning hit, establishing their signature sound of accessible pop rock with a sophisticated, adult-oriented edge. This success was solidified over the following years as subsequent singles from the album climbed charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Key Tracks

Hands to Heaven - This atmospheric ballad became the band's signature song, a major international hit that defined their soulful pop style.

How Can I Fall? - Another successful single that followed a similar formula, showcasing David Glasper's emotive vocals and the group's polished production.

Don't Tell Me Lies - A track that highlighted the band's ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly pop rock with a sleek 1980s sheen.

Breathe released a second album, Peace of Mind, in 1990, which continued their run of melodic pop singles. While the musical landscape was shifting with the arrival of grunge and alternative rock, the band's music maintained its core audience. After this period, Breathe's activity slowed, and the members eventually pursued other projects, leaving behind a catalog of quintessential late-80s sophisti-pop.

Fans of Breathe's smooth, melodic approach may also enjoy the work of similar artists from the UK scene. The Style Council offered a more jazz-influenced take on sophisticated pop. Simply Red shared a strong soul and R&B foundation in their pop music. Johnny Hates Jazz operated in the same polished, studio-crafted sophisti-pop realm. Go West also delivered sleek, soul-tinged pop rock during the same era.

The music of Breathe remains a staple on classic hits and adult contemporary radio formats, often featured in retrospectives of 1980s pop. Their tracks are regularly included in programming that celebrates the melodic and polished side of the new wave era.

Listeners can discover the sophisticated pop sound of Breathe through the radio stations featured on our website, where their classic hits are part of the regular music rotation.