Godley: The Art-Rock and Pop Innovator

Godley is the creative partnership of English musicians Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, best known for their pioneering work in music video and art-pop. The duo first gained fame as members of the band 10cc before launching a distinct career marked by inventive studio techniques and conceptual ambition.

Early career

Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, both born in 1945 in Manchester, England, began their musical journey together in the 1960s. They were founding members of the quirky art-pop band 10cc in 1972, contributing significantly to hits like "Rubber Bullets" and "I'm Not in Love" as musicians, singers, and co-writers.

Their tenure in 10cc lasted until 1976, when they departed to focus on developing the "Gizmotron", a guitar attachment they invented. This device, which created orchestral-like sustain, became central to the sound of their first project as a duo.

Breakthrough

Godley & Creme's breakthrough as a separate act came with their ambitious 1977 triple album Consequences. While commercially challenging, the project showcased their experimental zeal. True mainstream success followed in 1981 with the single "Under Your Thumb", which reached the UK Top 10.

Their 1985 album The History Mix Volume 1 and its single "Cry" became a global smash. The track's innovative, morphing music video received heavy rotation on MTV, propelling the song to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving gold certification in the United States.

Key tracks

Under Your Thumb — This 1981 synth-pop hit marked their first major chart success as a duo, reaching number 3 in the UK.

Cry — A worldwide hit in 1985, famous for its groundbreaking video and seamless morphing effects that defined the music video era.

Wedding Bells — A 1981 UK Top 10 single that solidified their post-10cc pop credentials with its catchy melody and polished production.

An Englishman in New York — Their 1980 single, not to be confused with the Sting song, demonstrated their early adoption of New Wave and electronic textures.

Throughout the 1980s, Godley & Creme became as renowned for their directing as for their music. They directed iconic music videos for acts like The Police ("Every Breath You Take"), Frankie Goes to Hollywood ("Two Tribes"), and Duran Duran ("Girls on Film"), winning numerous MTV Video Music Awards.

Their final studio album together was 1988's Goodbye Blue Sky. After this, they focused almost exclusively on their highly successful directing career, though they occasionally reunited with 10cc for performances in later decades.

Fans of Godley's clever songwriting and art-rock sensibilities should also explore the work of 10cc, their original band known for complex pop craftsmanship. The Police share a similar blend of pop appeal with musical sophistication, for whom Godley & Creme directed videos. Peter Gabriel parallels their interest in visual artistry and sonic experimentation. Talking Heads also explored the intersection of conceptual art, rhythm, and accessible New Wave pop.

The innovative pop and rock of Godley maintains a steady presence on radio stations that celebrate the 1980s and art-rock. Classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations frequently include "Cry" and "Under Your Thumb" in their rotations, recognizing the duo's unique place in music history.

Listeners can discover the inventive catalog of Godley on the radio stations featured on our website. Tune into the classic rock and retro pop stations available on onairium.com to hear their pioneering blend of visual artistry and memorable songwriting.