The Communards: 1980s Synth-Pop and Hi-NRG Pioneers
The Communards were a British synth-pop duo active in the mid-1980s, best known for their vibrant dance covers and politically charged original songs. Formed by Jimmy Somerville and Richard Coles, the group achieved major commercial success with their version of "Don't Leave Me This Way," which became one of the best-selling singles of 1986 in the UK.
Early Career
The duo formed in London in 1985 after the dissolution of Jimmy Somerville's previous band, Bronski Beat. Pianist and classically trained musician Richard Coles partnered with Somerville's distinctive falsetto, creating a sound that blended synth-pop with hi-NRG and disco influences. Their self-titled debut album, The Communards, was released in 1986 on London Records, introducing their energetic and socially conscious style.
Breakthrough
The Communards' breakthrough arrived in late 1986 with their cover of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes classic "Don't Leave Me This Way," featuring vocalist Sarah Jane Morris. The single spent four weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart and became a massive hit across Europe. This success propelled their debut album to platinum sales status in the UK, cementing their place in the 1980s pop landscape.
Key Tracks
Don't Leave Me This Way - This hi-NRG cover became the duo's signature hit, topping the UK chart for four weeks and defining the sound of 1986.
Never Can Say Goodbye - Their earlier 1985 cover of the Gloria Gaynor and Jackson 5 hit showcased their disco revival style and reached the UK Top 5.
So Cold the Night - A successful original synth-pop single from their first album, which peaked at number 8 in the UK.
For a Friend - A poignant and heartfelt original song from their 1987 album Red, addressing the AIDS crisis.
There's More to Love - A track exemplifying their later, more ambitious songwriting and orchestral arrangements on their final album.
The duo released their second album, Red, in 1987, which continued their chart success with singles like "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "For a Friend." Despite their popularity, The Communards disbanded in 1988 after just two studio albums, as Jimmy Somerville pursued a solo career. Their music remains a vibrant snapshot of 1980s dance-pop, noted for its unapologetic energy and alignment with LGBTQ+ communities and social causes.
Fans of The Communards' brand of 1980s synth-pop and dance music might also enjoy the work of Bronski Beat, Jimmy Somerville's earlier group which explored similar thematic and musical territory. The anthemic hi-NRG style can be heard in the music of Dead Or Alive, another act that dominated the 80s dance charts. For the distinctive falsetto vocal style, listeners can explore Erasure, a duo that also mastered synth-pop during the same era. The political queer pop sensibility is shared by the later group Frankie Goes To Hollywood.
