This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Spandau Ballet's "Through the Barricades"

One of England's original synth pop New Romantic outfits, Spandau Ballet enjoyed limited American success during the mid '80s, notching only one Top 10 pop hit in the popular but also quite worthy "True." However, the group dominated the decade in its native U.K., producing some of the most memorable electronic tunes and smoky, melodic bits of neo-soul of the era. With its first tour in 20 years set to begin in Europe later this fall, Spandau Ballet has arrived late to the retro reunion party, but the band has re-emerged on its own terms.

Specifically, the original lineup will release a single, "Once More," in November, and then a full album of original material with the same title will follow early next year. So what better occasion could we have than now to celebrate a lesser-known Spandau Ballet classic? The lovely, acoustic guitar-driven "Through the Barricades" became the band's final Top 10 U.K. single in 1986, and although it deviates somewhat from the typically danceable Spandau Ballet sound, the song offers yet another rich and romantic vocal performance from frontman Tony Hadley.

• Sample or download "Through the Barricades" here.
• Compare prices on Spandau Ballet CDs here.
• Spandau Ballet Official Website

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Capitol