"Reproduction" is the debut album by The Human League, featuring nine tracks that blend electronic and synthpop with elements of industrial music. Recorded over six weeks at the band's studio in Sheffield, the album was co-produced by Colin Thurston, known for his work on notable recordings like Iggy Pop's Lust for Life and Magazine's Secondhand Daylight, as well as producing many hit albums in the 1980s, particularly for Duran Duran. The album also includes a cover of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," originally a hit for The Righteous Brothers in 1964.
The album cover depicts the feet of a man and two women standing over several naked babies. This concept was initially suggested by the band, but Martyn Ware noted that the art department misinterpreted their vision. They had wanted an image resembling a glass dancefloor in a nightclub, with a lit room full of babies beneath it, creating a dystopian atmosphere. Instead, the final design made it look as though the figures were stepping on the babies, which upset the band, but by that time, it was too late to make changes.
Commercially, Reproduction struggled upon its initial release in October 1979 but saw a resurgence nearly two years later when it was reissued in August 1981. It achieved a Silver disc by the end of that year and peaked at number 34 in early 1982, spending a total of 23 weeks in the album chart and eventually being certified Gold by the BPI in 1988.
The only single from the album, "Empire State Human," initially failed to chart but was re-released in June 1980 alongside a free single from the band's second album, Travelogue, reaching number 62. The band's earlier single, "Being Boiled," was not included in the original album but was added as a bonus track on all CD releases from the late 1980s. Additionally, a re-recorded version of the B-side "Circus of Death" was featured on the album.
