"Through the Barricades" is the fifth studio album by Spandau Ballet, released on November 17, 1986, by CBS Records. This album marked a significant shift for the English new wave band, as they sought to reinvent their sound and reshape public perceptions about their music following the success of their 1983 hit "True" and the challenges they faced in the U.S. market.
Spandau Ballet's success in the early '80s was marked by their blend of sophisticated pop and new wave, with "True" being a standout track that defined their commercial success. The song became a massive hit in the U.S., but Gary Kemp, the band's primary songwriter and lead guitarist, was aware that the softer, more polished sound of True might pigeonhole the band into a specific genre and limit their creative freedom. He wanted to prove that Spandau Ballet were more than just a pop band with a smooth sound and sought to reclaim their identity as a "rock band."
Kemp also wanted to address what he felt were misconceptions about the band after "True" and its softer hits like "Gold." He was keen on capturing the raw energy of their live performances in the studio, something they had struggled with in previous albums. He described their efforts on Through the Barricades as trying to “replicate the sound of our live performance,” a challenge they had previously failed to achieve on Parade (1984).
The band's departure from Chrysalis Records was another major development. While they had enjoyed success in Europe, Spandau Ballet's fortunes in the U.S. had waned. After a legal battle with their former label, which they felt had not supported them properly in the U.S., the band signed with CBS Records in 1986. This new beginning allowed them more creative freedom but also placed additional pressure on them to prove themselves.
Through the Barricades was largely shaped by Kemp's desire to take the band in a more rock-oriented direction, which was influenced by his time spent in Dublin during 1985. Kemp spent months writing songs in Dublin, during which time he socialized with members of Def Leppard, whose arena rock style influenced the band's approach to the album. Kemp explained, “People are sick of sitting at home watching pretty people in videos. They want to get out of their homes and be part of it.” This sentiment was reflected in the album's robust, more arena-friendly sound.
The band worked with Gary Langan, a renowned producer and engineer who had worked with Art of Noise, ABC, and Billy Idol, among others. Langan’s influence helped them achieve the “meatier” sound they were looking for, one that would better suit their live performances. Their collaboration with Langan began with the single "Fight for Ourselves," which was produced and recorded in Munich at Musicland Studios. After the success of that track, the band decided to continue with Langan as their co-producer for the entire album.
Kemp was confident that Through the Barricades captured the energy of their live shows, stating that the album's sound was “raw” and reflected their true capabilities as musicians. The band was eager to shed their image as “posers” and to prove that they were a band that could play their instruments with skill and passion.
The title track, “Through the Barricades,” is emblematic of the album’s overarching themes of overcoming adversity and battling against external perceptions. The song itself addresses struggles within a relationship, but the broader metaphor is also about fighting against the constraints and expectations placed upon the band. It was chosen as the album’s title because it symbolized both the personal and professional battles the band faced, especially in terms of how they were perceived in the wake of their earlier success.
Musically, the album represented a departure from the smoother, more polished sound of True. Instead, the band embraced a more guitar-driven, rock-infused style, which included elements of arena rock and synthesizer-based soundscapes. The songs incorporated a mix of catchy pop hooks, dramatic ballads, and anthemic rock choruses. Spandau Ballet sought a balance between their new rock-oriented approach and their roots in the new wave movement.
Upon release, Through the Barricades achieved commercial success in the UK, reaching number seven on the UK Albums Chart and going platinum with sales of 300,000 units. However, the album received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom criticized the production or songwriting. Despite this, the album’s title track "Through the Barricades" was a hit, reaching number six on the UK singles chart, while the other singles—"Fight for Ourselves" and "Swept"—both failed to achieve significant chart success.
The album’s success in the UK, however, did not translate to the U.S., where the band still struggled to regain the traction they had lost after the success of "True." The label’s slow rollout of singles in the U.S. contributed to the band's frustration with their lack of exposure there. Despite this, Through the Barricades is often viewed as the band’s attempt to regain their rock credibility, with Kemp later calling it their "best album" due to the raw energy and improved chemistry between the band members during its recording.
Although the album marked a return to form for Spandau Ballet in the UK, it also marked the beginning of internal tensions within the band. Members were approached during the making of Through the Barricades about pursuing acting careers, which would eventually contribute to the band’s breakup after the release of Heart Like a Sky (1989). The album’s shift towards a more mature sound and its themes of fighting against expectations would become a fitting prelude to the band’s eventual dissolution.
Despite its mixed critical reception at the time, Through the Barricades remains a fan favorite and a significant part of Spandau Ballet’s discography. The album marked the band's attempt to break free from the constraints of their earlier image and reinvent themselves as a more rock-oriented group. It remains an important document of the band's evolution and of their struggle to prove themselves in the face of changing musical tastes and industry challenges. The success of "Through the Barricades" as a single and the album's enduring popularity demonstrate its place in the band's legacy as a turning point in their sound and career.
