"Liverpool" is the second and final studio album by British band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, released in October 1986. Produced by Stephen Lipson and mixed by Trevor Horn, the album marks a significant shift to a heavy rock sound, differing greatly from the synth dance style of their debut, Welcome to the Pleasuredome. This change in musical direction led to tension within the band during the recording sessions.
Critically, the album received mixed reviews and was considered a commercial disappointment compared to its predecessor. Despite this, it managed to reach number 5 in the UK and saw modest success in other markets. The lead single, "Rage Hard," peaked at number 5 in the UK and hit number 1 in Germany. Liverpool would be the band's last album, as lead singer Holly Johnson left the group shortly after its release, amidst a series of lawsuits from ZTT Records.
During the recording, Johnson became increasingly distant and unhappy with the rock-oriented direction of the album. He was reportedly preoccupied with the illness of his boyfriend, Wolfgang Kuhle, which contributed to his lack of engagement. This led to speculation among band members about his commitment to the group. They considered recruiting a new singer, even reaching out to Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, but ultimately Johnson completed the album.
The production saw a push for the band to play their own instruments, contrasting with the previous album's reliance on session musicians. The album's mixing was costly, leading the band into significant debt; they needed to sell over a million copies just to start seeing profits.
Musically, Liverpool features a heavier rock sound and was released with different cover art for various formats. Despite the mixed reception, it produced several singles, including "Warriors of the Wasteland" and "Watching the Wildlife." By March 1988, the album had sold around 800,000 copies. In June 2011, a 2xCD reissue was released, featuring session recordings, mixes, and covers of songs by David Bowie, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones.
