LogFAQs > #954216958

217. Soft Cell Tainted Love (1981)
from the album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcyCQLewj10

Key lyrics:
Once I ran to you
Now Ill run from you

Theres something disarmingly simple about the appeal of Tainted Love that makes sense once you realize its a cover of an obscure Gloria Jones song from the 1960s. Lyrically, this is a very standard Motown number, one easily lost in the shuffle. Soft Cell elevate it through prominent synthesizers, transforming the song into one of the first synth-pop mega hits. Heartbroken love songs are a dime a dozen, but few vocalists are as convincing as Marc Almond. The way he shouts Dont touch me, please at the beginning of the outro blows me away.

When I think synth-pop, my mind immediately jumps to frantic energy, but Tainted Love maintains a rather low tempo. The energy of the song is provided by forceful percussion. The song reaches a stylistic peak during the chorus, when the synthesizer draws out the notes, simulating an organ. Yet the beat never drops away, creating a jarring contrast. I have joked before that every upbeat New Wave song with subtly dark lyrics has an indie artist waiting to make a brooding cover, yet Tainted Love proves a perfect example of making that urge work. The original song was never a hit, but Soft Cell dug up a deeper meaning through a new sound.

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My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/