Cruelty Without Beauty
Soft Cell · 2002
54 min · 12 tracks · new wave · synth-pop · post-punk
A blend of brooding synths and melancholic melodies, echoing themes of isolation and societal disconnection.
Cruelty Without Beauty is an album by Soft Cell, released in 2002. A blend of brooding synths and melancholic melodies, echoing themes of isolation and societal disconnection. The album was well-received, peaking at number 27 on the UK Albums Chart and showcasing a resurgence of interest in Synth-pop and Dark Wave music during the early 2000s. It was praised for its lyrical depth and production quality, solidifying Soft Cell's legacy in the genre and influencing a new generation of electronic artists. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cruelty Without Beauty sound like?
A blend of brooding synths and melancholic melodies, echoing themes of isolation and societal disconnection. Rooted in new wave and synth-pop.
What makes Cruelty Without Beauty by Soft Cell notable?
The album was well-received, peaking at number 27 on the UK Albums Chart and showcasing a resurgence of interest in Synth-pop and Dark Wave music during the early 2000s. It was praised for its lyrical depth and production quality, solidifying Soft Cell's legacy in the genre and influencing a new generation of electronic artists. Released in 2002, 'Cruelty Without Beauty' marked Soft Cell's first studio album in over 15 years since their previous record, 'This Last Night in Sodom' (1984). At this point, Marc Almond and David Ball sought to revive their signature sound while addressing contemporary issues, situating the album as an artistic reinvention for the duo.
How many songs are on Cruelty Without Beauty?
Cruelty Without Beauty has 12 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Darker Times 4:25
- 2 Monoculture Standout 3:55
- 3 Le Grand Guignol Standout 4:14
- 4 The Night 4:16
- 5 Last Chance 4:30
- 6 Together Alone Standout 5:46
- 7 Desperate 4:45
- 8 Whatever It Takes 4:37
- 9 All Out of Love 4:59
- 10 Sensation Nation 4:05
- 11 Caligula Syndrome 4:51
- 12 On an Up 4:26
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