Released 47 years ago this October
Empire State Human
The Human League · 1979
6 min · 2 tracks · electronic music
Synth-driven soundscapes merge with theatrical vocals, embodying a futuristic yet introspective exploration of identity and society.
Top tracks — play these first
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Empire State Human — This track encapsulates the band's vision of urban alienation and identity through a blend of synthetic textures and provocative lyrics, setting the tone for the album.
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Introducing — The opening track serves as a manifesto of sorts, showcasing The Human League's avant-garde style while inviting listeners into their experimental sound world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases early synth-pop elements with a unique blend of theatrical vocals and experimental instrumentation.
What we noticed
- The title track features a steady, pulsating synth bassline that drives the rhythm while layered synth melodies create a rich soundscape.
- Vocals are delivered in a theatrical style, with spoken word elements interspersed throughout the tracks, enhancing the narrative quality.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that helped establish The Human League's unique synth-pop sound.
- Themes
- futuristic identity· synth-pop experimentation
- Career context
- Empire State Human marked The Human League's debut album, released in October 1979. At this time, they were establishing their unique sound within the burgeoning synth-pop movement, following their formation in 1977 and early singles that hinted at their innovative approach to electronic music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Depeche Mode· New Order· Soft Cell
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Empire State Human 3:11
- 2 Introducing 3:14
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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