Red cover

Released 39 years ago this October

Red

The Communards · 1987

47 min · 10 tracks · synth-pop

Synth-driven anthems intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating a vibrant exploration of love and loss.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Never Can Say Goodbye — This track stands out as a disco-inflected cover that captures the essence of heartbreak while showcasing the band’s ability to blend poignant lyrics with danceable beats.
  • →
    Victims — A poignant reflection on love and loss, this track showcases Richard Coles' emotive vocal delivery and addresses themes of vulnerability and social issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.
  • →
    Matter of Opinion — This upbeat track combines catchy synth melodies with sharp lyrics critiquing societal views on love, making it a standout example of The Communards' lyrical prowess alongside their musical talent.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends upbeat synth-pop with emotional depth but lacks strong cohesion across its varied themes.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks are upbeat synth-driven anthems, while the fourth track shifts to a slower tempo with a more introspective tone.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Never Can Say Goodbye'.
  • The album includes both danceable rhythms and poignant ballads, alternating between energetic and reflective moments.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tomorrow 4:53
  • 2 T.M.T.♥.T.B.M.G. 4:38
  • 3 Matter of Opinion 4:27
  • 4 Victims 4:32
  • 5 For a Friend 5:05
  • 6 Never Can Say Goodbye 4:53
  • 7 Lovers and Friends 4:16
  • 8 Hold On Tight 4:49
  • 9 If I Could Tell You 4:17
  • 10 C Minor 5:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata