Is The Twelve Inch Mixes a good place to start with Spandau Ballet?

Yes, The Twelve Inch Mixes is recommended as a starting point for new Spandau Ballet listeners. Energetic synth-pop rhythms intertwine with soulful melodies, creating a vibrant dancefloor atmosphere that captures the essence of the 1980s. By 1986, Spandau Ballet was riding high on the success of their previous albums, particularly 'True' from 1983. 'The Twelve Inch Mixes' served as a compilation showcasing their best-known tracks reimagined for club play, providing a bridge between their new wave roots and mainstream pop appeal.

Who is The Twelve Inch Mixes for?

The Twelve Inch Mixes works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance vibe, extended mixes for deep enjoyment and for nostalgic gatherings.

How many songs are on The Twelve Inch Mixes?

The Twelve Inch Mixes has 13 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

The Twelve Inch Mixes

Spandau Ballet · 1986

73 min · 13 tracks · new wave

Energetic synth-pop rhythms intertwine with soulful melodies, creating a vibrant dancefloor atmosphere that captures the essence of the 1980s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Gold Start here — The extended mix of 'Gold' amplifies its shimmering synths and anthemic chorus, making it a quintessential representation of the band's sound during this era.
→
True — 'True' stands out with its emotive vocal delivery and lush instrumentation, epitomizing the blend of soul and new wave that defines Spandau Ballet.
→
Only When You Leave — This track showcases a more introspective side of the band, with an extended arrangement that enhances its emotional depth and complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album effectively showcases Spandau Ballet's dance-oriented sound but lacks depth in songwriting compared to their studio albums.

What we noticed

The album features extended versions of tracks, often exceeding six minutes, allowing for longer instrumental sections and dance breaks.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo that encourages movement, with rhythmic synth lines driving the arrangements.
Vocals are layered with harmonies and effects, enhancing the soulful quality while blending seamlessly with the electronic instrumentation.
The sequencing places high-energy tracks at the beginning, gradually introducing slightly slower pieces towards the end.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo dance vibe
extended mixes for deep enjoyment
for nostalgic gatherings
engaging rhythms for social settings

Maybe skip if you

seeking rapid-fire excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A compilation of extended mixes that showcases their dance music influence.
Themes: club culture evolution· 1980s remixing trends
Career context: By 1986, Spandau Ballet was riding high on the success of their previous albums, particularly 'True' from 1983. 'The Twelve Inch Mixes' served as a compilation showcasing their best-known tracks reimagined for club play, providing a bridge between their new wave roots and mainstream pop appeal.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· ABC· Culture Club