Through the Barricades cover

Released 40 years ago

Through the Barricades

Spandau Ballet · 1986

18 min · 3 tracks · new wave

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and harmonies but follows a familiar pop structure.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken-word introduction that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into melodic synth-driven tracks.
  • Each song features layered harmonies, often with lead vocals alternating between band members, creating a dynamic vocal interplay.
  • The last track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of resolution.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
7/10

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 Through the Barricades (extended version) 7:08
  • 2 With the Pride (live in ’85) 5:30
  • 3 Through the Barricades (album version) 5:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata