George Harrison wisely warned us to “Beware Of Darkness,” but in 1981, The Human League created a song in which the mere flicking off of a light resulted in a terrifying, mind-altering experience. As with the hit singles “Don’t You Want Me?” and “Love Action” on the band’s groundbreaking, platinum record, Dare, “Darkness” was driven by synthesizers. On this track, the keyboards are equally effective in scaring people and enticing them to dance.
Founding member Philip Oakey’s haunted lead vocals establish darkness as a place “filled with sounds of fear” where the imagination runs wild. “I see shadows (don’t turn out the light)/Moving, changing shape.” Even the senses become a confusing mishmash. “I hear colours black and red/I see sounds that fill my head.” This was the only song on Dare Oakey didn’t have a hand in writing (other than the instrumental snippet, “Get Carter”) but he certainly gives it a chilling delivery. “And the clock stops as darkness closes in./I hesitate but it’s too late, I scream and scream again.”
“Darkness” has that unmistakeable allure of 1980s synth rock, but its message stretches back through the centuries. For anyone putting together a Halloween party playlist, this is a good candidate for the opening track. The Human League is still active, and has been touring in throughout 2022.
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