Initially formed in 1976 in London, England, they didn't reach a stable line-up or decide on the Spandau name until 1978. Their odd title allegedly came from a piece of bathroom graffiti observed during the members early days. Inspired by a mixture of avant-garde synth pop and slick funk. as typified by their early track "Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)", also known by other titles such as "Chant # 1", the band commercially broke through with an artistic public image as remarked upon as their music. Said track reached the #2 spot in the U.K. and was notable for inclusion of the horn section from the group Beggar & Co, which proved a fruitful collaboration on record.
Spandau Ballet's first two albums, 1981's 'Journeys to Glory' and 1982's 'Diamond', found them also mining their art rock and glam rock roots as their fan-base expanded, the group looking to the works of David Bowie and Roxy Music for inspiration. Both albums charted in the U.K. top 20 and were later certified gold by the RIAA. Additional popular songs from the band in this era include "To Cut a Long Story Short" and "Freeze" (also known as "The Freeze". The group also notably picked up a semi-friendly rivalry with new wave contemporaries Duran Duran.
After four hits in the U.K. followed by a couple of less successful releases, however, Spandau Ballet's chart career appeared to be on the wane. Yet Instinction, re-ignited their fortunes and became the first of eleven consecutive singles to reach the Top 20
Immensely popular in the UK, the New Romantic group eventually mellowed into a mainstream pop act. As with Duran Duran they 'broke America', albeit briefly - the title track of their 3rd album True peaked in the Top 5 of the Singles charts. The song gained a new life in the 1990's and beyond by being sampled in the songs Set Adrift on Memory Bliss by PM Dawn and N Dey Say by Nelly.
After a split in 1990 and a court case almost ten years later involving Hadley, Keeble & Norman suing Gary Kemp over royalties, they announced in March 2009 a reformation.
Reformation
Spandau Ballet Lyrics
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Silence crashing with quiet lies
Shattered glass reflects elation
Reformation, reformation
I saw you running through my dreams
Question held me to the scene
Your face was wet with perspiration
there's something wrong, there's something wrong
Man is something that must be overcome
Quick, snap, break, crack, complication
Reformation, reformation
I saw you running through my dreams
A sun burst through a cloudy scene
Shattered glass reflects elation
Reformation, reformation
Bleak and tired western skies
Silence crashing with quiet lies
Shattered glass reflects elation
Reformation, reformation
The song "Reformation" by Spandau Ballet showcases the band's skills in mixing genres and combining reflective lyricism with powerful and upbeat music. The song starts with the line "Bleak and tired western skies," which sets the tone for a contemplative and introspective exploration of modern life. The lyrics reflect on the disillusionment and despair that often accompany progress and change, especially in the context of Western society.
The lines "Silence crashing with quiet lies / Shattered glass reflects elation" point to the idea that even when progress and change are achieved, they are often accompanied by a sense of loss and destruction. The recurring line "Reformation, reformation" echoes this theme, suggesting that change is always a difficult and messy process that requires constant reinvention and rethinking.
The second half of the song shifts towards a more personal and youthful tone, with the lines "I saw you running through my dreams / A sun burst through a cloudy scene." These lines suggest a feeling of hope and joy that comes from human connections and the possibility of finding new paths forward.
Overall, "Reformation" is a powerful and evocative song that combines social commentary, personal reflection, and genre-blending music to create a memorable listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Bleak and tired western skies
The skies in the western horizon look grey and weary, possibly reflecting a dismal mood.
Silence crashing with quiet lies
The quietness of the surroundings is overwhelming and only punctuated by small fibs that add to the heavy atmosphere.
Shattered glass reflects elation
The broken glass reflects a hopeful and joyous future, seemingly replacing the current gloom and doom.
Reformation, reformation
Change is necessary and required to move forward in a positive direction towards a renewed purpose or goal.
I saw you running through my dreams
The artist is possibly dreaming and envisions someone that they are hoping to connect with.
Question held me to the scene
The singer wonders about the significance of the person they saw and is captivated by the moment in their dream.
Your face was wet with perspiration
The person in the dream appears to be working hard and possibly under pressure, leading to sweat drenching their face.
There's something wrong, there's something wrong
The artist feels certain that there is something amiss or broken that needs fixing.
Man is something that must be overcome
The artist believes that humans are not perfect and must actively work towards self-improvement despite their inherent flaws.
Quick, snap, break, crack, complication
Things can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, leading to confusing and chaotic situations that require resolution.
A sun burst through a cloudy scene
The sun breaks through the clouds, possibly a metaphor for a new dawn or a positive change in the horizon.
Lyrics © REFORMATION MUSIC INC
Written by: GARY KEMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Glamnesia Nouveaux
Journey's To Glory remains a GENIUS album. Pulsating rhythms, Dance Floor gems and Decadence. As well as very non generic song writting that captivates and makes one think. Diamond is also GENIUS ++ HUGE Spandau fan of their first two albums.
Ian James
Definitely their best album.
Dan Kean
I wish Spandau Ballet didn't stop being synthpop.
Glamnesia Nouveaux
Me too, their first two albums were and are GENIUS
Giselle Gonzalez Hesaynes
Journeys to Glory is the perfect avant garde album, even 40 years later. Reformation is a brilliant track, quite underrated, the sort I like listening to on repeat
Adam Ward
Agreed with wat u say classic
Fran Sanchez
Flequillo volador, ojos llenos de brillo ante una vida que se abría de par en par, me sentía lleno de energía al oírlo... Tan sólo han pasado 40 años.
Un saludo a todos sus seguidores.
Jane Porter
I love Spandau Ballet❤️
Алёна
И я..оказывается! ))
Bratislav Bogojevic
Simply the best. I cant live without reformation. Its like forever. Very strange