Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Welcome to the Pleasuredome | Throwback Vibez

In the 90^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” by English pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to energize and put you in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 90^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Welcome to the Pleasuredome,” performed by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

“Welcome to the Pleasuredome” commences with animal sound effects… Eventually, synthesizers enter the mix. So does the first lyric, “Life goes on day after day after day…” Animal sound effects and a select synth continue following the lyric, conveying a spacey, otherworldly sound. Past the 1:20 mark, the song gains structure with the arrival of the rhythm section. The instrumental leads the way for more than a minute before enthusiastic “Who-ha! Who-ha!” backing vocals enter (shout out the pummeling drums accompanying the “jungle call”). Throughout this big, ambitious, and unusual song, there are plenty of varied, striking instrumental moments. There is also no shortage of intriguing lyrics. Holly Johnson brings it every time he steps to the mic.  Early on, he informs us, “The animals are winding me up / The jungle call, the jungle call.” That falls in line with those sound effects, as well as those epic, recurring “Who-ha! Who-ha!” vocals. The gems don’t stop there, including the double entendre of “In Xanadu did Kublai Khan a pleasuredome erect / Moving on, keep moving on, yeah.”  The recurring “Shooting stars never stop even when they reach the top / There goes a supernova. What a pushover, yeah” is fun, too. How about the sweet, “I will give you diamonds by the shower / Love your body even when it’s old.” Aww! Ultimately, a lot is going on throughout “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” – it is nearly 14-minutes-long, after all. But, rather than capturing every sound, lyric, vocal nuance, or the relentless ambition through writing, it’s best experienced by listening.  Frankie Goes to Hollywood creates a truly special, momentous juggernaut that is overshadowed by “Relax”, but deserves its own flowers.