Spandau Ballet, True | Throwback Vibez

In the 44^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “True” by English new wave band Spandau Ballet.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 44^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “True” performed by Spandau Ballet.

Truer words have never been spoken! Although they are considered a one-hit wonder, at least in the United States, English new wave band Spandau Ballet cracked the top 40 of the pop charts thrice.  Still, let the truth be told that “True” is their ace-in-the-hole – their signature song. “True” is the eighth track on the band’s 1983 album of the same name. It was written by guitarist Gary Kemp and produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley. “True,” inspired by Kemp’s crush on Clare Grogan,  reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

“True” is smooth, like butter, from the beginning.  The sound can be described as soul-pop, emulating the R&B of the era. With soft and gentle keys and synths, Kemp’s delightful guitar, prominent, rhythmic bass, and an electrifying groove, the lead singer, Tony Hadley, has ample fuel for his fire. Hadley brings refined, sophisticated vocals to the table. He marvelously makes Kemp’s tuneful melodies and intriguing lyrics come to life. Hadley barely breaks a sweat – cool as a cucumber. “This is the sound of my soul,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “I bought a ticket to the world / But now, I’ve come back again / Why do I find it hard to write the next line? / Oh, I want the truth to be said.” In the second, Hadley references an inspiration for the song, Marvin Gaye (1939 – 1984).  Before listening to the Motown great’s music, he sings, “With a thrill in my head / And a pill on my tongue / Dissolve the nerves that have just begun.” Word 😳. Steve Norman adds to the celestial listening experience with a sophisticated saxophone solo preceding the bridge. The outro emphasizes the truth, singing the word true a countless number of times. Although it runs more than six-and-a-half minutes long, “True” is a tried-and-true pop classic from the 1980s.  Does it get much smoother than the truth of “True?” Nope! “Huh, huh, huh, huh-u, huh.”

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Spandau Ballet » True » Parlophone Records Ltd » 1983

Spandau Ballet, True: Throwback Vibez No. 44 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Parlophone Records Ltd; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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