When it comes to iconic songs of the early ’80s, few can claim the kind of lasting impact that Spandau Ballet’s True holds. Released in 1983, the track became not only a defining moment in the band’s career but also a staple of the era’s soundtrack. It encapsulated the cool, sophisticated vibe of the time, blending new wave influences with soul and jazz, creating a song that remains timeless. For fans and critics alike, True is more than just a song—it’s a cultural artifact, a piece of music that reflects both the exuberance and emotional depth of the early ’80s.
The Birth of Spandau Ballet
To understand True, we need to take a step back and appreciate the journey that led Spandau Ballet to their monumental hit. Spandau Ballet formed in London in 1979, emerging as part of the vibrant post-punk and new romantic scene. The band’s name itself was a nod to the creative and rebellious spirit of the era, a reference to the German concentration camp “Spandau” and the ballet-like precision with which they approached their music. With a lineup consisting of Tony Hadley (vocals), Gary Kemp (guitar and songwriting), Martin Kemp (bass), Steve Norman (saxophone and guitar), and John Keeble (drums), Spandau Ballet was born to stand out.
Their early sound was heavily influenced by the glam-rock sheen of David Bowie, Roxy Music, and the emerging electronic dance music movement. But as the band’s career evolved, they began incorporating elements of funk, soul, and even jazz into their musical palette. By the time True was in the works, the band had already made a name for themselves with songs like “To Cut a Long Story Short” and “Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On)”. These tracks were new wave anthems, pulsating with synths and sharp, angular melodies. However, True would be different—a track that merged the band’s post-punk origins with a smoother, more sophisticated sound.
The Making of “True”
Gary Kemp, the band’s primary songwriter, was at the heart of Spandau Ballet’s creative process. And when it came time to write True, he was determined to break from their previous work and create something more soulful, more vulnerable. The song came to Kemp during a period of personal reflection, inspired by the idea of a relationship that was at once passionate and yet uncertain. But it wasn’t just the lyrics that made True resonate—it was the arrangement, the melody, and the band’s collective vision that brought Kemp’s emotions to life.
The track began with a smooth, melodic bassline that immediately set the tone for the song. It was slow and deliberate, but had a warmth that drew listeners in. Kemp’s guitar work, which in earlier Spandau Ballet songs had been angular and percussive, was now flowing and delicate. The addition of Steve Norman’s saxophone brought a jazzy sophistication, contrasting perfectly with Tony Hadley’s commanding, yet emotional, vocal delivery.
Hadley’s voice is arguably the most defining characteristic of True. His ability to convey both the vulnerability and strength of the song’s lyrics is unparalleled. The chorus, with its now-legendary line “I know this much is true,” has become one of the most memorable moments in pop history. Hadley’s delivery is equal parts yearning and certainty, encapsulating the essence of love and longing.
The song was produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley, who were well-known for their work with other major acts of the time, including Bananarama and Culture Club. Their production gave True a lush, polished sound that was perfect for the burgeoning “sophistipop” genre that was beginning to take shape. The result was a song that was not just a hit—it was an anthem.
“True” and Its Impact
When True was released in 1983, it quickly became a global smash. The song reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. More than just a chart-topper, it was an expression of a cultural moment. In the early ’80s, the world was on the cusp of a digital revolution, but there was still a strong yearning for human connection, for deep emotions. True captured that desire in a way that was both smooth and sincere. The lyrics—romantic yet uncertain—resonated with listeners who were living through the ups and downs of relationships in an increasingly fast-paced world.
The accompanying music video for True, with its minimalist, arty aesthetic, perfectly matched the track’s elegance. The video features the band dressed in sleek, ’80s fashion, performing against stark, shadowy backgrounds. This visual presentation helped cement the band’s image as icons of the New Romantic movement—a movement that valued style as much as substance.
But it wasn’t just about the video or the visuals; True was a song that touched people on a deep, emotional level. It’s no surprise that even today, True is a regular on nostalgic playlists and continues to capture the imaginations of new generations. In the years following its release, the song became a hallmark of the decade and was covered and sampled by numerous artists across genres. It’s the type of song that transcends time—it’s classic and enduring.
The Song’s Legacy
If you were to ask any music fan to list the defining songs of the ’80s, True would undoubtedly be near the top. It stands as one of the greatest achievements in Spandau Ballet’s catalog, and yet, it also represents something larger—the romantic idealism and emotional depth of the early ’80s. In a time when synthetic sounds and polished production were dominating the charts, True stood out for its emotional sincerity, its rich blend of genres, and the passion that fueled its creation.
Even decades after its release, True remains a song that still resonates today. Whether you’re listening to it on vinyl, streaming it through Spotify, or watching the True YouTube video from 1983, the song continues to captivate listeners. The lush instrumental arrangement, the compelling lyrics, and Hadley’s powerful vocals have stood the test of time, cementing True as a classic anthem of love and desire.
Spandau Ballet, as a whole, continues to be one of the most beloved British bands of the ’80s. Their other songs—such as “Gold” and “Only When You Leave”—have also earned their place in pop history, but True will always be their magnum opus. The song represents not just a moment in time, but an emotional journey—a reflection of youth, love, and heartbreak, wrapped in one elegant, unforgettable package.
Spandau Ballet’s Enduring Influence
For those of us who grew up with Spandau Ballet songs on the radio and in the clubs, there’s a particular nostalgia that comes with hearing True today. It’s easy to see why the track has had such an enduring influence. The song is more than just a piece of ’80s pop culture—it’s a window into a time when love was both something to be cherished and something to be questioned.
To watch the True YouTube video or to revisit Spandau Ballet’s catalog is to be reminded of a time when music had the power to capture the emotions that words alone could not. The magic of True lies not just in its catchiness or its smooth production, but in its ability to speak to something deeper, something universal. It’s a song that asks questions about love and trust while giving us the comforting certainty that, in the end, some things—like love—are always true.
Spandau Ballet’s True will always be more than a song. It is a statement of romantic idealism, an anthem for a generation, and a track that will continue to shine brightly in the pantheon of ’80s music. The band’s legacy, forever linked to this timeless anthem, is as secure as that undying line, “I know this much is true.”
