Romantic? | ||||
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Studio album by The Human League | ||||
Released | 17 September 1990 | |||
Genre | Pop, electronic | |||
Label |
Virgin Records A&M Records (US) |
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Producer |
Tim Baldwinn Mark Brydon Robert Gordon Bob Kraushaar Martin Rushent |
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The Human League chronology | ||||
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Singles from Romantic? | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
Allmusic | |
Entertainment Weekly | (B+) |
Romantic? is the sixth studio album by the English synthpop band The Human League. It was issued by Virgin Records in 1990 and was the band's first album of new material in four years. Romantic? had several producers, most notably Martin Rushent, who worked with the Human League on their biggest commercial success (1981's Dare) and had walked out of the recording sessions for its 1984 follow-up (Hysteria). Also producing several tracks is Mark Brydon, who would found Moloko several years later.
The album signalled a low point for the band as it was ridiculed by some critics, who proclaimed the album's sound as "dated". The only significant success came from the album's first single "Heart Like a Wheel", which peaked at No. 29 in the UK singles chart and No. 32 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The second single "Soundtrack to a Generation" charted at No. 77 in the UK. Plans to release the synth infused "The Stars Are Going Out" as the third single were shelved. The album itself peaked at No. 24 in the UK Album Charts, and as a result, the band's long-standing contract with Virgin Records was terminated. They moved to East West Records to release their next album, 1995's Octopus.
The Human League's live performance of "The Stars Are Going Out" on Later... with Jools Holland in 1995 was included on their 2003 The Very Best Of The Human League DVD.