Few bands have traveled as far as Talk Talk in one decade. They started as a synth-pop group compared to Duran Duran, and ended it making quiet, astonishing records that invented a genre.
London, 1981
Mark Hollis formed Talk Talk in London in 1981 with bassist Paul Webb, drummer Lee Harris and keyboard player Simon Brenner. They signed to EMI, and the debut, The Party’s Over (1982), gave them “Talk Talk”, “Today” and “Mirror Man”. Producer and multi-instrumentalist Tim Friese-Greene soon became Hollis’ key partner in the studio.
It’s My Life
It’s My Life (1984) broke them around the world, especially in Europe: “It’s My Life”, “Such a Shame” and “Dum Dum Girl”. Atmospheric synths and Hollis’ aching voice made the title track one of the most recognizable songs of the decade, and No Doubt’s 2003 cover sent a new generation looking for the original.
The Colour of Spring
The Colour of Spring (1986) swapped some of the synths for real instruments, acoustic textures and a touch of jazz, without losing the tunes. “Life’s What You Make It” and “Living in Another World” are two of their best songs, and the album was one of their biggest sellers.
Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock
Then they went somewhere nobody expected. Spirit of Eden (1988) grew out of long improvised sessions, mixing jazz, classical, folk, ambient sound and experimental rock. Plenty of people were confused at the time. Now it’s one of the most celebrated records of its era. Laughing Stock (1991) went even quieter and further. Critics later called this music post-rock, and these two albums helped invent it.
Is Talk Talk new wave?
Early Talk Talk is new wave synth-pop. “It’s My Life” and “Such a Shame” are classic new wave singles. By the late ’80s they had moved far beyond it into experimental, atmospheric music.
Remembering Mark Hollis
After Laughing Stock, Talk Talk quietly came to an end. Hollis made one highly regarded solo album, Mark Hollis (1998), then retired from music. He died in 2019. Radiohead, Elbow, Bark Psychosis, Slowdive, Mogwai and Sigur Rós have all pointed to Talk Talk as an influence.
The essential Talk Talk songs
“Talk Talk” · “Today” · “Mirror Man” · “It’s My Life” · “Such a Shame” · “Dum Dum Girl” · “Life’s What You Make It” · “Living in Another World” · “Give It Up” · “I Believe in You” · “New Grass” · “Ascension Day”
The essential albums
The Party’s Over (1982) · It’s My Life (1984) · The Colour of Spring (1986) · Spirit of Eden (1988) · Laughing Stock (1991)
New to Talk Talk? Start here
It’s My Life for the hits, The Colour of Spring for the bridge, then Spirit of Eden with headphones and the lights off. Give it two listens before you decide.
Like Talk Talk? Try these next
- Peter Gabriel: atmospheric, adventurous songwriting
- Tears for Fears: big feelings and lush production
- China Crisis: melodic, gentle British synth-pop
- Kate Bush: fearless creativity and groundbreaking production
- Simple Minds: early records with a similar mood
- OMD: melodic electronic classics
- Japan and David Sylvian: elegant art-pop and ambient experiments
- The Blue Nile: late-night sophisti-pop
Hear Talk Talk on New Wave Radio
Request “It’s My Life” and hear the original.
Official links: talktalkband.com · Facebook
