One factor that not only shoots Human League to the upper echelon of synthpop acts (which would also include Gary Numan, New Order, Ultravox and at least 2 or 3 others) but also sets them apart from their contemporaries is their eschewal of standard instruments in favor of an exclusively-synthesizer-based sound. I quite like it, especially since white guy guitar rock had exhausted its creative possibilities well before the early 1980s and there was a dire need for new sounds and musical directions. Synthpop helped in a tremendous way. The timing was perfect as science fiction and futurism were reaching an apex with Star Wars, the golden age of arcade video games/home console games, the original Battlestar Galactica, the Star Trek films, Alien, Mork and Mindy, and various other media examples from 1977-1983/84.

BTW, Dare is an absolutely hypnotic album. Love those simultaneously eerie and danceable synths. HL is so, so much more than Don't You Want Me (A fine song, but hardly their definitive single).

Posted by Zach on Friday, 10/16/2015 @ 18:22pm

They basically popularized new wave in the States.

Posted by Liam on Friday, 08/30/2019 @ 21:50pm

I'm curious if Human League will be nominated the next 5-10 years. DEVO's induction soon should help their chances. I've always like their sound and Don't You Want Me was a Classic song and video. Philip Oakey has a great voice and style. I've seen vocalists try to imitate his style of singing.
KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 05/10/2022 @ 11:43am

They had a few good songs back in the early 80's I never really considered them much of a rock band. They just aren't HOF worthy.

Posted by Grey on Saturday, 07/8/2023 @ 09:37am

One of synth-pop pioneers with Gary Numan, but their chance are not high. I would like to them inducted in the future but they are not likely to be even nominated.

Posted by power on Saturday, 07/8/2023 @ 09:40am