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"True" is a song by British band Spandau Ballet, released on 15 April 1983 as the third single from their third studio album, True. Written by the band's guitarist and principal songwriter Gary Kemp, the track was conceived during a period when the group was transitioning from its earlier association with the New Romantic scene toward a more polished pop and soul-influenced sound. The song was recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas in late 1982 and was inspired in part by Kemp's admiration for American soul music and his unrequited affection for Clare Grogan, lead singer of Altered Images.
Musical Style
"True" is characterized by a blend of blue-eyed soul and sophisti-pop, marked by its smooth production, mellow instrumentation, and romantic tone. The song features a prominent saxophone solo performed by Steve Norman, which became one of its signature elements. Set in common time (4/4), the track uses a relaxed tempo and soft electric piano, combined with understated guitar and bass lines, to create a lush, dreamy atmosphere. The song’s style was a notable departure from the band’s earlier, more angular post-punk and synth-driven sound.
Lyrical Analysis
The lyrics of "True" revolve around themes of love, yearning, and sincerity. Lines such as “Why do I find it hard to write the next line?” reflect self-awareness and vulnerability, while the refrain “This much is true” serves as a declaration of authenticity. Kemp has acknowledged that the lyrics are partly a homage to Motown influences, with references to Marvin Gaye subtly woven into the narrative. The song's introspective tone contrasts with its sophisticated musical backing, enhancing its emotional impact.
Chart Performance
"True" achieved major commercial success worldwide. In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for four consecutive weeks in April and May 1983. In the United States, it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's highest-charting single there. The song also topped charts in Ireland and reached top 10 positions in numerous countries, including Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands. It has since been certified Platinum in several regions and is widely considered Spandau Ballet’s signature hit.
Personnel/Band Members
Tony Hadley – lead vocals
Gary Kemp – guitar, songwriter
Steve Norman – saxophone, percussion
Martin Kemp – bass guitar
John Keeble – drums, percussion
Additional personnel included producers and engineers at Compass Point Studios, with Tony Swain and Steve Jolley producing the track.
Reception
Critics generally praised "True" for its sophisticated sound and polished production. Reviewers highlighted Tony Hadley’s vocal performance and the memorable saxophone solo as standout features. While some contemporary critics viewed the song as emblematic of the 1980s' overproduced pop, retrospective assessments have often recognized it as a classic of its era, featuring prominently on lists of iconic '80s songs.
Trivia
The song’s saxophone solo has been frequently sampled in other works, most notably in P.M. Dawn's 1991 hit "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss."
"True" was performed at the London Live Aid concert in 1985.
Gary Kemp has stated in interviews that the song’s lyric “listening to Marvin” refers directly to Marvin Gaye’s "What’s Going On."
The track was used in several films and television shows, notably in Sixteen Candles and The Wedding Singer, often underscoring nostalgic or romantic scenes.
Legacy
"True" remains one of Spandau Ballet’s most enduring and recognized songs, symbolizing the transition of early '80s British pop from club-oriented New Romanticism to mainstream soul and pop sophistication. The track has influenced various artists and continues to receive radio airplay globally. It also helped to cement the band’s international reputation, ensuring their place in the canon of 1980s popular music.
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