The Human League is one of those quintessential British synthesizer bands that is largely responsible for the wave of electronic pop coming out of the UK in the 1980's and 1990's. The Sheffield band was formed in 1977 and following a line-up change they peaked in the early to mid 80's with singles like "Mirror Man" and "Fascination", and since 1979 they have recorded nine albums, the last one released as late as 2001. Reproduction (1979), Travelogue (1980), Dare (1981), Love and Dancing (1982), Hysteria (1984), Crash (1986), Romantic (1990), Octopus (1995) and Secrets fluctuated greatly in the UK charts however the majority of The Human League's records charted within the top 10. Oddly, the 1990 release charted at 24 while its predecessor reached number 7 and its successor a startling 6th position.
The Human League relied heavily on electronic instruments and synthesizers to create a sound that was to become a defining cadence for much of the next two decades. The band incorporated members who were, prior to their musical careers, employed in the computer industry. Due to this expertise they were destined to combine their knowledge of technology with their love of pop music and dance rhythms. The sound was pleasing not only the band itself, but to an entire nation of British youth who were following the new genre of techno-music at raves and dancehalls across the country.
For years following the success of The Human League, British pop music was drastically changed from a rock and roll oriented industry to that of a techno-charged one. Not until very recently has the UK started to produce pop music that is not so heavily reliant on synthesizers and electronic beats.