album · November 14, 1983
Beauty Stab
UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)See this day
synth-popnew wavedance-pop
ABC’s 1983 album "Beauty Stab" marked a significant stylistic departure, trading in sleek synth-pop for a more guitar-driven, stadium-rock sound that divided critics and fans alike. The LP became their lowest-charting album to date, peaking at number 12 in the UK.
- The album was recorded at Starcoast Studios, a purpose-built facility in the Cotswolds. It was ABC’s third studio album, following the success of "The Lexicon of Love" and "The Poisoned Arrow." The lead single "That Was Then But Is Now" reached number 20 on the UK singles chart.
- The album sold fewer than 100,000 copies in the UK. This record was ABC's third and final album on the Neutron Records label. It was the only ABC album to feature the same lineup as the previous one.
- Upon release, "Beauty Stab" was met with a lukewarm reception, with many critics finding its new sound less cohesive than their earlier work. Despite its commercial underperformance compared to their debut, the album has since gained a cult following among fans.
ABC is a British band formed in Sheffield in 1980, best known for their synth-pop and new wave sound. At the time of "Beauty Stab," they were transitioning from their initial chart success, experimenting with a more rock-influenced direction.
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