After debuting with “I Just Can’t Wait,” Mandy Smith returned in September 1988 with her second single, “Victim of Pleasure.” Released under PWL Records, the track continued her collaboration with the extended Stock Aitken Waterman team and showcased the polished synth-pop sound that defined the late ’80s.
A Dose of Dancefloor Drama
“Victim of Pleasure” was written by Martin Briley and Nick Trevisick, and produced by Daize Washbourn and Ian Curnow, both associated with the SAW production family. The song delivers energetic electronic beats, shimmering synth textures, and catchy pop hooks, all wrapped around lyrics about desire, temptation, and emotional surrender. The vibe is pure high-gloss ’80s dance-pop—tailored for neon lights and late-night radio.
Charting the Global Pulse
While it didn’t make a huge impact in the UK—peaking at #93 on the Official Singles Chart—the song fared much better internationally. It reached #49 in Germany, #28 in Switzerland, and an impressive #11 in Italy. In Australia, it climbed to #78. In the United States, although it didn’t crack the Billboard Hot 100, it found success on the Dance/Club Play chart, reaching #22. The track was later included on Mandy’s debut album, Mandy, released in April 1988.
A Cult Classic in Retrospect
“Victim of Pleasure” might not be widely known beyond Mandy’s core fanbase, but it’s earned cult status among lovers of ’80s synth-pop and PWL productions. Its sleek production, danceable beat, and glamorous feel have helped it remain a hidden gem of the decade’s pop catalog. While her music career was brief, songs like this are a snapshot of an exciting and highly stylized moment in pop history.