Few songs from the 1980s are as instantly recognizable — or as controversial — as “Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It’s the kind of track that didn’t just climb the charts — it kicked down the door, scandalized the establishment, and became a cultural moment all on its own.
Released in October 1983, Relax was the debut single by the Liverpool-based band and was produced by Trevor Horn, one of the most influential producers of the decade. With its pulsating synths, thumping bassline, and suggestive lyrics, the song oozed attitude and a kind of raw, unapologetic energy that made it feel like nothing else on the radio at the time.
The Controversy That Fueled the Fire
Despite a slow start on the charts, things took a dramatic turn in January 1984, when the BBC banned the song from its airwaves. Specifically, BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read famously stopped the record mid-play on air, reportedly offended by its explicit lyrics and provocative cover art. Shortly after, the BBC issued an official ban, refusing to play Relax on any of its stations or feature it on Top of the Pops.
And that, of course, only made people want it more.
From Banned to Blockbuster
The ban acted like rocket fuel. Sales skyrocketed. The song shot up the UK Singles Chart and hit No. 1, where it stayed for five weeks. It eventually spent a total of 48 weeks in the UK Top 40 — an incredible run. It became one of the best-selling singles in UK history, moving over two million copies.
In the US, however, Relax had a slower burn. It reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985 — helped along by its growing reputation, MTV exposure, and the band’s second single “Two Tribes”. It was never quite the cultural firestorm in America that it was in the UK, but it still became a recognizable slice of 80s pop.
A Song That Refused to Disappear
For all the controversy, Relax is ultimately a celebration of freedom, hedonism, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether you took it as a gay anthem, a club banger, or just a rebellious pop song, it stuck in your head — and it stuck around. The song’s mix of electronic textures, pounding rhythms, and cheeky lyrics helped define the sound of the early 80s dance-pop explosion.
It’s been covered, remixed, reissued, and parodied more times than anyone can count. You’ve probably heard it in movies, ads, clubs, or that one friend’s retro playlist. It never really left.
“Relax” wasn’t just a hit — it was a statement. It pushed boundaries, got people talking, and helped usher in a new era of bold, provocative pop music. And decades later, it still manages to feel a little bit dangerous — and a whole lot of fun.