“Relax” is the debut single by British band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, released in October 1983. Written by band members Holly Johnson, Peter Gill, Brian Nash and Mark O’Toole. It was released as band’s debut single in October 1983. he song became one of the most controversial and iconic tracks of the 1980s due to its provocative lyrics and groundbreaking production. Produced by Trevor Horn, “Relax” features a pulsating synth-pop sound, blending elements of dance, new wave, and disco. It became a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and charting globally, despite initial backlash and censorship. The song was later included on the FGTH’s first album “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” (1984).
The lyrics of “Relax” are overtly suggestive, focusing on themes of sexual liberation, desire, and the pursuit of pleasure. Lines like “Relax, don’t do it, when you want to come” were widely interpreted as a reference to sexual climax, making the song both bold and controversial. Despite its risqué nature, Johnson and the band have stated that the song is also about living in the moment and breaking free from societal constraints, allowing listeners to interpret it on multiple levels.
“Relax” became a runaway hit, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1984, where it stayed for five consecutive weeks. It was certified platinum in the UK and went on to become one of the best-selling singles of the decade. The song also charted internationally, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including Canada, Germany, and Australia, and peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. Its success helped drive sales of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s debut album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome, which became a multi-platinum global hit. In 1985, “Relax” won the Brit Award for Best British Single, further solidifying its impact on pop culture.
The first official video for “Relax”, directed by Bernard Rose, featured a hedonistic nightclub filled with leather-clad dancers, homoerotic imagery, and surreal sequences. It was banned by both MTV and the BBC, prompting the recording of a second, “the laser version” video (see bellow), directed by Godley and Creme. Later, the song was banned completely by the BBC.
“Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood is a defining anthem of the 1980s that combines cutting-edge production, provocative lyrics, and an infectious beat. Despite its initial censorship, the song became a massive global hit and remains a symbol of freedom, self-expression, and defiance. Its legacy as a groundbreaking pop classic endures, making “Relax” one of the most memorable tracks of its era.