The Human League – “Human”
Synth-pop soul meets emotional confession
Released on 11 August 1986 as the lead single from their fifth studio album Crash, “Human” marked a bold stylistic shift for The Human League. Known for their icy synth-pop and mechanical precision, the band embraced a warmer, more soulful sound — thanks to a transatlantic collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the American production duo behind Janet Jackson’s Control.
The result was a sleek, mid-tempo ballad that traded robotic detachment for emotional vulnerability — and gave the band their second U.S. No. 1 hit.
A New Sound, A New Direction
“Human” was written and produced entirely by Jam and Lewis, who brought their signature R&B polish to the band’s sound. The track blends synth textures with lush, soulful arrangements, creating a sound that was both contemporary and timeless. It was a departure — and a risk — but one that paid off.
Philip Oakey delivers the lead vocal with rare intimacy, confessing to infidelity during a separation. In a twist, Joanne Catherall responds with a spoken-word bridge, revealing she too was unfaithful. The chorus — “I’m only human / Of flesh and blood I’m made” — becomes a shared plea for forgiveness, framed in the language of emotional honesty.
Behind the Voices
While Oakey and Catherall are front and center, the backing vocals were performed not by bandmates Susan Ann Sulley or Catherall, but by Lisa Keith, a session singer frequently used by Jam and Lewis. This decision caused some internal tension, leading the producers to create the spoken-word section specifically for Catherall. Sulley, meanwhile, mimed the vocals in the music video.
Chart Performance and Critical Response
“Human” became a major international success for The Human League. In the United States, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band’s second chart-topping single after “Don’t You Want Me.” It also climbed to No. 1 in Canada, reinforcing its North American appeal. In the UK, the song peaked at No. 8, while in Germany it reached No. 5. Across Europe, it performed strongly on both pop and dance charts, and even broke into the U.S. R&B Top 10 — a rare feat for a British synth-pop act. The song’s crossover appeal helped reestablish the band’s commercial momentum and introduced them to new audiences beyond their core fan base.
Critics were divided at the time. Some praised the song’s lush production and emotional depth, while others felt it strayed too far from the band’s synth-pop roots. Retrospectively, however, “Human” is widely regarded as a standout moment in The Human League’s catalog — a rare blend of vulnerability and polish.
Why It Endures
“Human” works because it dares to be sincere. It’s a song about mistakes, regret, and the fragile hope of reconciliation — all wrapped in a sound that’s as smooth as it is heartfelt. For a band once known for their cool detachment, this was a moment of warmth — and it resonated.
Decades later, it still does.