Released in May 1984 with “Paint Me Down (Recorded Live)” on the B-side as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Parade, “Only When You Leave” marked a shift in Spandau Ballet’s sound—balancing their polished new wave roots with a more mature, emotional intensity. With its sleek production, soaring vocals, and dramatic sense of loss, the song stands out as one of the band’s most enduring and sophisticated tracks.
By this point in their career, Spandau Ballet had already cemented themselves as icons of the early ‘80s new romantic movement, thanks to hits like “True” and “Gold.” “Only When You Leave” followed that success, but took on a darker, more melancholic tone, trading in the romantic optimism of earlier singles for a moodier portrayal of love and heartbreak.
Written by Gary Kemp, the track opens with a shimmering synth line and a subtle, pulsing rhythm that builds tension from the start. Tony Hadley’s vocals are rich, dramatic, and full of emotional weight as he sings about the pain of being left behind. Musically, the song blends pop, blue-eyed soul, and synth-driven drama, with lush arrangements and clean production by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley. The band’s signature elegance is on full display, but there’s a harder emotional edge here that gives the track depth.
Commercially, “Only When You Leave” was a success. It reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and charted throughout Europe, becoming Spandau Ballet’s last major hit in the U.S., where it broke into the Billboard Hot 100. The song also helped promote Parade, which leaned more heavily into soul-pop stylings and introspective songwriting.
The music video, like many of their mid-80s efforts, featured cinematic storytelling and exotic locations, adding to the band’s stylish, globe-trotting image. It depicted a tale of intrigue, romance, and betrayal—echoing the song’s themes with visual drama.
“Only When You Leave” is a richly produced, emotionally charged track that showcases Spandau Ballet’s evolution from new romantic darlings to mature pop craftsmen. With its haunting lyrics, unforgettable chorus, and Tony Hadley’s powerhouse vocals, the song captures the ache of lost love with grace and polish—making it one of the band’s standout moments in a career full of elegance and emotion.