"Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

Run away from Soft Cell's iconic 1981 synth-pop masterpiece, "Tainted Love"! This haunting cover of Gloria Jones' soul track became a massive global phenomenon. Marc Almond's dramatic vocals and Dave Ball's minimalist synths defined early 80s electronic pop and new wave.

Released as a single, this groundbreaking synth-pop rendition propelled the British duo Soft Cell to international stardom, topping charts worldwide. Their transformation of the 60s original into a moody, electronic anthem captured the zeitgeist perfectly, often marking them as one-hit wonders in the US market.

Driven by its unforgettable "bink-bink" synth riff and lyrics detailing toxic romance, "Tainted Love" remains instantly recognizable. Its dark yet danceable new wave sound cemented its legacy as a quintessential 1981 track and one of the most enduring synth-pop hits ever recorded.

SONG MEANING: The song describes the painful realization that a once-passionate love affair has become damaging and toxic ("Sometimes I feel I've got to / Run away... from the pain you drive into the heart of me"). The singer feels compelled to escape the unhealthy relationship, despite lingering feelings ("I love you though you hurt me so").