Chrysalis Records: Only When You Leave

Spandau Ballet, another Chrysalis act that fit the New Romantic musical genre, had a moderate hit in 1984 with “Only When You Leave.” While the band would never see the success that drove them to the #3 slot in the US with “True,” Spandau Ballet continued to put out excellent albums and singles.

Although the band had nine Top 10 hits in the UK, that success wasn’t mirrored in the US and only three singles charted in the Top 40: “True,” “Gold” at #29, and “Only When You Leave” at #34. As good as their recordings were, they never a received gold or platinum certification in the US.

“Only When You Leave” features the talented vocals and keyboards of Tony Hadley, the guitars of Gary Kemp, the bass of his brother Martin Kemp, and the drums of John Keeble. The best part of this song, in my estimation, is the saxophone work of Steve Norman. Norman, who also plays congas on the track, started out as a guitarist for the band. His saxophone work in Spandau Ballet is a testimony that he made the right decision in adding the instrument to his sound arsenal.