#mark white

The production, polished to a mirror shine, bears the unmistakable fingerprints of Bernard Edwards, the Chic legend whose funky bassline anchors the track like a heartbeat. That bass, sinuous and irresistible, dances with crisp guitar riffs and sweeping strings, creating a soundscape that’s as lush as it is propulsive. Synthesizers hum in the background, adding a glossy 80s sheen, while the rhythm section drives the song forward with a groove that begs to be danced to.

At the helm is Martin Fry, his voice a velvet dagger slicing through the mix. He’s equal parts crooner and wounded poet, delivering each line with a charisma that’s both suave and searing. Whether he’s purring through the verses or letting his voice crack with anguish in the chorus, Fry makes you believe every word of the song’s tale of love’s demise. His performance elevates the track, turning it into something more than a pop song—it’s a confession, a confrontation, a cry in the dark.

The instrumentation is a triumph of precision and flair. Edwards’ bassline is the star, a funky thread that weaves through the fabric of the song, but it’s complemented by a cast of players who know their roles. The guitars snap with Chic-inspired sharpness, the strings soar with cinematic grandeur, and a subtle saxophone nod adds a retro wink. Every element is meticulously placed, creating a sound that’s rich yet never cluttered, dynamic yet always in service of the song’s emotional core.

Lyrically, the song is a tapestry of vivid imagery and heartache. “You poisoned the moonlight / When you put out the sun” paints a scene of cosmic betrayal, while the roll call of months—“January, February, March and April May / June July sees you go by”—captures the slow bleed of time after love’s collapse. These are words that cut deep, blending poetic flourish with raw vulnerability. Some might call the metaphors a touch theatrical, but they suit ABC’s brand of camp sincerity, pulling listeners into a story that’s as dramatic as it is relatable.

Critics of the time were divided. Some, like Jerry Smith of Music Week, hailed its “glamorous and dramatic” charm, while others, like Sylvia Patterson of Smash Hits, dismissed it as “flimsily tinkling” and “half-hearted” compared to ABC’s earlier fire. Chart-wise, it carved a modest path, peaking at No. 31 in the UK but finding warmer embrace in Germany’s Top 20.

Yet, its true strength lies in its staying power—a song that still feels vibrant, its blend of synth-pop polish and funk-driven soul a testament to ABC’s artistry. With Fry’s commanding vocals, Edwards’ masterful bass, and a composition that marries pop hooks with soulful depth, the song stands as a jewel in ABC’s crown—a sophisticated, heart-wrenching anthem that captures the band at their stylish, soulful best.

Year: 1987

Composer/Lyricist: Martin Fry, Mark White

Producer: Martin Fry, Mark White, Bernard Edwards