Why? (Bronski Beat song)
"Why?" is a single by British synthpop trio Bronski Beat and appeared on their 1984 album The Age of Consent.
The song, recorded at RPM Studios, NYC and mixed at Townhouse Studio, London, pursued an energetic musical formula, while the lyrics focused more centrally on anti-gay prejudice. The song opens with a questioning vocal by frontman and vocalist Jimmy Somerville and the shattering of breaking glass. It was the trio's second Top 10 success in the UK, peaking at No. 6, also reaching the top 10 throughout Europe and in Australia and is today considered a popular gay anthem.
Single cover
The drawing for the single cover, of a man with his head in his hands, was drawn for the band by Glasgow artist Robert McAulay, who was associated with the band at the time.
Track and format listing
1. |
"Why?" (Extended Mix) |
7:45 |
2. |
"Why?" (Radio Edit) |
4:04 |
3. |
"Cadillac Car" |
7:35 |
Chart performance
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
Chart (1985) |
Position |
France (IFOP)[24] |
46 |
|
Cover versions
- In 2006, Supermode released "Tell Me Why", containing lyrics from "Why?" and melodic samples from another Bronski Beat track entitled "Smalltown Boy".
- British electronic musician Andi Fraggs has been performing "Why?" on his live shows and has named it his "favourite gay anthem".[25]
In media
The song was utilized as a soundtrack by Peugeot for French language advertisements of the Peugeot 205 hatchback range. The recording itself was in English. "Why?" was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1986 Bill Sherwood sleeper hit film Parting Glances starring John Bolger. It was featured in the soundtrack of the 2014 film Pride.
References
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| | | Studio albums | Bronski Beat | |
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| The Communards | |
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- Read My Lips (1989)
- Dare to Love (1995)
- Manage the Damage (1999)
- Home Again (2004)
- Suddenly Last Summer (2009)
- Homage (2015)
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| Remix albums | |
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| Live albums | |
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| Compilations | The Communards |
- Heaven (1993)
- Het Beste Van The Communards (2005)
- The Platinum Collection (2006)
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| Other albums | |
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| Extended plays |
- Bright Thing (2010)
- Momentum (2011)
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| Singles | Bronski Beat | |
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| The Communards | |
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| | | Other songs | |
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| Video albums | Bronski Beat | |
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| The Communards | |
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- The Video Collection 1984/1990 (1990)
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| Filmography | |
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| Related articles | |
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