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Soft Cell’s journey took a significant turn when they recorded “Tainted Love,” a cover of a song by Gloria Jones. Almond and Ball reimagined it, stripping away its gloss for a darker, more raw rendition that resonated deeply with listeners during a pivotal cultural moment, coinciding with the onset of the AIDS crisis. Their innovative sound—a blend of synth-pop, punk, and rock—captured the imagination of the public, leading to a record-breaking 43-week stint on the Billboard Hot 100.
The success of “Tainted Love” catapulted Soft Cell to stardom, paving the path for their debut album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which, despite its minimal budget, hit the charts, further solidifying their influence in the synth-pop scene.