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"Rage Hard"
Single by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
from the album Liverpool
B-side
Released25 August 1986 (1986-08-25)[1]
GenreArt rock
Length
  • 5:05 (album version)
  • 4:11 (7-inch version)
LabelZTT
Songwriters
ProducerStephen Lipson
Frankie Goes to Hollywood singles chronology
"Welcome to the Pleasuredome"
(1985)
"Rage Hard"
(1986)
"Warriors of the Wasteland"
(1986)
Music video
"Rage Hard" on YouTube

"Rage Hard" is a song by English pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It was released on 25 August 1986 as the first single from their second album, Liverpool. The song reached number four in the UK Singles Chart and number one in West Germany.

Background

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Having topped the charts around the world with Welcome to the Pleasuredome and its accompanying singles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood took off to Amsterdam to record the follow-up album, Liverpool. Taking on a rockier edge, "Rage Hard" was the first single culled from the album.

In a 1986 interview, singer Holly Johnson was asked about the meaning of the song explaining, "Have you read the poem 'Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night' by Dylan Thomas? It was kind of inspired by that. It's an incantation against death and lethargy, and it's supposed to encourage lots of creative idealism in the listener."[2] He added to Sounds, "It's saying: don't die quietly, resist the greyness surrounding us at the moment."[3]

Not only was it the first Frankie single to be featured on CD single, it was also the first single to not feature a cassette release—new rules limited the number of items that could count towards the official charts, following the earlier ZTT excesses. "Rage Hard" eventually reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and number one in West Germany for two weeks, number five in Switzerland, number seven in the Netherlands, number 12 in Austria, number 19 in Sweden and number 32 in France.

Critical reception

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Upon its release, Neil Spencer of Sounds called "Rage Hard" "great", "huge", "catchy" and "superbly understated", although "scarcely credible". He also noted the 12-inch version "boasts an array of spot-on fun witticisms".[4] Ro Newton of Smash Hits compared the single unfavorably with their previous releases as, "watered-down and without the guts. The over all effect is a bit limp and very disappointing."[5] In the US, Billboard praised the band's performance calling "the matured Frankie socks out weight art-rock best suited to AOR/ alternative radio."[6]

B-sides

[edit]

The original B-side is an odd composition entitled "(Don't Lose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind". It was released in two versions—a 4-minute mix and a 6-minute mix—and featured Holly Johnson and Brian Nash imitating Count von Count ("Ha ha ha/I am the Count") from the children's TV show Sesame Street. This was complemented by sampled burps and belches over a backing track.

For the 12-inch single to "Rage Hard" were covers of David Bowie's "Suffragette City", stylized as "SuffRAGEtte City" to fit in with the "Rage Hard" promotion and the second cover song was the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues." A shorter version features on the CD single.

Track listings

[edit]

7-inch: ZTT / ZTAS 22 United Kingdom

  1. "Rage Hard" (7-inch mix) – 5:05
  2. "(Don't Lose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind" – 4:03
  • The standard release features all five coloured fists on the cover.
  • 20,000 copies in a pop-up gatefold sleeve (with the "Rage Hard" fists being the pop-up), featuring the orange fist (ZTD22).

7-inch: ZTT / ZTAX 22 United Kingdom

  1. "Rage Hard" (stamped) – 4:55
  2. "(Don't Lose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind" – 4:03
  • "Stamped" is an edit of the "Broad" mix from the second 12-inch (sleeve featuring the blue fist).
  • Released to celebrate the song entering #6 on the UK charts on 6 September 1986.
All "Rage Hard" releases

12-inch: ZTT / 12 ZTAS 22 United Kingdom

  1. "Rage Hard" (The Young Person's Guide to the 12" mix[citation needed]) – 12:08
  2. "[The B-side]" + "SuffRAGEtte City" (David Bowie) – 3:31
  3. "(Don't Lose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind" – 6:15
  4. "['always note the sequencer...']" – 0:22
  • An edit (10:05) of track 1 is also known as "Young Person's Guide into the 12-inch".
  • This 12-inch was also released with a 12"x24" poster (12 ZTAQ 22), limited to 20,000 copies.
  • Also released on German CD (Island / 658 434).

12-inch: ZTT / 12 ZTAX 22 United Kingdom

  1. "Rage Hard" (broad mix) – 8:36
  2. "Roadhouse Blues" – 4:03
  3. "(Don't Lose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind" – 6:15
  4. "['always note the sequencer...']" – 0:22
  • Sleeve featuring the yellow fist.
  • This release also came in a limited edition cardboard box which was designed to contain the complete set of "Rage Hard" UK releases. The front of the box lists the relevant catalogue numbers of the intended contents, minus the "Stamped" mix 7-inch single which is not listed. The box, called "The Total" had a sticker which made it clear that only 12 ZTAX 22 was included. It is still not established whether any box sets with their intended contents were ever officially released or indeed sold by record stores, but it's highly likely that some stores sold a complete set on request, if not officially.
  • The "Broad" mix is also known as "Rage Hard ⊕⊕".
  • Track 2 is labelled as "Broadhouse Blues" on the sleeve.
  • Track 3 is labelled as "(Don't Loose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind" on the front sleeve.

CD: ZTT / CD ZCID 22 United Kingdom

  1. "Rage Hard (⊕⊕⊕✪)" – 17:12
  2. "SuffRAGEtte City" – 3:31
  3. "["Don't lose what's left.."]" + "Roadhouse Blues" (compacted) – 3:54
  • Sleeve featuring the purple fist.
  • "⊕⊕⊕✪" is a combined edit of "Stamped", "The Young Person's Guide to the 12"" and "Broad".

Tracks 1 and 3.1 were re-released on the Sexmix compilation in 2012.

1993 version

[edit]

A version of the song appeared as a B-side of "The Power of Love" reissue (FGTH 3), entitled the "original DJ mix". This version is the original 7-inch mix from 1986, but with the first chorus removed. Instead, the first verse and second verse are jointed together. This release can also be found on a large centre hole 7-inch disc with the label details stamped into the naked vinyl, as opposed to a paper or printed label.

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Rage Hard" is a by the English band , released on 25 August 1986 as the from their second and final studio album, . The track, produced by with executive production by , features an energetic synth-driven sound and lyrics promoting resilience and defiance against adversity. It marked a shift in the band's style following their debut album , incorporating more rock elements while retaining their signature electronic production. The single was released in multiple formats, including 7-inch, 12-inch, and later CD versions, and included B-sides such as covers of David Bowie's "" and The Doors' "". "Rage Hard" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart where it spent 7 weeks, and reaching number 1 on the German Singles Chart for two weeks with a total of 18 weeks on the chart. The song's release was accompanied by a directed by , featuring surreal and dramatic imagery that aligned with the band's provocative aesthetic. Despite not matching the chart-topping dominance of their earlier hits like "Relax" and "", it solidified Frankie Goes to Hollywood's international presence before their disbandment in 1987.

Background and production

Development and writing

Following the massive success of their 1984 debut album , entered a period of relative hiatus marked by internal tensions and creative reevaluation. , hailing from , had achieved global fame with anthems but faced growing discord among members, exacerbated by the pressures of stardom and contractual obligations with . Songwriting for their second album began in earnest during 1985-1986, amid this buildup, as the group sought to reassert their identity; notably, frontman left the band in 1987 following backstage conflicts during the supporting tour for the album. Under ZTT Records, the band shifted toward a more mature, rock-influenced sound for what became known as the Liverpool album, departing from their earlier synth-pop roots to emphasize live-band credibility and organic energy. This evolution was guided by Trevor Horn's overarching vision as executive producer, who encouraged a grittier aesthetic while handing primary production to Stephen Lipson; the result aimed to capture the raw spirit of their hometown amid Britain's politically charged 1980s landscape. Creative sessions reflected this intent, drawing on the band's Liverpool heritage for inspiration. "Rage Hard" emerged from these collaborative efforts, with songwriting credited jointly to Peter Gill, Holly Johnson, Brian Nash, and . The track's core drew from themes of and , fueled by personal band struggles and broader societal unrest under Thatcher-era policies, channeling anger into a call for defiant action during intense Liverpool-based creative workshops. This positioned "Rage Hard" as the ideal lead single, released on August 25, 1986, to herald the band's comeback after a two-year absence from new material.

Recording and personnel

"Rage Hard" was recorded in early 1986 as the from Frankie Goes to Hollywood's second album, Liverpool, with sessions spanning nearly six months under the oversight of . Sessions for the album took place across multiple locations including , , the , and the . The track was primarily captured at Wisseloord Studios in , , selected in part for tax advantages, alongside additional work at Sarm West Studios in . Stephen Lipson served as producer, also contributing guitars and programming, marking a shift toward guitar-driven arrangements and live to impart edge, contrasting the synth-dominated style of the band's debut. Lipson, who had engineered their prior work, encouraged the band members to play their own instruments during these sessions. Engineers included Lipson himself, utilizing advanced techniques such as two 24-track digital tape machines to generate over 50 versions of the track; for instance, drummer Peter Gill laid down eight takes, from which elements like verses and choruses were pieced together across multiples. A custom database program tracked multitrack variations, sequences, and samples to manage the complex process. The core band personnel comprised on lead vocals, Paul Rutherford on backing vocals, on bass guitar, Brian Nash on guitar, and Peter Gill on drums. Executive production was handled by , though he focused on mixing rather than direct involvement in the recording.

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure

"Rage Hard" is structured in a conventional verse-chorus form typical of pop-rock, commencing with an introductory build-up based on E5 and Em chords before transitioning into verses characterized by the progression Em–Em7–D–Em7. The choruses follow with F#m7–G#m7, while the bridge incorporates F#m–G#m7–Em, leading to an instrumental breakdown with layered vocals. This arrangement emphasizes dynamic builds through heavy guitar riffs and booming percussion, complemented by synth flourishes for atmospheric effects. The track is an up-tempo piece in at 109 BPM, with the album version running 5:01. Instrumentation includes electric guitars played by Brian Nash and additional contributions from Stephen Lipson, prominent bass lines by Mark O'Toole, drums by Peter Gill, and synthesizers enhancing the new wave influences. Under Lipson's , "Rage Hard" represents a stylistic shift from Frankie Goes to Hollywood's earlier toward a guitar-rock hybrid, incorporating rock elements like fuzz-toned leads and drum fills while retaining electronic flourishes.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of "Rage Hard" center on themes of empowerment, rebellion against conformity, and youthful defiance, serving as an anthemic call to action amid personal and societal stagnation. Phrases such as "Rise up in millions get off your knees" and "Takes a man to make a difference" evoke collective resistance and individual agency, urging listeners to break free from passivity and challenge oppressive structures. Holly Johnson, the primary lyricist, drew inspiration from Dylan Thomas's poem "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night," framing the song as an "incantation against death and lethargy" to foster creative idealism and vitality. Symbolism permeates the , blending mythological and dystopian to societal pressures. The line "Laugh like the head of Apollo" references the Greek god of light, music, and , symbolizing enlightenment and artistic triumph over darkness, while "tournament begin" suggests a competitive arena of struggle for dominance and survival. Darker motifs, like "We're rats in a cage, a go-go," portray and self-destructive under systemic constraints, contrasting with hopeful visions such as "Though blue eyes of children / They shine without " to highlight innocence and future-oriented optimism. The song's words, co-credited to Johnson alongside bandmates Brian Nash, , and Peter Gill, reflect the socio-political unrest of 1980s Britain during Thatcher's tenure, including economic hardship and divisionist policies, though without overt partisanship. This context infuses the "Rage hard, against the dying of the light" with urgency, adapting Thomas's plea against to address broader feelings of and alienation in a post-industrial landscape. Johnson's vocal delivery amplifies these themes through an anthemic, urgent style that conveys defiance and passion, with Paul Rutherford's backing harmonies adding a sense of communal and reinforcement of unity in rebellion.

Release and promotion

Single release

"Rage Hard" was released on 25 August 1986 by in the and for international markets, serving as the lead single from Frankie Goes to Hollywood's second studio album, , which appeared on 20 October 1986. The single appeared in several formats, including 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl, cassettes, and CD singles, with the UK market featuring three distinct 7-inch editions and four 12-inch variants, each incorporating different mixes such as "Rage Hard (+)" and "(++)". Packaging varied across releases, including pop-up sleeves for some 7-inch copies and posters with select 12-inch versions. Initial rollout focused on radio airplay and television exposure, including performances on .

Music video

The music video for "Rage Hard" was directed by , co-founder of the band's record label , and released in 1986. The production reflected 's signature aesthetic, characterized by bold conceptual elements and innovative visual approaches that defined the label's output in the 1980s. Featuring the core band members—vocalist , backing vocalist Paul Rutherford, bassist , guitarist Brian Nash, and drummer Peter Gill—the video runs for approximately 5 minutes. It depicts the group performing energetically in stylized settings with dramatic lighting, emphasizing Johnson's central presence as lead singer. Intercut with symbolic imagery such as explosions, surging crowds, and references to Apollo-era motifs, the visuals evoke themes of intensity and aligned with the song's energetic rock-synth fusion. Produced with a substantial budget typical of ZTT's ambitious projects, the video aimed to revive Frankie Goes to Hollywood's provocative public image following their debut era's controversies. It received rotation on MTV and UK music channels, helping to elevate the single's visibility upon its August 1986 launch.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its 1986 release, "Rage Hard" received mixed reviews from contemporary critics, who noted its departure from the band's earlier synth-heavy sound toward a more rock-oriented style but often found it lacking the innovation of prior hits like "Relax." Smash Hits magazine criticized the track as "watered-down and without the guts," likening it to previous singles but deeming the overall effect "limp and very disappointing," particularly the recycled "menacing" voiceover from "Two Tribes." Positive aspects highlighted included the song's high energy and Holly Johnson's powerful vocals, positioning it as a bold return after the band's hiatus. Melody Maker's coverage portrayed the single as part of a "ruthless new attitude," emphasizing the group's evolved, more involved approach to their material. In retrospective assessments, the track has been viewed more favorably for its shift to a guitar-driven sound. A 2011 BBC Music review of the Liverpool album reissue praised "Rage Hard" as the single that "best holds up alongside those monumental first four singles," appreciating its enduring quality amid the album's mixed legacy. The overall critical consensus positions "Rage Hard" as a solid effort but not an iconic entry in Frankie Goes to Hollywood's catalog, reflecting the band's transitional phase.

Commercial performance

"Rage Hard" sold over 250,000 copies in the within its initial weeks of release, securing a Silver certification from the (BPI) for 250,000 units on September 1, 1986. This performance helped propel the parent album to its number 5 debut on the . Internationally, the single enjoyed robust sales across , bolstered by its widespread radio play and popularity in . In contrast, it received no major certifications , where airplay remained moderate and crossover success was limited. The release marked a significant boost to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's visibility following a two-year hiatus after their debut album, reaffirming their commercial viability under . It exemplified ZTT's innovative single release strategy, featuring elaborate multi-format packaging such as limited-edition box sets and pop-up sleeves that enhanced collector appeal and drove initial sales momentum. In the long term, "Rage Hard" has maintained relevance through its inclusion on compilations like the 1993 collection Bang!... The Greatest Hits of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributing to sustained digital streams and enduring fan interest in the band's catalog.

Track listings and formats

1986 single tracks

The 1986 single releases of "Rage Hard" by were issued primarily on vinyl in 7-inch and 12-inch formats, as well as cassette, through in the UK and internationally. These editions featured various mixes of the title track, with the A-side focusing on edited and extended versions produced by and executive-produced by . Durations and track configurations varied by region and pressing, but all maintained the song's core style recorded between January and June 1986 in and .

7-inch vinyl

The standard 7-inch single presented "Rage Hard" on the A-side, clocking in at 5:05, suitable for radio play and capturing the track's anthemic chorus and driving rhythm. The B-side featured "(Don't Lose What's Left) of Your Little Mind," an original track at 4:03 with experimental synth elements. This format was released under catalog ZTAS 22 in the UK on August 25, 1986, and appeared in similar configurations across and .

12-inch vinyl

Extended editions on 12-inch vinyl offered multiple mixes of "Rage Hard" to cater to club and home listening audiences. The (+) mix ran 5:08, expanding on the 7" version with additional instrumental layers; the (++) mix (also known as broad mix) extended to 8:09, incorporating orchestral swells and repetitive builds for a more immersive experience. Some pressings included additional extracts or bonuses. These were issued under 12 ZTAS 22 in the UK and equivalent numbers elsewhere, often with picture sleeves highlighting the band's dramatic imagery. B-sides typically included "" (3:36) and "(Don't Lose What's Left) of Your Little Mind" (6:14).

Cassette

Cassette singles, such as the Australian C 14327 edition, included the 5:05 "Rage Hard" (7" version), a 12:08 extended mix, "Suffragette City" at 3:31, "(Don't Lose What's Left) of Your Little Mind" at 6:15, and a 0:24 extract from the (++) mix. Tracks were duplicated across sides for convenience on portable devices. Regional variations were notable in the US, where Island Records releases like 0-96806 emphasized extended mixes such as the broad mix at 8:36 on 12-inch vinyl at 33⅓ RPM, tailored for American dance markets, with B-side "Roadhouse Blues" (4:03). All formats fell under ZTT/Island distribution, ensuring consistent artwork and liner notes across global markets.

B-sides

The 1986 single release of "Rage Hard" by featured exclusive B-side tracks that exemplified ' approach of including non-album material to enhance collector value and provide additional content beyond the A-side mixes. These tracks were recorded during the January to June 1986 sessions in and for the band's album Liverpool. "" served as a B-side on several formats, including the 12-inch and cassette singles; this cover of Bowie's 1972 glam rock song was reinterpreted with a raw edge, highlighted by Holly Johnson's distinctive vocals, and runs for 3:36. The track credits as producer and as executive producer. "(Don't Lose What's Left) of Your Little Mind" appeared as the primary B-side on the 7-inch single (4:03) and extended version on 12-inch (6:14), an original composition credited to band members Brian Nash, , , and Peter Gill. Engineered by Phil Bodger, it incorporates experimental elements through layered abstract synths and percussive textures. "Roadhouse Blues," a cover of ' song, appeared on select international releases such as and 12-inch formats, at 4:03, adding a rock edge consistent with the single's style. These B-sides were non-album exclusives at the time of release, consistent with ZTT's strategy of bundling unique content on singles; "(Don't Lose What's Left) of Your Little Mind," "Suffragette City," and "Roadhouse Blues" were subsequently compiled on expanded editions of Liverpool.

Later versions

1993 version

In November 1993, amid the promotional campaign for Frankie Goes to Hollywood's greatest hits compilation Bang!... The Greatest Hits of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, a reissue of the single "The Power of Love" was released with a revised version of "Rage Hard" as its B-side. This edition, lasting approximately 4:13, served as a shorter edit tailored for contemporary radio play. The release occurred following the band's disbandment in 1987, aiming to leverage nostalgia for their 1980s success during a period of reissues and remixes by their former label ZTT. The 1993 iteration, subtitled "Original DJ Mix," incorporated updated production elements reflecting 1990s influences, such as enhanced electronic rhythms and a more streamlined , while retaining core elements from the 1986 original. It was produced by Steve Lipson and executive-produced by , ZTT's founder, without involving a full reunion of the original band members. This approach allowed ZTT to refresh the track for modern audiences without reassembling the group, which had dissolved acrimoniously six years earlier. The version appeared exclusively on the 1993 formats of "The Power of Love" reissue, contributing to its modest chart resurgence by peaking at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and spending seven weeks in the top 100. Beyond the single, it has not been widely reissued on subsequent compilations but remains a notable artifact of ZTT's post-breakup efforts to revive the band's catalog.

Remixes and reissues

Following its initial , "Rage Hard" saw several incorporated into later compilations and standalone formats. The shorter edit (10:04) of the original 1986 "Young Person's Guide to the 12" Mix" (12:07) was included on the 1994 compilation Reload! Frankie: The Whole 12 Inches, where it appeared as a key track highlighting the band's 12-inch single era. In the and early , club-oriented emerged to refresh the track for floors. The Freddie Bastone , clocking in at 6:59 with a house-infused production, was included on the 2001 double-CD compilation Twelve Inches, which gathered extended versions of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's singles. This , blending the original's bombastic elements with contemporary beats, catered to renewed interest in 1980s . A more experimental "Compacted" version, mashing up elements from multiple mixes into a continuous 17:12 track, was released digitally in 2014 as part of a promotional EP, offering fans a deconstruction of the song's structure. Additionally, the 2014 Blank & Jones so80s Reconstruction extended the track to 10 minutes, infusing it with modern electronic production while preserving its orchestral flair; this version premiered ahead of the so80s presents ZTT compilation. Reissues of "Rage Hard" appeared across various formats in the 1990s and beyond. The standard album version (5:04) was featured on the 1993 greatest hits collection Bang!... The Greatest Hits of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, released by ZTT Records, which compiled the band's commercial peaks. The 2000 CD reissue of the Liverpool album by Repertoire Records included the album version of the track. By 2001, Twelve Inches reissued several variants, including the approximately 8:41 "Broad" mix, originally an exclusive edit for international markets. International variations persisted in reissues, such as the German 12" single's "" mix (8:36), which combined vocal and instrumental layers in a unique edit and was later digitized for compilations like Twelve Inches. In 2020, Universal Music Catalogue (UMC) released remastered physical reissues of and Bang!... The Greatest Hits of on and vinyl, including the standard version of "Rage Hard." No significant new physical reissues occurred after 2020 beyond digital expansions, though hi-res audio versions of mixes from Twelve Inches became available through platforms supporting high-fidelity streaming. In the digital era, "Rage Hard" has been widely available on streaming services since 2008, with licensing multiple mixes—including the "Broad" version—to platforms like and . This accessibility has sustained its presence without major updates into the , focusing instead on archival remastering for online playback.

Charts

Weekly charts

"Rage Hard" achieved significant success on various international weekly charts following its release in August 1986. The single performed strongly across Europe, distributed by , reaching the top position in and entering the top ten in several other countries. In contrast, its performance in the United States was more modest, primarily targeting the format through promotional 12-inch releases rather than mainstream pop radio, which limited its crossover appeal on the Hot 100. It peaked at number 9 on the Dance Club Songs chart in 1987. The following table summarizes the song's peak positions and durations on select weekly charts for the 1986 release:
CountryPeak PositionWeeks on ChartEntry DateSource
(Official Charts Company)47September 6, 1986
Germany (Official German Charts)1 (2 weeks at No. 1)18September 8, 1986
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)1216October 1, 1986
Netherlands (Single Top 100)610September 6, 1986

Year-end charts

"Rage Hard" achieved notable placements on several European year-end singles charts in 1986, highlighting its stronghold in the continent's landscape following its summer release. The track's performance was particularly strong in markets where it had topped or nearly topped weekly charts, contributing to its enduring appeal among fans of and new wave acts. This annual aggregation underscores the song's commercial success amid a competitive year dominated by hits from artists like , Wham!, and .
Chart (1986)Position
(Official Charts Company)77
(GfK Entertainment)6
(Ö3 Austria Top 40)14
(Dutch Top 40)24
The song entered the top 100 on year-end lists across multiple European countries, including at number 23 on the Schweizer Hitparade, but it did not appear on major U.S. year-end compilations such as Billboard's Hot 100, reflecting its regional rather than global dominance. Later reissues, including the 1993 version tied to the band's greatest hits compilation, generated minimal chart traction and thus no significant year-end placements, though it appeared in minor retrospective best-of rankings during the .

References

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