10cc was formed in Stockport in 1972. They were known for their innovative and clever approach to pop music. Comprising Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme, the group became famous for their art-pop style and complex, multi-layered production. 10cc has released eleven studio and numerous compilation albums and achieved several hit singles during their peak in the 1970s. Their work often featured a unique blend of witty lyrics and intricate musical arrangements, with significant successes including the singles “I’m Not in Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.”
10cc STUDIO ALBUMS
10cc (1973)
Released: 1973
10cc‘s debut album showcased their distinctive blend of art rock and pop craftsmanship. It was recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport, England, throughout 1972 and early 1973, with the band members themselves handling production duties.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rubber Bullets” – 5:15
- “Johnny Don’t Do It” – 3:36
- “Sand in My Face” – 3:36
- “Donna” – 2:53
- “The Dean and I” – 3:03
- “Headline Hustler” – 3:31
- “Speed Kills” – 3:47
- “The Hospital Song” – 2:41
- “Ships Don’t Disappear in the Night (Do They?)” – 3:04
- “Fresh Air for My Mama” – 3:04
Sheet Music (1974)
Released: May 1974
Sheet Music solidified 10cc’s reputation as master craftsmen of pop, recorded at Strawberry Studios and produced by the band. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Wall Street Shuffle” – 3:54
- “The Worst Band in the World” – 2:49
- “Hotel” – 4:54
- “Old Wild Men” – 3:21
- “Clockwork Creep” – 2:44
- “Silly Love” – 4:01
- “Somewhere in Hollywood” – 6:39
- “Baron Samedi” – 3:46
- “The Sacro-Iliac” – 2:31
- “Oh Effendi” – 2:49
The Original Soundtrack (1975)
Released: March 1975
The Original Soundtrack includes their iconic hit “I’m Not in Love.” This album was a major commercial breakthrough, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 15 on the Billboard 200 in the US. It was recorded at Strawberry Studios, with production by the band and further contributions from engineer Eric Stewart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Une Nuit a Paris” – 8:40
- “I’m Not in Love” – 6:04
- “Blackmail” – 4:55
- “The Second Sitting for the Last Supper” – 4:25
- “Brand New Day” – 4:03
- “Flying Junk” – 4:10
- “Life is a Minestrone” – 4:30
- “The Film of My Love” – 5:03
How Dare You! (1976)
Released: January 1976
How Dare You! was the last album to feature the original lineup, marking the end of the most critically acclaimed period for the band. The album was recorded at Strawberry Studios and reached No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “How Dare You” – 4:14
- “Lazy Ways” – 4:18
- “I Wanna Rule the World” – 3:57
- “I’m Mandy, Fly Me” – 5:22
- “Iceberg” – 3:43
- “Art for Art’s Sake” – 5:59
- “Rock ‘n’ Roll Lullaby” – 3:59
- “Head Room” – 4:21
- “Don’t Hang Up” – 6:19
Deceptive Bends (1977)
Released: May 1977
After Godley and Creme’s departure, Deceptive Bends was a test of resilience for the remaining duo of Stewart and Gouldman. The album was recorded at Strawberry Studios and achieved considerable success, peaking at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 31 on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
- “Good Morning Judge” – 2:54
- “The Things We Do for Love” – 3:29
- “Marriage Bureau Rendezvous” – 4:04
- “People in Love” – 3:48
- “Modern Man Blues” – 5:35
- “Honeymoon with B Troop” – 2:46
- “I Bought a Flat Guitar Tutor” – 1:45
- “You’ve Got a Cold” – 3:36
- “Feel the Benefit” – 11:32
Bloody Tourists (1978)
Released: September 1978
Bloody Tourists continued the band’s commercial success, featuring the hit “Dreadlock Holiday.” It was recorded at Strawberry Studios and other locations, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 69 on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dreadlock Holiday” – 4:28
- “For You and I” – 5:24
- “Take These Chains” – 2:36
- “Shock on the Tube (Don’t Want Love)” – 3:38
- “Last Night” – 3:18
- “The Anonymous Alcoholic” – 5:49
- “Reds in My Bed” – 4:08
- “Life Line” – 3:28
- “Tokyo” – 4:29
- “Old Mister Time” – 4:32
- “From Rochdale to Ocho Rios” – 3:42
- “Everything You Wanted to Know About!!!” – 4:27
Look Hear? (1980)
Released: March 1980
Look Hear? was recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport and marked a continuation of 10cc’s exploration into pop and rock with mixed critical reception. It reached No. 35 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “One-Two-Five” – 5:21
- “Welcome to the World” – 3:43
- “How’m I Ever Gonna Say Goodbye” – 3:38
- “Don’t Send We Back” – 3:20
- “I Took You Home” – 5:17
- “It Doesn’t Matter at All” – 4:01
- “Dressed to Kill” – 3:26
- “Lovers Anonymous” – 5:06
- “I Hate to Eat Alone” – 2:57
- “Strange Lover” – 3:44
- “L.A. Inflatable” – 4:30
Ten Out of 10 (1981)
Released: November 1981
Ten Out of 10 was recorded at Strawberry Studios and featured a stronger emphasis on the band’s pop songwriting capabilities. It received moderate success but did not chart as highly as previous albums, missing the US charts entirely but reaching No. 42 in the UK.
CD Track Listings:
- “Don’t Ask” – 4:02
- “Overdraft in Overdrive” – 3:24
- “Don’t Turn Me Away” – 5:03
- “Memories” – 4:31
- “Notell Hotel” – 4:56
- “Les Nouveaux Riches” – 5:11
- “Action Man in Motown Suit” – 4:46
- “Listen with Your Eyes” – 3:10
- “Lying Here with You” – 3:22
- “Survivor” – 5:46
Windows in the Jungle (1983)
Released: October 1983
Windows in the Jungle features a blend of pop and progressive elements, recorded at Strawberry Studios. This album reached No. 70 in the UK, showcasing a decline in commercial success. It would be the last album before the band’s hiatus in the mid-80s.
CD Track Listings:
- “24 Hours” – 8:09
- “Feel the Love” – 5:10
- “Yes, I Am” – 6:03
- “Americana Panorama” – 3:45
- “City Lights” – 3:34
- “Food for Thought” – 3:34
- “Working Girls” – 4:26
- “Taxi! Taxi!” – 7:21
…Meanwhile (1992)
Released: May 1992
…Meanwhile, recorded primarily in Los Angeles and the UK, was produced by Gary Katz, known for his work with Steely Dan. This album marked a return to form in some respects but failed to achieve significant chart success, peaking at No. 73 in the UK.
CD Track Listings:
- “Woman in Love” – 6:11
- “Wonderland” – 4:53
- “Fill Her Up” – 4:08
- “Something Special” – 3:23
- “Welcome to Paradise” – 6:13
- “The Stars Didn’t Show” – 4:51
- “Green Eyed Monster” – 4:43
- “Charity Begins at Home” – 4:55
- “Shine a Light in the Dark” – 5:43
- “Don’t Break the Promises” – 6:23
Mirror Mirror (1995)
Released: June 1995
Mirror Mirror was a notably different project for 10cc, with members recording parts separately and integrating them. The album has a diverse sound, with contributions from both Gouldman and Stewart, yet it saw minimal chart impact. This release signaled the end of the band’s studio recordings, as they have not released a new studio album since.
CD Track Listings:
- “Yvonne’s the One” – 4:28
- “Code of Silence” – 5:42
- “Everything is Not Enough” – 4:02
- “Ready to Go Home” – 4:33
- “Grow Old with Me” – 3:22
- “Age of Consent” – 4:43
- “Why Did I Break Your Heart” – 5:21
- “Now You’re Gone” – 3:01
- “Blue Bird” – 4:07
- “I’m Not in Love” (Rework of Art) – 5:58
Read More: Top Ten 10cc Songs