Spartacus (The Farm album)
Spartacus is the fourth studio album by the Canadian new wave band The Farm. Released in 1985, it was the band's most commercially successful album, reaching platinum certification in Canada.
The album showcased a more polished and commercially oriented sound compared to their earlier work, incorporating elements of synth-pop and dance music. It featured the hit singles "Communication" and "Facts of Life," both of which achieved significant airplay and chart success in Canada and gained some international attention.
While maintaining some of the band's signature politically charged lyrics and social commentary, Spartacus leaned more heavily into accessible melodies and upbeat arrangements. The album's title, referencing the historical figure who led a slave revolt against the Roman Republic, hints at the band's ongoing interest in themes of rebellion and freedom, though these themes are often presented within the context of relationships and societal pressures rather than overt political statements.
The success of Spartacus propelled The Farm into the mainstream Canadian music scene, and solidified their place as one of the prominent new wave acts of the mid-1980s.