Article by Ron Powers – During the 1980s, new wave and post-punk music were key elements in shaping the decade’s distinctive colour. One of my favourite songs from this era is “I Melt with You” by Modern English. From the glassy sleekness of the guitars to the mellow, sophisticated lead vocals, this track delivers a cool yet heartfelt vibe from start to finish. Released as the second single from their 1982 album After the Snow, “I Melt with You” became the band’s most successful hit, featuring prominently on MTV and in the movie Valley Girl. Written during a time when the fear of nuclear war loomed large over singer Robbie Grey, the song, as he revealed in an interview, depicts a couple making love as an atomic bomb falls.
Modern English kicks off the track with a vibrant, full-band arrangement, featuring upbeat electric rhythm guitar layered with a shimmering chorus effect. The acoustic guitar is seamlessly blended with the electric, creating a rich, textured sound. Additionally, Michael Conroy’s bass line adds depth and warmth, delivering a tight, rounded groove that anchors the music. Finally, a simple yet effective 4/4 drum beat, built from kick, snare, and floor tom is added. This musical combination makes for a compelling intro section that keeps ears listening and toes tapping.
For the first verse we hear the electric guitar switch from rhythm to a melodic lead line while the acoustic guitar takes a break. The bass guitar also switches things up: transitioning from a driving simple rhythm to something with more groove and swing. Meanwhile drummer Richard Brown holds down the groove with some subtle variations to the beat. Singer Robbie Grey seals the deal with a catchy yet beautiful melody delivering the poetic lines: “Moving forwards, using all my breath / Making love to you was never second best / I saw the world thrashing all around your face / Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace”.
The first chorus arrives with an effortless transition, marked by a sparse snare drum fill and a crash cymbal. Guitarist Gabriel Sullivan shifts from the melodic lead of the verse back to the rhythmic strumming that opened the track. In this initial chorus, Modern English keeps the arrangement spacious, allowing room for additional layers in the next. When the second chorus hits, keyboardist Stephen Walker introduces a synthesizer melody with an accordion-like texture. This synth line elevates the song’s emotion and plays a crucial role in crafting the classic sound of “I Melt with You.”
Forty-two years after the release of their biggest hit, Modern English is still kicking. In February of 2024 they released their ninth studio album titled 1234. They have also been touring and have several shows lined up for November of 2024 playing alongside The Buzzcocks. If you would like to listen to “I Melt with You” or any of Modern English’s music, you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. If you would like to learn more about the band you can find more information on Wikipedia, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
