Bronski Beat
"Smalltown Boy"
(1984)
"Smalltown Boy" is a 1984 song by the British synthpop group Bronski Beat. It was released in June of 1984, and appeared on the band's debut album The Age of Consent, released in December 1984.
The song is a popular gay anthem and was a huge commercial success, reaching number 3 in the band's native UK. As well, it was a number one hit in the Netherlands and Italy, and hit the top 10 in Australia, Canada, France, and Switzerland. The track reached number 48 in the U.S. pop chart and was a #1 U.S dance hit.
The song addresses key issues in 1980s LGBT culture. It addresses family rejection for being homosexual and homophobia in British society. It also deals with loneliness and bullying through societal and familial rejection.
A subsequent promotional music video was made, and a "young gay man" (Jimmy Somerville, lead singer of Bronski Beat) was used to depict these issues.
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