For four years from 1972 to 1976. 10cc produced some of the most innovative, inventive and creative music in the UK charts. Classed as “art rock”, 10cc’s unique style was borne out of the unusual chemistry of the four band members Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, who had written and recorded together for some three years, before adopting the “10cc” name in 1972. This happened when they signed to Jonathan King’s UK Record Label.

What I particularly loved about the music of 10cc was that no two singles were the same; they were incredibly catchy and commercial sounding songs without being formulaic in any way. The imagery they used was fresh and original and the storytelling sublime. These perfectly crafted songs that were commercial and arty at the same time ( which is highly unusual ), were achieved because within 10cc there were two strong, but separate songwriting teams. One was ‘commercial’ and one ‘artistic’, but both teams injected humour, wit and glorious imagery into the songs they composed. Stewart and Gouldman were predominantly pop-song-writers, who created most of the band’s commercially accessible songs. Meanwhile Godley and Creme were the off the wall, wacky soul of 10cc, featuring artistic sensibility drawn from novels and films / cinema. Unusually each member of 10cc was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, writer and producer. When Godley and Creme left the band in 1976, following artistic tensions, 10cc were never as creative or thought provoking again. Clearly the creative tensions that drove 10cc apart, were also the glue that fused their creative dynamic – a classic case of “can’t live together, can’t live apart”!!

10cc were never going to be fashionable or trendy pin up artists, like contemporaries art school types David Bowie, Bryan Ferry and Marc Bolan, but ultimately talent transcends fashion and trend. The music of 10cc might have been produced in the 1970s, but like all great songs, they have a timeless quality. To prove it, here’s a Top 5 Best 10cc Hits ( 1972-1976 ) –

Top 5 Best 10cc Hits ( 1972-1976 )

1)  I’m Not In Love

2)   Wall Street Shuffle

3)   I’m Mandy Fly Me

4)   Art for Art’s Sake

5)   Life is a Minestrone

Which are your favourite 10cc songs, singles or album tracks? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

Celebrate 10cc and immortalise the band in your own home or office, by ordering your favourite 10cc vinyl record or CD; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque……

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Framed vinyl records with a personalised plaque, make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

For all other 10cc memorabilia, merchandise and news……. www.10ccworld.com/   www.the10ccfanclub.com/