Sparks: "Tryouts For The Human Race" Single ( 1979)

SPARKS’ “TRYOUTS FOR THE HUMAN RACE”: A SYNTH-POP GEM FROM 1979

In the ever-evolving world of synth-pop and new wave, Sparks—the eccentric duo of brothers Ron and Russell Mael—were at the forefront of electronic music’s evolution in the late 1970s. Released on October 19, 1979, through Virgin Records in the UK (VS 289), the 7" single “Tryouts for the Human Race” / “Tryouts for the Human Race (Long Version)” was taken from their groundbreaking eighth studio album, No. 1 in Heaven. Written by Ron Mael (keyboards, production) and Russell Mael (vocals, production), and produced by Giorgio Moroder—the disco pioneer behind Donna Summer’s hits—this single marked Sparks’ bold leap into synth-pop, blending their quirky art-rock roots with pulsating electronic beats. With a runtime of approximately 3:33 for the A-side and 6:05 for the B-side, the track was a futuristic anthem that helped redefine pop music. Let’s explore the story, tracks, chart performance, reissues, and legacy of this seminal Sparks single, a cornerstone of their disco-electronic era.

--- THE BACKGROUND: SPARKS MEET MORODER ---

By 1979, Sparks had built a cult following with glam-rock classics like Kimono My House (1974) and its hit “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us.” After a string of eclectic albums, the Maels were seeking a new direction. Their 1978 album Introducing Sparks flopped, and the brothers, disillusioned with rock’s constraints, relocated to Europe and connected with Giorgio Moroder, the Italian producer revolutionizing music with synthesizers and four-on-the-floor beats. Recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, No. 1 in Heaven was a radical departure, trading guitars for Roland synths and live drums for drum machines, with Moroder’s pulsating production amplifying Sparks’ theatricality.

1979 release

• 7 inch Virgin VS 244

• "The Number One Song in Heaven" – 3:48

• "The Number One Song in Heaven" (long version) – 6:56

• 12 inch Virgin VS 244-12 (sleeve featured)

• "The Number One Song in Heaven" – 4:02

• "The Number One Song in Heaven" (long version) – 7:27

Cover art for the 7" single "Tryouts for the Human Race" by Sparks, released by Virgin in the UK on October 19, 1979, featuring a futuristic and robotic theme with mechanical hands handling test tubes.

“Tryouts for the Human Race” was the album’s first single, a tongue-in-cheek sci-fi narrative about test-tube babies auditioning for existence, delivered with Russell’s operatic falsetto and Ron’s deadpan wit. Backed by Moroder’s sequencers and Keith Forsey’s percussion, it was a dancefloor-ready manifesto that bridged disco’s hedonism with new wave’s edge. The single’s release coincided with Sparks’ European promotional blitz, including TV appearances on Top of the Pops (November 1, 1979) and Musikladen, where their eccentric energy—Russell’s frenetic dancing, Ron’s stoic synth-playing—captivated audiences. Coming off the album’s earlier single “The Number One Song in Heaven” (UK No. 14), “Tryouts” solidified Sparks’ reinvention as synth-pop trailblazers.

--- ORIGINAL TRACK LISTING (1979 7" AND 12" VINYL SINGLES) ---

The UK 7" single (Virgin VS 289, 45 RPM) featured a standard edit and a unique B-side, packaged in a vibrant sleeve with the album’s celestial artwork by Steve Taylor. The 12" (VS 289-12) expanded the track for clubs. All tracks were written by Ron and Russell Mael, produced by Moroder. Here’s the core track listing:

A-SIDE (7")

1. Tryouts for the Human Race (3:33) – A sleek, radio-friendly edit of the album track. Its infectious synth riff, pulsing bassline, and Russell’s soaring vocals narrate a dystopian “tryout” for humanity, with lyrics like “We’re just a gleam in lover’s eyes” blending humor and existentialism.

B-SIDE (7")

1. Tryouts for the Human Race (Long Version) (6:05) – An extended mix, identical to the album version, with stretched instrumental breaks and a hypnotic Moroder groove, emphasizing the track’s disco roots.

Back art for the 7" single "Tryouts for the Human Race" by Virgin, released in the UK on October 19, 1979, featuring a futuristic robotic hand holding a monochrome photograph.

12" VERSION (VIRGIN VS 289-12)

A1. Tryouts for the Human Race (Extended Version) (7:58) – A club mix with longer synth sequences and dance breaks, remixed by Moroder.

B1. Tryouts for the Human Race (Album Version) (6:05) – Same as the 7" B-side.

B2. Tryouts for the Human Race (Single Version) (3:33) – The 7" A-side edit.

Total 12" runtime: ~17:36. The sleeve mirrored the 7", with some European pressings (e.g., Ariola in Germany) featuring alternate colors.

--- REISSUE TRACK LISTINGS ---

“Tryouts for the Human Race” has been preserved through album reissues, compilations, and digital platforms, often with remastered audio or bonus mixes. No standalone single reissues exist, but the track is a staple in Sparks’ catalog. Key reissues include:

1997 ELEKTRA/RHINO CD: NO. 1 IN HEAVEN REISSUE

- Track 3: Tryouts for the Human Race (6:05) – Album version.

- Single edit (3:33) not included but available on compilations.

- Total relevant runtime: ~6:05. Remastered by Bill Inglot; includes liner notes on Moroder’s influence.

2008 LIL’ BEETHOVEN RECORDS CD: NO. 1 IN HEAVEN (DELUXE EDITION)

- Disc 1, Track 3: Tryouts for the Human Race (6:05).

- Disc 2, Track 1: Tryouts for the Human Race (Single Version) (3:33).

- Disc 2, Track 2: Tryouts for the Human Race (Extended Version) (7:58).

- Total: 3 tracks; runtime ~17:36. Remastered by Ron Mael; includes live versions from 1979 BBC sessions.

2018/2023 DIGITAL REMASTERS (SPOTIFY/APPLE MUSIC)

- Tryouts for the Human Race (Album Version) (6:05) – Standard on No. 1 in Heaven.

- Tryouts for the Human Race (Single Version) (3:33) – On The Best of Sparks playlist.

- Tryouts for the Human Race (Extended Version) (7:58) – Available on deluxe album editions.

- Total: 3 tracks; runtime ~17:36. High-res audio; part of The Essential Sparks (2009 comp, Tracks 5–7).

Cover art for the Sparks' 1979 12" single "Tryouts For The Human Race," released under the Virgin label, featuring a futuristic design with robotic hands holding test tubes against a blue backdrop.

The track also appears in All Sparks Electrical Goods – The Fall and Rise of Sparks 1971–2008 (2008, 5-CD box, Disc 2, Track 3). Vinyl reissues of No. 1 in Heaven (e.g., 2019 180g Lil’ Beethoven pressing) include the album version only.

--- CHART POSITIONS ---

“Tryouts for the Human Race” rode the disco wave but faced fierce competition from acts like ABBA and Blondie.

It performed modestly in the UK and Europe, with stronger club play than mainstream success. The album No. 1 in Heaven peaked at No. 73 in the UK and didn’t chart in the US. Below are key single positions (based on OCC and Billboard data):

SINGLE CHARTS

Chart: UK Singles (OCC) | Peak Position: 45 | Weeks on Chart: 4 | Certification: - | Notes: Entered Nov. 3, 1979; sales ~25,000 units.

Chart: US Billboard Hot 100 | Peak Position: - | Weeks on Chart: - | Certification: - | Notes: No chart entry; promo-only in US.

Chart: US Billboard Hot Dance/Disco | Peak Position: 28 | Weeks on Chart: 6 | Certification: - | Notes: Club play driven by 12" mix.

Chart: Dutch Top 40 | Peak Position: 24 | Weeks on Chart: 5 | Certification: - | Notes: Strong European dance traction.

Preceded by “The Number One Song in Heaven” (UK No. 14), it was Sparks’ fourth UK chart single of the 1970s. The B-side’s extended mix boosted DJ spins in London and Amsterdam clubs.

--- THE MUSIC: SYNTH-POP PIONEERING ---

“Tryouts for the Human Race” is a landmark in Sparks’ catalog: Moroder’s shimmering synths and Forsey’s crisp drum machines create a futuristic pulse, while Russell’s falsetto soars over Ron’s lyrical absurdity—lines like “We’re just a gleam in lover’s eyes” are both silly and profound. The single edit trims the instrumental sprawl, sharpening its pop hook, while the extended mix indulges in hypnotic repetition, perfect for disco floors. NME praised its “gleeful weirdness,” and Rate Your Music users rate it 3.8/5, calling it “a proto-synth-pop classic.”

The B-side, essentially the album cut, amplifies the track’s trance-like quality, with Moroder’s production evoking Kraftwerk and early Human League. Its influence is clear: Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode later cited No. 1 in Heaven as a touchstone. Critics were split—Rolling Stone called it “too outré for disco purists”—but fans embraced its bold pivot from rock.

--- LEGACY AND PROMOTION ---

Promoted via Top of the Pops (Russell’s flamboyant moves stealing the show) and European TV like Germany’s Musikladen, the single fueled Sparks’ 1979–80 tour, where “Tryouts” was a setlist staple alongside “Beat the Clock.” Clips from these performances appear in the 2021 documentary The Sparks Brothers, highlighting its cultural impact. The track’s sci-fi theme resonated in clubs, with DJs like Larry Levan spinning the 12" at New York’s Paradise Garage.

“Tryouts” marked a turning point, cementing Sparks as synth-pop innovators. It influenced 1980s acts and reappeared in their 2015 FFS project with Franz Ferdinand, where live versions echoed its energy. The Maels revisited its vibe on Hippopotamus (2017), proving its enduring spark. For collectors, the UK 12" (VS 289-12) is a prize; streamers can find all mixes on the 2018 remaster. As Sparks gear up for their 26th album (MAD, 2025), “Tryouts” remains a testament to their fearless evolution. What’s your favorite Sparks synth banger? Drop it in the comments!