Soft Cell, the iconic synth-pop duo known for their haunting electronic rendition of Gloria Jones' "Tainted Love," was formed in the late '70s in England by singer/songwriter Marc Almond and producer/multi-instrumentalist Dave Ball. Their debut album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, featuring the hit single "Tainted Love," was released in 1981 and became a massive success worldwide. Soft Cell released several more albums in the '80s before disbanding to pursue solo projects. They reunited in the early 2000s, releasing new music and touring, leading up to their 2022 album Happiness Not Included, marking their return after 20 years.

Following their formation in 1977, Soft Cell quickly gained attention with their EP Mutant Moments and signed with Some Bizarre Records, releasing a string of successful albums throughout the '80s. Hits like "Torch" and "What!" solidified their place in the new wave era. Despite disbanding for solo projects, Almond and Ball reunited in the 2000s, releasing new music and embarking on tours. Their 2022 album Happiness Not Included, released after a series of singles, marked a triumphant return for the duo, showcasing their enduring influence on electronic music.