Masquerade - Berlin - MP3 instrumental karaoke

Berlin’s “Masquerade”, from their 1982 album Pleasure Victim, captures the essence of early 1980s synth-pop with its haunting lyrics and layered electronic sound. Released as a single in 1983 following the hits “Sex (I’m A...)” and “The Metro”, “Masquerade” continued Berlin’s streak of exploring complex emotional themes through catchy new wave arrangements. The song, written by guitarist Chris Ruiz-Velasco, dives into the ideas of deception and hidden emotions, as the lyrics paint a picture of someone hiding behind a mask to avoid vulnerability. Musically, the track leans on a powerful synth arrangement, smooth bassline, and Terri Nunn’s sultry, evocative vocals, which add depth to the theme of living behind facades. Although “Masquerade” didn’t match the mainstream success of other singles from the album, it became a favorite within Berlin's discography and remains a strong representation of the new wave era.