"Art for Art's Sake" is a single by 10cc released in 1975. It was taken from the How Dare You! album, and, in an edited version, reached No. 5 on the UK singles chart.
The title of the song derives from the fact that Graham Gouldman's father, Hymie Gouldman, often used to say "Art for art's sake, money for God's sake, okay".
The wordless tape-loop vocals used by the band in their ground-breaking hit "I'm Not in Love" are also clearly audible in the slow sections of the song.
Record World called it "a spirited tour-de-force of vocal and production technique with an irresistible hook" and "a great sound."
Personnel Eric Stewart – lead vocal, grand piano, electric piano, six string bass, fuzz bass, lead guitar Graham Gouldman – electric guitars, cow bell, tambourine, backing vocals Lol Creme – 2nd lead vocal, electric guitars, maracas, Moog synthesizer, recorder, backing vocals Kevin Godley – drums, temple blocks, backing vocals
Chart performance
Weekly charts Chart (1975/6)PeakpositionUK Singles Chart5Australia ARIA Charts61Canada RPM (magazine)69Irish Singles Chart4
Year-end charts Chart (1976)RankNew Zealand (Top 40 Singles)34
References