Deceptive Bends

Sessions began in late summer 1976 with People in Love, then called Voodoo Boogie, at the original Strawberry in Stockport. Tension rose, and Godley and Creme split off to begin Consequences and soon left for good. Stewart and Gouldman went on with Good Morning Judge, which the original line-up had played at the Knebworth Festival on 21 August 1976, and The Things We Do for Love, helped by the drummer Paul Burgess. It was the first album made at the newly built Strawberry South in Dorking. The title comes from a sign warning of dangerous curves on the A24 between Leatherhead and Dorking. Gouldman said it struck him as quite a subtle word for the Department of Transport to use.

Stewart said the music was simpler, more direct, streamlined and positive than on earlier 10cc albums, and that he was out to prove they could write a hit album without Kevin and Lol. The album reached number three in the UK and number 31 in the US. The Things We Do for Love reached number six in the UK and number five on the Billboard Hot 100, where it was certified Gold. Good Morning Judge reached number five in the UK. A Guardian writer called it a brave attempt to rescue things after Godley and Creme abruptly left.