The 1980s was a decade of immense creativity and experimentation in the music industry. New Wave and Post-Punk, two genres that emerged during this era, left an indelible mark on the music landscape. With their distinctive sound, style, and attitude, bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Blondie captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. As the years went by, the appeal of these genres only grew, leading to a full-blown revival in the 2000s. Today, New Wave and Post-Punk are more popular than ever, with a new generation of fans discovering the joys of synth-heavy hooks, driving beats, and lyrics that spoke to the angst and rebellion of the era.
In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and count down the top 20 catchiest 80’s New Wave and Post-Punk tracks that continue to influence music today.
20. The Psychedelic Furs – “Love My Way” (1982)
With its infectious chorus and Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals, “Love My Way” is a quintessential New Wave track that still gets the party started.
19. Wire – “Eardrum Buzz” (1980)
This post-punk masterpiece from Wire’s iconic album “Chairs Missing” features a hypnotic rhythm and poetic lyrics that have become synonymous with the genre.
18. The Go-Go’s – “We Got the Beat” (1981)
This upbeat anthem from the all-female band The Go-Go’s is a staple of 80’s pop culture, with its catchy hooks and danceable beat.
17. Depeche Mode – “Just Can’t Get Enough” (1981)
This synth-heavy hit from Depeche Mode’s debut album “Speak & Spell” launched the band’s career and remains a fan favorite to this day.
16. The Police – “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” (1980)
This eclectic track from The Police’s “Zenyatta Mondatta” album showcases the band’s ability to blend pop, rock, and reggae influences with New Wave sensibilities.
15. Blondie – “Rapture” (1981)
This groundbreaking track from Blondie’s “Autoamerican” album is a fusion of New Wave, rap, and rock that paved the way for future genre-benders.
14. The Cars – “Shake It Up” (1981)
This high-energy track from The Cars’ “Shake It Up” album features Ric Ocasek’s distinctive vocals and a driving rhythm that’s impossible to resist.
13. The B-52’s – “Rock Lobster” (1979)
This iconic track from The B-52’s debut album “The B-52’s” is a New Wave staple, with its infectious beat and unforgettable vocal harmonies.
12. Joy Division – “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (1980)
This haunting track from Joy Division’s “Closer” album is a post-punk masterpiece that explores the themes of love, loss, and despair.
11. New Order – “Bizarre Love Triangle” (1986)
This atmospheric track from New Order’s “Brotherhood” album features Bernard Sumner’s soaring vocals and a mesmerizing blend of synths and guitars.
10. The Cure – “Just Like Heaven” (1987)
This dreamy track from The Cure’s “Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me” album is a classic example of the band’s ability to craft infectious, guitar-driven pop.
9. Duran Duran – “Hungry Like the Wolf” (1982)
This synth-heavy hit from Duran Duran’s “Rio” album is a quintessential 80’s New Wave track, with its catchy hooks and driving rhythm.
8. The Jesus and Mary Chain – “Just Like Honey” (1985)
This dark, swirling track from The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Psychocandy” album is a post-punk masterpiece that showcases the band’s unique blend of noise and melody.
7. Echo & the Bunnymen – “The Killing Moon” (1984)
This sweeping track from Echo & the Bunnymen’s “Ocean Rain” album features a soaring chorus and a driving rhythm that’s impossible to resist.
6. Simple Minds – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” (1985)
This iconic track from Simple Minds’ “The Breakfast Club” soundtrack is a classic example of the band’s ability to craft infectious, anthemic pop.
5. The Smiths – “This Charming Man” (1984)
This jangly track from The Smiths’ “Hatful of Hollow” album is a post-punk masterpiece that showcases the band’s unique blend of melodic hooks and poetic lyrics.
4. Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime” (1980)
This experimental track from Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light” album is a classic example of the band’s ability to push the boundaries of New Wave and Post-Punk.
3. The Pretenders – “Brass in Pocket” (1979)
This high-energy track from The Pretenders’ debut album “Pretenders” is a New Wave staple, with its catchy hooks and driving rhythm.
2. Depeche Mode – “Personal Jesus” (1989)
This brooding track from Depeche Mode’s “Violator” album is a classic example of the band’s ability to craft dark, atmospheric pop with a strong sense of melody.
1. New Order – “Blue Monday” (1983)
This iconic track from New Order’s “Low-Life” album is a post-punk masterpiece that has become synonymous with the genre. Its haunting atmosphere, driving beat, and iconic bassline make it a standout track that continues to influence music today.
Conclusion
The New Wave and Post-Punk revival of the 2000s brought these genres back into the mainstream, introducing them to a new generation of fans. Today, these genres continue to influence music, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from the sounds and styles of the 1980s. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of New Wave and Post-Punk, this list is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience the best of the genre.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between New Wave and Post-Punk?
A: New Wave and Post-Punk are often used interchangeably, but New Wave is a genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and a more commercial approach. Post-Punk, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to the experimental and avant-garde music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, often characterized by its use of noise, dissonance, and atmospheric textures.
Q: Who are some notable New Wave and Post-Punk bands?
A: Some notable New Wave and Post-Punk bands include Depeche Mode, The Cure, Blondie, Joy Division, New Order, The Police, The Cars, and The B-52’s.
Q: What is the significance of the 1980s in the development of New Wave and Post-Punk?
A: The 1980s was a pivotal decade for New Wave and Post-Punk, with the emergence of these genres and the development of their distinct sounds and styles. The decade saw the rise of iconic bands and the creation of some of the most influential and enduring music of the era.
Q: How have New Wave and Post-Punk influenced contemporary music?
A: New Wave and Post-Punk have had a profound influence on contemporary music, with many artists drawing inspiration from their sounds, styles, and themes. The genres’ emphasis on experimentation, atmospheric textures, and introspective lyrics has influenced a wide range of musical styles, from indie rock to electronic music to pop.