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From big-name bands like Depeche Mode and New Order to up-and-comers like The Smiths and The Cure, there was never a dull moment when it came to this era’s new wave scene. In honor of this memorable era in music, we’ve compiled 100 of the best new wave bands of the 1980s.
List of new wave artists. The following is a list of artists and bands associated with the new wave music genre during the late 1970s and early-to-mid 1980s. The list does not include acts associated with the resurgences and revivals of the genre that have occurred from the 1990s onward.
- Duran Duran. It is impossible to have escaped the 80’s alive without grooving to at least one of Duran Duran’s songs. Based in England, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor burst onto the scene in 1981 after having worked hard throughout the end of the 70’s on their showmanship and highly polished image.
- The Cure. Not all New Wave bands took the same path towards fame and fortune. When The Cure was put together by band leader Robert Smith in 1976 in England, the original musical focus of the group was on a dark and melodic sound that would help them to define what later became known as the Goth genre.
- INXS. The New Wave genre’s inclusion of straight ahead rock music tinged with pop sensibilities was most deftly captured by the band INXS. Hailing from Australia and lead by the incredibly charismatic singer Michael Hutchence, the band spent the early part of the 80’s touring almost constantly and releasing albums largely for the Australian market.
- Devo. Some of the New Wave acts of the 1980s were just plain weird. Devo is a perfect example. Formed in 1976 in the hotbed of rock and roll that was Ohio, Devo spent a large part of their early existence mocking what their perceived as the “de-evolution” of the society around them.
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- Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Tears for Fears. 1,162 votes. Tears for Fears' soaring anthem "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" features mesmerizing guitar riffs and vibrant synths, making it an emblematic New Wave hit.
- Don't You (Forget About Me) Simple Minds. 1,117 votes. Simple Minds' unforgettable anthem "Don't You (Forget About Me)" defines the 80s New Wave sound with its moody synths and Jim Kerr's distinctive vocals.
- Tainted Love. Soft Cell. 1,086 votes. Soft Cell's pulsating cover of "Tainted Love" boasts infectious synth beats, perfectly complementing Marc Almond's signature vocal style.
- Don't You Want Me. The Human League. 960 votes. The Human League captured the essence of 80s synthpop with their catchy hit "Don't You Want Me," featuring irresistible electronic hooks and an engaging duet between Philip Oakey and Joanne Catherall.
- The Cure. 3,369 votes. With a distinctive blend of gothic and post-punk influences, this English band gained a devoted following for their moody, atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics.
- Depeche Mode. 3,341 votes. Emerging from the UK synth-pop scene, this innovative group took electronic music to new heights with their pioneering use of sampling and dark, brooding lyrics.
- New Order. 2,963 votes. Formed from the ashes of Joy Division, this seminal British act seamlessly melded post-punk sensibilities with cutting-edge dance beats to create a groundbreaking fusion of rock and electronica.
- Blondie. 2,288 votes. Led by the iconic Debbie Harry, this New York-based group effortlessly fused punk attitude with danceable beats and catchy melodies to create an irresistible blend that took the world by storm.
80s European New Wave · Playlist · 180 songs · 95 likes.
King were a British new wave band which formed in 1984. The band achieved chart success in 1985, and are best known for their hit single " Love & Pride ", which reached number 2 in the UK. The band had two Top 20 albums (both certified Gold) and five Top 30 singles in the space of a year.
