Last updated on January 31, 2026, updated every month.
Where punk is raw and rebellious, the following trend, new wave pop, retains the DIY approach and critique of social conventions but adds a more melodic and electronic twist, making it more “MTV suited.”
The list below ranks 20 vintage 80S NEW WAVE POP songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . Richard Marx - Angelia
“Angelia” lands as the third single off Richard Marx’s second album, Repeat Offender, hitting shelves in September 1989.
Written and recorded by Marx himself, it’s tracked between 1988 and 1989 with co-producer David Cole riding shotgun.
The production? A clear nod to Def Leppard’s Pyromania and Hysteria—think big drums and glossy guitars without quite needing a Union Jack.
Michael Landau takes the guitar solo, Bruce Gaitsch adds more strings, with Prairie Prince on drums, Jim Cliff on bass, and C. J. Vanston managing keyboards.
Marc Russo slips in a saxophone part, just in case you were starting to think this was going full stadium rock without any curveballs.
Chart-wise, it peaks at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, hits #2 on Cash Box, and politely makes the top 40 in Australia and top 50 in the UK.
Writer(s) : Richard N Marx Publisher(s) : Chi Boy Music
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Pop, Rock,new wave pop, soft rock
Featured on the album 1989,Repeat Offender
120.50% / -13.51%
2 . Fine Young Cannibals - Johnny Come Home
Fine Young Cannibals’ 1985 track “Johnny Come Home” fuses rock and ska with Roland Gift’s distinct vocals and a jazzy trumpet solo. The song tells the story of a runaway, alternating between the perspective of the youth and his parents, capturing themes of isolation and disillusionment.
Writer(s) : David Steele (Gb 1), Roland Lee Gift Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb)
Genres : Rock, Pop,dance rock, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Genres : Rock, Pop,dance rock, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Featured on the album 1985,Fine Young Cannibals
49.46% / -2.09%
3 . Bryan Ferry - Kiss and Tell
Bryan Ferry’s “Kiss and Tell” released in 1988, is speculated to reference his relationship with supermodel Jerry Hall before she left him for Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. The music video features Mandy Smith, model Denice Lewis, and Christine Keeler, known for her involvement in the Profumo affair. “Kiss and Tell” is part of the soundtrack for the film “Bright Lights, Big City” directed by James Bridges, starring Michael J. Fox and Kiefer Sutherland.
The music video is directed by Andy Morahan.
Writer(s) : James Richard Steinman Publisher(s) : Firelight Ferry
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic, Pop,glam rock, melancholia, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, solo wave, sophisti-pop
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic, Pop,glam rock, melancholia, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, solo wave, sophisti-pop
The music video is directed by Andy Morahan
Featured on the album 1987,Bete Noire
43.50% / -0.89%
4 . Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now
“Hold Me Now” is one of the Thompson Twins’ biggest hits, released in 1983. The track, known for its catchy chorus and signature synths, was written by the three band members. It reached number 4 in the UK and number 3 in the US. “Hold Me Now” was included in the soundtrack of the romantic comedy “The Wedding Singer,” directed by Frank Coraci, released in 1998. The song plays in a scene where the main character, Robbie (played by Adam Sandler), walks away from Julia (played by Drew Barrymore) after a failed performance.
The music video is directed by Rupert James.
Writer(s) : Alannah Joy Currie, Joseph Martin Leeway, Thomas Alexander Bailey, Tamas Z Marosi Publisher(s) : Point Music Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Rupert James
Featured on the album 1984,Into the Gap
35.53% / -1.42%
5 . Sheena Easton - Almost Over You
“Almost Over You” by Sheena Easton paints a picture of emotional recovery after a painful breakup.
The lyrics navigate encounters with mutual friends and the challenge of letting go.
They contrast the narrator’s lingering sadness with the ex’s chilly demeanor.
Easton’s voice reflects resilience, showing how time helps heal emotional scars.
The chorus captures the in-between state of moving on—being nearly past the former relationship.
This song portrays growth and signals hope in moving beyond past hurt.
The music video is directed by Kevin McVey.
Writer(s) : Cindy Richardson N Walker, Jennifer K Kimball Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Melody
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Rock, R&B, Pop,mellow gold, minneapolis sound, new romantic, new wave pop, soft rock
Featured on the album 1983,Best Kept Secret
34.50% / -1.51%
6 . Naked Eyes - Promises, Promises
Naked Eyes’ 1983 track “Promises, Promises” stands out as a quintessential new wave anthem, blending synthpop sensibilities with a distinctive melody. Produced by Tony Mansfield, this hit climbed to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Remixes by Jellybean, featuring background vocals by Madonna, were later released in 2001. Known for its heavy synthesizer use, the song also finds a spot on the Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack.
The music video is directed by Mike Mills.
Writer(s) : Rob Fisher, Peter James Byrne Publisher(s) : P J B Music, Three D Music, Universal Music Publishing Mgb Limited
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave pop, synthpop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Michel Gondry
Featured on the album 1983,Burning Bridges
27.96% / -0.79%
7 . Blondie - The Tide Is High
Originally a Jamaican rocksteady gem by John Holt and The Paragons in 1967, Blondie’s 1980 take on “The Tide Is High” turned it into a reggae-infused pop anthem that dominated charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
The track’s reimagining leaned on a lush arrangement, blending horns and strings under the direction of band member Jimmy Destri, giving the song a vibrant texture atypical of Blondie’s usual fare.
Released as part of their fifth studio album “Autoamerican,” the song quickly found itself at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and the UK Singles Chart, securing Blondie yet another stake in the era’s defining pop moments.
Debbie Harry’s charismatic delivery anchors the track, her voice walking the line between serene and subtly determined, underscoring the narrative of tenacious romantic devotion without venturing into melodrama.
The music video’s nautical and tropical visuals emphasized the carefree yet persistent tone of the song, while Harry’s radiant screen presence ensured its place in MTV’s formative years.
While departures into reggae territory by major pop acts might read as opportunistic in less capable hands, Blondie’s version avoided being reductive by imbuing the composition with genuine artistry and ambition.
“The Tide Is High” wasn’t just a reflection of the band’s appetite for experimentation; it was a strategic reinvention that broadened their appeal without abandoning their confident edge.
The longevity of the track is underscored by the countless remixes, covers, and samples it has spawned, cementing it as a recurring fixture in pop culture’s ever-recycling playlist.
Its place in “Autoamerican” stands as a reminder that mainstream success doesn’t always have to come at the expense of stylistic risk, even if the results themselves occasionally lean a bit heavy on the polished side.
For all its charm, the track’s persistent air of romantic optimism might not appeal to all, but its craftsmanship ensures it resonates far beyond its initial chart-topping splash.
Genres : Pop, Rock,candy pop, new wave pop, permanent wave, power pop, rock, synthpop
Featured on the album 1980,Autoamerican
28.68% / -1.02%
8 . Thompson Twins - Doctor! Doctor!
“Doctor! Doctor!” is a standout track by the British group Thompson Twins, released in 1984. Written by Tom Bailey, Alannah Currie, and Joe Leeway, this iconic synth-pop song from the 80s reached number 3 on the UK charts and number 11 on the US charts. The band, formed in 1977, gets its name from the detectives in the comic “The Adventures of Tintin”. Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie, who lived as squatters in London before finding success, married in 1991 in Las Vegas, later moving to New Zealand, where they lived for several years before separating in 2003.
The music video is directed by Dieter ‘Dee’ Trattmann.
Writer(s) : Joseph Martin Leeway, Thomas Alexander Bailey, Alannah Joy Currie Publisher(s) : Point Music Ltd
Genres : new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Genres : new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Dieter ‘Dee’ Trattmann
Featured on the album 1984,Into the Gap
27.50% / -0.45%
9 . Simple Minds - Someone Somewhere In Summertime
“Someone Somewhere In Summertime” emerges as a shimmering and atmospheric track from Simple Minds’ 1982 album *New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)*.
The lyrics evoke a deep sense of longing and optimism about connecting with someone in an anonymous world.
Lines like “Somewhere there is some place that one million eyes can’t see” capture this sentiment.
Musically, the interplay between Charlie Burchill’s ethereal guitar and Mick MacNeil’s layered keyboards creates an expansive and dreamy soundscape.
The song is celebrated for its romanticism and introspective optimism, remaining a staple of the band’s repertoire.
Writer(s) : James Kerr (Gb 2), Charles Burchill, Michael Joseph Mcneil, Derek Forbes Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Jim Kerr Management Consultancy Ltd, Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb)
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Rock, Pop,album rock, dance rock, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, rock, scottish new wave, soft rock
Featured on the album 1989,New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
26.06% / -0.43%
10 . Thompson Twins - King For A Day
Released in October 1985, “King For A Day” by Thompson Twins straddles polished pop-rock and synth-driven new wave, shaped by the co-production of Nile Rodgers and Tom Bailey.
Two distinct versions circulate: the UK cut leans into icy synthesizers and altered lyrics, while the US/album version swaps in electric guitar with cooler detachment.
The single peaks at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a transatlantic nod to the band’s streamlined trio era.
Writer(s) : Thomas Alexande R Bailey, Alannah Joy Currie, Joseph Martin Leeway Publisher(s) : Point Music Ltd
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Featured on the album 1986,Here’s to Future Days
24.86% / -0.76%
11 . The Lightning Seeds - Pure
“Pure” marks Ian Broudie’s leap from producer to frontman, a shift he initially approached with hesitation.
Recorded in Kirkby with a modest run of 200 copies, the track gained momentum through radio airplay and The Haçienda’s influence.
Its success pushed The Lightning Seeds into the spotlight, landing on their debut album “Cloudcuckooland” in 1990 and later resurfacing on a 1996 compilation.
Covered by various artists and featured in films and TV, the song remains Broudie’s defining first step as a songwriter.
Writer(s) : Ian Broudie Zachary Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Music Ltd
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Pop,britpop, new wave pop
Featured on the album 1989,Cloudcuckooland
24.39% / -1.04%
12 . Texas - Every Day Now
“Every Day Now” is a song by the Scottish band Texas, released in 1989. The track showcases Sharleen Spiteri’s distinctive voice. Texas, formed in 1986 in Glasgow, quickly gained popularity with their debut album. The video for “Every Day Now” was shot in various locations around Glasgow, adding an authentic local touch to the video.
The music video is directed by Stéphane Clavier, Tony Van den Ende.
Writer(s) : Sharleen Spiteri, John McElhone Publisher(s) : Bmg 10 Music Limited
Genres : new romantic, new wave pop, scottish rock,new romantic, new wave pop, scottish rock
Genres : new romantic, new wave pop, scottish rock,new romantic, new wave pop, scottish rock
The music video is directed by Stéphane Clavier, Tony Van den Ende
Featured on the album 1989,Southside
22.41% / -0.95%
13 . Thompson Twins - Lies
“Lies” arrives as the lead single from Thompson Twins’ third studio album, “Quick Step & Side Kick,” marking their 1982 return with a tightly wound synth-pop pulse.
The track climbs to number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1983, finding greater traction in the American market.
Its B-side, “Beach Culture,” shares in the momentum, with both tracks spending two weeks ruling the American dance chart that January.
A surreal touch defines the music video, where three pairs of feet emerge from beneath blankets at the foot of an oversized bed, rhythmically bouncing in sync with the song.
As the scene unfolds, a nurse slides a privacy screen into place, hinting at a setting more clinical than cozy.
At the time of release, the band operates as a trio, consisting of Tom Bailey, Alannah Currie, and Joe Leeway, a configuration that aligns with their most commercially viable years.
Subsequent releases push the group further into mainstream pop success, strengthening their presence on both UK and US charts.
The music video is directed by Maurice Phillips.
Writer(s) : Joseph Leeway Martin, Alannah Currie Joy, Thomas Bailey Alexande R Publisher(s) : Point Music Ltd
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Featured on the album 1982,Quick Step & Side Kick
24.15% / -0.85%
14 . Kate Bush - Army Dreamers
“Army Dreamers” is a song by Kate Bush released in 1980. It tells the story of a grieving mother for her young adult son, killed during military maneuvers. The song tackles the poignant theme of young soldiers losing their lives in service. Kate Bush, known for her unique style and distinctive voice, often explores complex subjects in her songs. The video for the song features Kate Bush in camouflage, surrounded by soldiers in a wooded setting.
The music video is directed by Keef.
Writer(s) : Catherine Bush Publisher(s) : Kate Bush Music Ltd
Genres : Pop, Rock, Folk/Acoustic,art pop, art rock, baroque pop, new wave pop, permanent wave, piano rock, singer-songwriter
Genres : Pop, Rock, Folk/Acoustic,art pop, art rock, baroque pop, new wave pop, permanent wave, piano rock, singer-songwriter
The music video is directed by Keef
Featured on the album 1980,Never for Ever
21.46% / -0.33%
15 . Yazoo - Don't Go
Characterized by its catchy synth riff and Moyet’s powerful voice, “Don’t Go” by the British duo Yazoo is their second single released in May 1982 after the success of “Only You”. Vince Clarke, who left Depeche Mode in November 1981 after the release of their first album, “Speak & Spell,” recruited Alison Moyet through a small ad to form Yazoo. “Don’t Go” reached number 3 on the UK charts and remains an 80s classic.
The music video is directed by Chris Gabrin.
Writer(s) : Vincent Clarke Publisher(s) : Musical Moments Ltd, Sony Music Publishing (Uk) Limited
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Chris Gabrin
Featured on the album 1982,Upstairs at Eric’s
21.19% / -0.48%
16 . Thompson Twins - Lay Your Hands On Me
Thompson Twins’ “Lay Your Hands On Me,” penned by Tom Bailey, Alannah Currie, and Joe Leeway, debuts in 1984 on “Into The Gap” for its UK single release, later resurfacing in a reworked version on 1985’s “Here’s to Future Days.”
Co-produced by Alex Sadkin and Bailey, with Nile Rodgers polishing the U.S. edition, the track secures No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100, buoyed by a Brian Grant-directed video steeped in ceremonial grandeur.
Live Aid 1985 sees the song’s global staging, with Madonna, Rodgers, and Steve Stevens amplifying its live debut.
The music video is directed by Mike Mills.
Writer(s) : Joseph Martin Leeway, Thomas Alexander Bailey, Alannah Joy Currie Publisher(s) : Point Music Ltd
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Andy Morahan
Featured on the album 1985,Here’s To Future Days
20.87% / -0.64%
17 . Men Without Hats - Safety Dance
Released in 1982, “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats thrives as a synth-pop anthem from their debut album “Rhythm of Youth,” penned by lead singer Ivan Doroschuk.
A New Wave staple, the track retorts to stringent club bans on pogo dancing, a frenetic early 80s trend.
Stateside, it clinches No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and tops the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, while charting No. 1 in South Africa and No. 6 in the UK.
Tim Pope directs its iconic video in West Kington, England, adorning it with medieval revelry—a peculiar maypole, morris dancers, and whimsy aplenty.
“Safety Dance” infiltrates pop culture via films like “Biodome” and “Hot Tub Time Machine” and TV gems such as “Glee,” “Family Guy,” and “The Simpsons.”
Resonating years later, Men Without Hats electrify Montreal’s ’77 Festival in 2018 with this enduring hit.
The music video is directed by Tim Pope.
Writer(s) : Ivan Doroschuk Publisher(s) : Chapeau Les Editions, Ivan Ltd, Pri Songs Inc
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : Rock, Pop,classic canadian rock, new romantic, new wave pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Steve Barron
Featured on the album 1982,Rhythm of Youth
19.50% / -0.49%
18 . Living in a Box - Room In Your Heart
A romantic ballad that reached the Top 10 on the UK charts, “Room In Your Heart” is a 1989 single by the British band Living in a Box. Produced by Dan Hartman, the track highlights the voice of lead singer Richard Darbyshire, characteristic of the band’s sound. Living in a Box, formed in 1985, is known for its blend of pop and funk. “Room In Your Heart” remains one of their most popular songs, alongside their hit “Living in a Box.”
Writer(s) : Marcus Charles Vere, Richard Sim Darbyshire, Albert Louis Hammond Publisher(s) : Hammond Albert Music, Warner Chappell Music Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave pop, sophisti-pop, synthpop
Genres : Rock, Pop,new romantic, new wave pop, sophisti-pop, synthpop
Featured on the album 1989,Gatecrashing
18.92% / -0.81%
19 . Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
Released in 1984 as the lead single from “The Age of Consent,” “Smalltown Boy” signals Bronski Beat’s arrival with synths fully charged.
Written by Steve Bronski, Larry Steinbachek, and Jimmy Somerville, it lands somewhere between heartbreak and high energy.
Mike Thorne handles production, wrapping the track in pulsating electronics just shy of melodrama.
Between Somerville’s falsetto and the minimalist groove, it clocks in as a tale of departure, isolation—plus a suitcase or two.
An international hit and LGBTQ+ anthem, though you won’t find much cheering in the lyrics.
The music video is directed by Bernard Rose.
Writer(s) : Michael Freder Ick De Wolf, Philip M Lipscomb, Jarrod Dougla S Montague, Stephen Steel E Richards Publisher(s) : Bronski Music Ltd, Bmg Rights Management Uk Limited
Genres : 80s_new_wave_pop
Genres : R&B, Rock, Pop,hi-nrg, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, sophisti-pop, synthpop
The music video is directed by Brett Ratner
Featured on the album 1984,The Age of Consent
18.61% / -0.40%
20 . Mike + The Mechanics - Silent Running [On Dangerous Ground]
Silent Running [On Dangerous Ground], released in 1985, is a standout song by Mike + The Mechanics, with lead vocals by Paul Young (not to be confused with the solo artist of the same name). The track tells a story of survival and resistance in a dystopian future, a theme resonant with the Cold War era. Co-written by Mike Rutherford, a founding member of Genesis, and produced by Christopher Neil, known for his work with Sheena Easton, “Silent Running” was used in the film “On Dangerous Ground” (1986) directed by Lawrence D. Foldes.
The music video is directed by James Yukich.
Writer(s) : Michael Rutherford, BA Robertson Publisher(s) : R And Ba Music Limited, Michael Rutherford Publishing Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,album rock, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, soft rock
Genres : Rock, Pop,album rock, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, soft rock
The music video is directed by James Yukich
Featured on the album 1985,Mike + The Mechanics
18.60% / -0.76%
Fine Young Cannibals’ “Johnny Come Home” stays on top, followed by Bryan Ferry’s “Kiss and Tell” and Sheena Easton’s “Almost Over You.” Blondie’s “The Tide Is High” returns to the top five, while Living in a Box’s “Room in Your Heart” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Leave a Light On” debut in the lower range.
The 80s New Wave Pop chart ends 2025 with small changes and two new entries that refresh an otherwise stable lineup.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.