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Last updated on Jan 1,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . 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 Featured on the 1980 album Never for Ever
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 2 . Blondie - The Tide Is HighOriginally 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. Featured on the 1980 album Autoamerican
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 3 . Thompson Twins - Lay Your Hands On MeThompson Twins’ “Lay Your Hands On Me” is a synthpop anthem that manages to balance introspection with theatrical flair. Originally part of the band’s UK album "Into the Gap," the track saw a reimagined release in 1985 for their U.S. audience, incorporating the polished touch of Nile Rodgers alongside its original producers, Alex Sadkin and Tom Bailey. The dual versions don’t just reflect geographical marketing strategies but highlight the band’s evolving sound, straddling the line between introspective new wave and chart-friendly pop packaging. Lyrically, it’s steeped in themes of connection and ritual, borrowing from the ecclesiastical practice of “laying on of hands.” Frontman Tom Bailey’s church choir upbringing subtly makes its way into the track’s DNA, creating a bridge between spiritual motifs and the mass rituals of pop concerts. Its central message—yearning for human contact in a detached modern world—resonates distinctly against the glossy synths that encapsulate the decade’s sonic zeitgeist. The song’s aesthetic found an equally evocative companion in Brian Grant’s music video, a visual offering with ceremonial undertones that matched the song’s meditative energy. Performance-wise, it reached a peak moment during the Thompson Twins’ Live Aid set at Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium, where Madonna, Nile Rodgers, and Steve Stevens joined them on stage. The live iteration didn’t just underscore its collaborative strength but showcased its ability to transcend studio abstraction with palpable immediacy. Commercially, the single etched its success into the ‘80s landscape, spending twenty weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 6. This marked the Thompson Twins’ ascent in the U.S. pop hierarchy, solidifying their reputation as synthpop heavyweights. Compared to other hits like “Hold Me Now" and “King for a Day,” the song illustrates the band’s calculated versatility, reminding listeners that even within the constraints of synth-driven pop, there’s room for earnestness. Given its themes of touch and intimacy, “Lay Your Hands On Me” reflects an intriguing tension—a song that yearns for personal connection wrapped in a highly produced, electronically charged package. It’s an irony shared with much of the Thompson Twins’ work: human vulnerability delivered through the clinical precision of machines. Yet, this duality is what makes their music endure—relatable heartache with a synthetic heartbeat, forever entangled in the contradictions of its era. Featured on the 1985 album Here's To Future Days
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 4 . 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 Featured on the 1984 album Into the Gap
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 5 . Men Without Hats - Safety DanceReleased in 1982, “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats is a synth-driven anthem of rebellion wrapped in a frothy New Wave package. Not content with club rules banning pogo dancing, Ivan Doroschuk turned his frustration into a quirky manifesto of nonconformity and self-expression. The track’s pulsating rhythm and infectious hooks propelled it onto the charts, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and landing atop the U.S. Dance chart while also reaching No. 1 in South Africa. The accompanying music video is a fever dream of medieval oddities, featuring maypoles, morris dancers, and a small English village inexplicably enlisted for Doroschuk’s theatrical vision. Directed by Tim Pope, whose work with The Cure cemented his penchant for the eccentric, the visuals lean into a whimsical surrealism, at odds with the song’s subversive undertones. Beyond the charts, its afterlife has been equally peculiar—permeating pop culture through appearances in “Glee” and “The Simpsons” and even bizarre placements in films like *Biodome* and *Hot Tub Time Machine.* Though rarely celebrated as high art, the track’s unabashed quirkiness and defiant undertones give it a peculiar staying power, whether as a nostalgic dance-floor filler or the rallying cry of those perpetually outside the margins. Featured on the 1982 album Rhythm of Youth
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 6 . Fine Young Cannibals - Johnny Come HomeFine 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) Featured on the 1985 album Fine Young Cannibals
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 7 . 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 Featured on the 1984 album Into the Gap
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 8 . Yazoo - Don't GoCharacterized 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 Featured on the 1982 album Upstairs at Eric's
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 9 . 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 Featured on the 1985 album Mike + The Mechanics
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 10 . 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 Featured on the 1989 album Southside
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 11 . Naked Eyes - Promises, PromisesNaked 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 Featured on the 1983 album Burning Bridges
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 12 . Yazoo - Nobody's DiaryNobody's Diary is a 1983 single by the British duo Yazoo, formed by Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke. Clarke, also a founding member of Depeche Mode and Erasure, brought his synthesizer expertise to this poignant track about a relationship ending. The song reached number three on the UK charts and is often cited as one of Moyet's best vocal performances. Yazoo split shortly afterward. The music video is directed by Chris Gabrin. Writer(s) : Genevieve Moyet Publisher(s) : Mega Music Ltd Featured on the 1983 album You and Me Both
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 13 . Kim Wilde - View From A BridgeKim Wilde’s "View From A Bridge," released in 1982, combines early '80s new wave and synthpop with a melancholic storyline. Written by her father Marty Wilde and brother Ricky Wilde, the song narrates a person’s contemplation of suicide from a bridge. Wilde’s polished production and evocative lyrics depict emotional despair through a melodic arrangement of synthesizers and guitar riffs, showcasing her distinct pop sensibility amid themes of isolation and introspection. Writer(s) : Reginald Leonard Smith, Ricky Wilde Publisher(s) : Rickim Music Publ Co Ltd Featured on the 1982 album Select
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 14 . Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On EarthReleased in 1987, "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" is Belinda Carlisle's biggest hit, reaching number one in several countries. The song was produced by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, who also wrote hits for artists like Celine Dion and Fleetwood Mac. The track is known for its catchy chorus and optimistic lyrics, making it an '80s staple. The video, directed by actress and director Diane Keaton, adds a cinematic touch to the song. The music video is directed by Diane Keaton. Writer(s) : Richard W Nowels Jr, Ellen Shipley Publisher(s) : Bmg Bumblebee, Spirit Catalogue Holdings S A R L Featured on the 1983 album Heaven on Earth
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 15 . Village People - Can't Stop The Music"Can't Stop The Music" is a song by the Village People released in 1980. The track was created for the film of the same name directed by Nancy Walker, starring Steve Guttenberg and Valerie Perrine. Although the film did not achieve great commercial success, the song became an iconic disco anthem. The Village People, known for their flamboyant costumes and performances, left a lasting mark on pop culture with this energetic and festive track. The music video is directed by Nancy Walker. Writer(s) : Phillip L Hurtt, Jacques Morali, Allen Jr Beauris Whitehead Publisher(s) : Black Scorpio Sarl Featured on the 1980 album Can't Stop the Music
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 16 . Kim Carnes - Bette Davis EyesInitially released in 1975 on Jackie DeShannon's album "New Arrangements" in a more jazz style, "Bette Davis Eyes" is a 1981 hit performed by Kim Carnes. Known for its characteristic synthesizer riffs composed by keyboardist Bill Cuomo, the song was transformed into a new wave track by Carnes and her producer Val Garay. The song topped the charts for several weeks and won two Grammy Awards. A fun fact: actress Bette Davis wrote a letter to Carnes thanking her for immortalizing her eyes in a song and "rejuvenating" her in the eyes of her grandson. The music video is directed by Russell Mulcahy. Writer(s) : Jackie De Shannon, Donna T Weiss Publisher(s) : Donna Weiss Music Inc, Plain And Simple Music Featured on the 1981 album Mistaken Identity
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 17 . Johnny Hates Jazz - Shattered DreamsShattered Dreams is a 1987 single by the British band Johnny Hates Jazz. Produced by Mike Nocito, the track reached the Top 10 in several countries. The band, formed by Clark Datchler, Calvin Hayes, and Mike Nocito, found instant success with this track thanks to its catchy melody and introspective lyrics. "Shattered Dreams" remains one of the most iconic songs of the '80s. The success of "Shattered Dreams" helped the band secure hits with other tracks like "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" and "Turn Back the Clock. The music video is directed by David Fincher. Writer(s) : Clark Datchler Publisher(s) : Stage Three Music Limited Featured on the 1988 album Turn Back the Clock
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 18 . Belinda Carlisle - I Get WeakI Get Weak, released in 1988, is another major hit by Belinda Carlisle. The song was written by Diane Warren, known for her numerous successful ballads for artists like Aerosmith and Whitney Houston. The track is distinguished by its orchestral arrangements and Carlisle's powerful vocal performance. The video, directed by Diane Keaton, features model and actor Tony Ward. The music video is directed by Diane Keaton. Writer(s) : Diane Eve Warren Publisher(s) : Realsongs
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 19 . China Crisis - Black Man RayA blend of new wave elegance and enigmatic lyrics, this 1985 track fuses art and music, referencing icons like Man Ray and Ray Charles. Produced by Steely Dan’s Walter Becker, its lush synth layers and Gary Daly’s emotive delivery evoke introspection. Despite its abstract meaning, the song remains a hallmark of China Crisis’ sophisticated sound. Writer(s) : Gary Daly, Edmund Lundon, Gary Johnson Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited Featured on the 1985 album Flaunt the Imperfection
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 20 . Belinda Carlisle - La LunaLa Luna is a 1989 single by Belinda Carlisle, famous for its mysterious atmosphere and Hispanic influences. Produced by Rick Nowels, who collaborated with artists like Madonna and Celine Dion, the track stands out with its acoustic guitar arrangements and Latin percussion. The accompanying video, directed by Andy Morahan, features Belinda Carlisle lying nude in bed, dreaming of a Cinderella-like night, probably with more debauchery. The music video is directed by Andy Morahan. Writer(s) : Rick Nowels, Ellen Shipley Publisher(s) : Shipwreck Music, Future Furniture
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ABOUT 80S NEW WAVE POPWhat Is 80S New Wave Pop ?The term “new wave pop” refers to a musical genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by a fusion of pop music and innovative electronic sounds. “New wave” was coined to differentiate this style from other musical genres of the time, particularly punk rock. The “pop” part indicates catchy melodies and more accessible song structures. Launched in 1981, MTV plays a crucial role in popularizing new wave pop by looping music videos from bands like Duran Duran, A-ha, and The Human League. Music videos become an essential way for artists to connect with their audience. New Wave Pop: Instruments & SongsTechnological advances spur the rise of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, opening new sonic possibilities. The genre synth-pop—think Kraftwerk or Gary Numan—plays a crucial role by integrating electronic instruments and exploring rich, varied sound textures. New wave pop makes intensive use of these synthesizers, treats guitars with effects, and employs drum machines for precise, mechanical rhythms. The sonic aesthetic of new wave pop benefits from polished production and effects like reverb and delay. Advanced recording techniques of the time, such as multitrack recording and sampling, create complex and immersive soundscapes. Vocals can be treated with electronic effects, reinforcing the music’s futuristic aspect. New wave pop songs generally follow a classic pop structure with verses, choruses, and bridges but incorporate surprising and innovative elements in the arrangements. Rhythms are often danceable and catchy, melodies infectious, and harmonies can be both simple and sophisticated, striking a balance between familiarity and novelty. New Wave Pop And FashionNew wave pop comes with a distinctive and bold visual style that defines the 1980s. It mixes bright colors and bold or geometric patterns, reflecting the influence of pop art and modernism, or adopts clean and quirky looks with oversized costumes and minimalist accessories. Makeup can be dramatic, characterized by heavily accented eyes, while hairstyles are elaborate, sometimes embracing a kitschy and playful approach. New Wave Pop In CultureNew wave pop significantly influences the media and popular culture of the 1980s and beyond. Soundtracks of movies like “Valley Girl” (1983), “The Breakfast Club” (1985), and “Pretty in Pink” (1986) feature artists like Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), The Psychedelic Furs, and Simple Minds. The same goes for TV shows like “Miami Vice” (1984-1990), known for its extensive use of new wave pop music and visual aesthetic, with vibrant colors and avant-garde looks influenced by the new wave style. In advertising, the futuristic and technological sounds of new wave pop are used to attract a young and trendy audience, whether for Sony, Casio, or Coca-Cola. |
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