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Last updated on Jun 2,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . 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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 2 . 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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 3 . Thompson Twins - King For A DayReleased 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 Featured on the 1986 album Here's to Future Days
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 4 . 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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 5 . 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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 6 . 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 Featured on the 1982 album Quick Step & Side Kick
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 7 . Howard Jones - What Is Love?In late 1983, Howard Jones posed an age-old question to the synthpop generation with "What Is Love?"—though his tone suggested he didn’t need an answer anytime soon. Built on shimmering synthesizers and produced by Jolley & Swain, the track balanced philosophical musings and a hook that lodged itself in your head with calculated precision. The lyrics weren’t interested in grand declarations; instead, they teetered on the edge of skepticism, mulling over love’s fragility and the weight of expectation. For a genre often criticized for its emotional detachment, Jones managed to inject an introspective warmth beneath the glossy production. The song ascended to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, lingering there for three weeks, yet couldn’t break past No. 33 stateside—though it certainly earned its fair share of MTV airtime. Its live renditions, broadcast on iconic platforms like "Top of the Pops," were as calculatedly earnest as the synthesizer riffs themselves. "What Is Love?" became a cornerstone of his debut album, *Human's Lib*, which went on to sell in unimaginable quantities—though whether its existential questions were answered by listeners or left as rhetorical, we’ll never know. If nothing else, the song carved a space for itself in '80s pop as both a reflective shoulder-shrug and a danceable piece of catharsis. Featured on the 1984 album Human's Lib
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 8 . 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 Featured on the 1989 album Cloudcuckooland
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 9 . Bryan Ferry - Kiss and TellBryan 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 Featured on the 1987 album Bete Noire
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 10 . Thompson Twins - Lay Your Hands On MeThompson 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 Featured on the 1985 album Here's To Future Days
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 11 . 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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 12 . 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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 13 . 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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 14 . Men Without Hats - Safety DanceReleased 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 Featured on the 1982 album Rhythm of Youth
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 15 . 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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 16 . Suzanne Vega - Toms DinerSuzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner", released in 1987, is an a cappella song describing a daily scene in a diner. The location that inspired the song is Tom's Restaurant in New York, famous for its appearance in the "Seinfeld" series. The DNA remix in 1990 transformed its minimalist style into a dance hit. Vega is known for her narrative style and distinct voice, which have influenced many folk and rock artists. The music video is directed by Gareth Roberts. Writer(s) : Marcus Charles Vere, Richard Sim Darbyshire, Albert Louis Hammond Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp
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 17 . 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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 18 . Belinda Carlisle - Circle in the SandCircle in the Sand, released in 1988, is one of Belinda Carlisle's notable hits. The song was produced by Rick Nowels, who also worked with artists like Stevie Nicks and Lana Del Rey. With lyrics that evoke a timeless romantic story, using the image of a circle in the sand as a metaphor, this track stands out with its synth arrangements and soaring guitars, characteristic of the late '80s pop-rock sound. Naturally, the video features Belinda Carlisle on a beach. The music video is directed by Peter Care. Writer(s) : Richard W Nowels Jr, Ellen Shipley Publisher(s) : Spirit Catalogue Holdings S A R L, Bug Music Inc Featured on the 1987 album Heaven on Earth
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 19 . 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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 20 . 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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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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