The Best '80s Synth Songs, Ranked
1Pet Shop BoysThe synth-pop masterpiece by the British duo Pet Shop Boys was released in 1984 and later re-recorded for their debut album Please in 1986. This iconic track, featuring catchy hooks and thought-provoking lyrics about class struggles and urban life, catapulted Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe to international stardom, even earning them the prestigious BRIT Award for Best Single. Today, "West End Girls" continues to be celebrated as an emblematic anthem of the '80s that perfectly encapsulates the decade's music scene while still resonating with listeners who appreciate its timeless appeal.
2Take On Me
a-haThe iconic 1980s synth-pop song by Norwegian band A-ha is a perfect blend of catchy melodies and innovative music video artistry. Released in 1984 as part of their debut album Hunting High and Low, this contagious tune skyrocketed to the top charts worldwide with its unforgettable high-pitched chorus and groundbreaking rotoscope animation in the accompanying music video. Revered as a timeless classic, "Take On Me" still captivates audiences today with its infectious energy that transcends generations - proving that some songs simply never go out of style.
3Soft CellSoft Cell's dancefloor anthem, "Tainted Love," melds synth-pop sensibilities with the heartache of a tumultuous romance. This compelling 1981 cover of Ed Cobb's 1964 composition garnered widespread acclaim, ensuring the duo's place in the pantheon of iconic 80s artists. Its resonance in contemporary pop culture stands as a testament to the pure emotional intensity that burns within this unforgettable track.
4Blue Monday
New OrderReleased in 1983 by British band New Order, "Blue Monday" struck a chord in a generation confronting the industrial decline with its blend of rigid drum machine beats, haunting synthesizers, and somber lyrics. Widely acclaimed as a defining moment of electronic music, the record went on to become the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. Today, it remains a shining example of innovative songwriting and production in popular music.
5EurythmicsWith its enigmatic lyrics, hypnotic synth riffs, and seductive chorus, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" embraced the spirit of the 80s as a transcendent anthem of ambition and empowerment. Eurythmics' masterful combination of electronic pop and soul exposed the world to Annie Lennox's trademark androgynous style. This unforgettable hit confidently stands the test of time as a formative influence in generations of electropop artists.
6Depeche ModeBefore achieving widespread fame, Depeche Mode gifted the world with the infectiously catchy, "Just Can't Get Enough." This bright and uplifting track, featured on their debut album Speak & Spell, showcases 80s synth-pop at its finest. By sticking to their electronic roots, this seminal tune placed the band on a path to long-lasting success, still resonating on today’s dancefloors decades later.
7Don't You Want Me
The Human LeagueThe Human League's "Don't You Want Me" weaves a tale of romantic miscommunication wrapped in irresistibly catchy synths and a vibrant hook. A quintessential element of 1980s party playlists, this classic track clinched the top spot on the UK Singles Chart in 1981. It still inspires celebration and nostalgia from audiences familiar with the infectious energy of the New Romantic scene.
8Cars
Gary NumanGary Numan's trailblazing electro-pop anthem, "Cars," signaled the dawn of the synth-driven 1980s era. The single showcases Numan's ingenious songwriting and innovative use of synthesizers, which became the foundation for the British New Wave movement. Its enduring influence remains a constant in contemporary music, inspiring countless artists and continuing to captivate listeners.
9A Flock of SeagullsEnglish New Wave band A Flock of Seagulls delivered their biggest hit with "I Ran (So Far Away)." The song captures the beguiling essence of the 1980s with its glossy synthesizers, addictive chorus, and futuristic guitars. This iconic track now evokes bittersweet nostalgia while appearing in countless retro playlists and TV shows.
10Depeche ModeAn anthem for capitalism's disillusioned children, Depeche Mode's "Everything Counts" pointedly critiqued corporate greed with glistening synths and powerful storytelling. As the lead single from their third album Construction Time Again, the song topped charts and became a beloved classic of 80s synth-pop with its socially conscious vision. This track's poignant messages remain faithfully significant in today's ever-changing global landscape.
11New OrderGuided by the vision of New Order, "Bizarre Love Triangle" mesmerized audiences with its shimmering synthesizers and soaring melodies. Balancing romance and introspection, the song became a staple of 1980s dance floor culture. Its unabated popularity ensures this stunning track is still a mainstay on playlists celebrating the era.
12Only You
YazooYazoo's debut single, "Only You," remains a poignant, timeless ballad, with Vince Clarke's melancholic synths and Alison Moyet's powerful vocals merging to form the perfect soundtrack for heartache. The 80s saw the rise of synth-pop duos, and "Only You" exemplified the endless possibilities of this genre. Today, this classic endures in romantic moments, proving the potency of a simple, emotive melody.
13Tears for FearsPinpointing the unease and frustration of 1980s youth, Tears for Fears' "Mad World" conveyed a distinct sense of isolation through haunting piano lines and poignant lyrics. The track's evocative soundscape resonated deeply with listeners upon its release, solidifying its place in the annals of New Wave music. In later years, a stripped-down cover by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules introduced this enigmatic classic to new generations.
14Depeche ModeDepeche Mode's critical eye focused on social and racial injustices in their timeless track, "People Are People." An irresistible fusion of New Wave and synth-pop, this song demonstrates the band's ability to create infectious melodies underscored by poignant subject matter. "People Are People" continues to hold relevance in both its plea for understanding and its indelible sonic legacy.
15Vienna
UltravoxUltravox's "Vienna" is a haunting masterpiece draped in grandiose synths and melancholic strings, portraying the beauty and disquiet of a bygone Europe. The song's alluring combination of electronic landscapes and classical influences makes it timeless in popular music history. The track's enduring relevance is a testament to Ultravox's talent for crafting evocative and emotionally charged pieces of art.
16Situation
YazooCombining sultry electro-funk grooves with Alison Moyet's powerful and emotive voice, Yazoo's "Situation" deftly showcases the duo's undeniable talent. This dancefloor-filling anthem surged in popularity during the 80s and remains an essential inclusion in any classic synth-pop playlist. Today, its addictive hooks and groovy synths continue to captivate and inspire.
17DevoDevo's irresistibly catchy "Whip It" is replete with quirky synths and an infectious rhythm that propelled the band into the mainstream. This emblematic 80s new wave hit became synonymous with the decade's peculiar fashions, immortalizing the red "energy dome" hats. "Whip It" remains an enduring homage to the kitschy energy that defines the 80s.
18Orchestral Manoeuvres in the DarkOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) struck a balance between politics and pop with their eerily evocative "Enola Gay." Ignited by a punchy bassline and urgent synths, this thought-provoking hit broached delicate themes and stuck in the minds of countless 80s listeners. Today, the song endures as a vital touchstone of early synth-pop and a daring exploration of difficult subject matter.
19Smalltown Boy
Bronski BeatBronski Beat's "Smalltown Boy" resonated with a generation grappling with societal expectations, illuminated by Jimmy Somerville's distinctive falsetto and stirring synthpop backing. A masterful depiction of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth, this groundbreaking track became an anthem for tolerance and acceptance. Years later, the profound impact of "Smalltown Boy" is still felt in popular culture, continuing to inspire many.
20Frankie Goes to HollywoodInstantly iconic and irresistibly provocative, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Relax" fueled the hedonistic pulse of the 1980s. The song's driving beats, daring lyrics, and bold vocals created an inescapable dancefloor classic, but its controversial nature also sparked censorship battles. Despite these challenges, "Relax" endures as a symbol of thrilling rebellion and a reminder of when pop could genuinely shock and awe.
21VisageVisage's "Fade to Grey" weaves together a captivating blend of sleek synthesizers, mesmerizing melodies, and melancholic lyrics, epitomizing the very essence of New Romanticism. The song's ethereal atmosphere and enigmatic allure ensconcede it as a defining artwork of 1980s popular music. Its timeless appeal can still be found in numerous playlists and DJ sets, a testament to its enduring impact on the New Romantic movement.
22Shake The Disease
An exploration of emotional turmoil tinged by melancholic synths, Depeche Mode's "Shake the Disease" unveils the vulnerability beneath the band's dance-oriented exterior. This exemplary track stands as the epitome of 80s brooding introspection. As a piece of the soundtrack for alternative youth, it continues to be revered in today’s musical lexicon.
23Pet Shop BoysThe Pet Shop Boys' provocative single, "It's a Sin," remains an iconic representation of the duo's dancefloor-ready synth-pop sound. A defiant exploration of religious guilt and the feel-good anthems of the 80s, this track skyrocketed to fame, solidifying its grip on pop culture. Its vivacity and relevance remain well and alive, as "It's a Sin" proves its worth as one of the most memorable songs of the decade.
24Love Will Tear Us Apart
Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is an enduring monument to the fragility of love and the power of vulnerability, encased in a post-punk tapestry. Sparked by Ian Curtis's haunting vocals and brooding lyrics, this melancholic anthem resonates deeply with listeners and stands as a defining moment for the band. Despite its release in 1980, the song remains a touchstone of alternative music, transcending time and space.
25Kim Wilde, Menudo, Charlotte HatherleyBursting with irrepressible energy and youthful abandon, Kim Wilde's "Kids in America" solidified its place as one of the most enduring hits of the 80s. This pop-punk anthem took the world by storm with its catchy hooks and vibrant spirit, perfectly capturing the essence of teenage revolution. Decades later, "Kids in America" continues to fuel the restless hearts of listeners – a time-honored classic.
26Let Me Go
Heaven 17's stirring synth-pop classic, "Let Me Go," captures the emotional turmoil of unrequited love within its driving electronic beats and anthemic chorus. As one of the prominent bands defining the British New Wave movement, Heaven 17 ensured their enduring relevance with this soulful and poetic track that still holds a special place in the hearts of 80s music lovers.
27Electricity
Bold, innovative, and brimming with youthful fervor, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's "Electricity" injects a surge of kinetic energy into the budding 80s synth-pop landscape. The song's novel use of electronic sounds and poignant lyrics carve an indelible spot in the hearts of those who long for raw emotion encased in a synthesized melody. As one of OMD's defining works, "Electricity" remains a landmark contribution to popular music.
28A Flock of SeagullsWith cascading synths, hypnotic rhythms, and yearning lyrics, A Flock of Seagulls' "Space Age Love Song" captures the romantic side of 80s new wave. The dreamlike tune carved its place in the hearts of fans seeking amorous adventure set to the ethereal sounds of a futuristic landscape. Its endlessly enchanting melody still captivates listeners today, proving that love conquers all, even the space-time continuum.
29Peter SchillingBy charting an interstellar sonic journey with "Major Tom (Coming Home)," Peter Schilling crafted a pulsing electronic anthem as mesmerizing as the boundless cosmos. This 80s classic pays homage to David Bowie's iconic character and weaves an unforgettable narrative hinged upon cinematic melodies. "Major Tom" endures as an evocative dreamscape, transporting listeners to the vast reaches of both space and time.
30UltravoxUltravox's cinematic ballad, "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes," evokes the beauty of vulnerability amidst chaos with its lush synths and emotional storytelling. The song struck an emotional chord upon its release, becoming a lasting classic among 80s music lovers. Today, the track remains a shining example of emotive synth-pop that transports listeners to a world of reflection and hope.
