The Best '80s New Wave Songs
1Tears for FearsTears for Fears' soaring anthem "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" features mesmerizing guitar riffs and vibrant synths, making it an emblematic New Wave hit. The song’s irresistible energy and introspective lyrics continue to inspire generations of listeners.
2Soft CellSoft Cell's pulsating cover of "Tainted Love" boasts infectious synth beats, perfectly complementing Marc Almond's signature vocal style. This quintessential New Wave track breathed new life into the original, transforming it into one of the most memorable songs from the 1980s music scene.
3Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple MindsSimple 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. As the iconic theme of The Breakfast Club, this song remains a pop culture staple and continues to resonate with audiences today.
4Blue Monday
New OrderNew Order's groundbreaking hit "Blue Monday" redefined the 80s music landscape with its innovative electronic beats and haunting synths. As one of the most iconic songs from the era, this dancefloor classic solidified New Order's position as pioneers within the New Wave movement.
5Take On Me
a-haA-ha’s infectious synthpop gem “Take On Me” boasts catchy keyboard hooks combined with Morten Harket's soaring falsetto, creating an irresistible anthem that encapsulates the spirit of 80s New Wave. Paired with its groundbreaking music video, this song remains a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.
6Don't You Want Me
The Human LeagueThe 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. This groundbreaking track solidified The Human League's place in New Wave history and remains a dancefloor favorite.
7Pet Shop BoysPet Shop Boys' hypnotic debut single "West End Girls" showcases their talent for fusing rap-influenced verses with catchy synthpop melodies. This stylish track became an instant classic that defined 80s New Wave, securing Pet Shop Boys' position as icons within the genre.
8Modern EnglishModern English captured hearts in the '80s with their romantic classic "I Melt With You," which combines jangly guitars and dreamy synths. This enchanting New Wave love song remains a fan favorite, enchanting audiences with its timeless charm and enduring message of unity.
9Just Like Heaven
The CureThe Cure's "Just Like Heaven" combines Robert Smith's ethereal vocals with shimmering guitars, creating a captivating New Wave soundscape. This melodic masterpiece remains one of the band's most beloved tracks and continues to captivate listeners with its dreamy atmosphere.
10A Flock of SeagullsA Flock of Seagulls' pulsating hit "I Ran" features driving synths and Mike Score's unmistakable vocal performance, making it an essential track in any 80s New Wave playlist. The song’s infectious energy and futuristic sound earned it a permanent spot in pop culture history.
- 11Eurythmics
Eurythmics' mesmerizing synthpop classic "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" features Annie Lennox's captivating vocals over a hypnotic electronic beat. This timeless track became an emblematic anthem of 80s New Wave music and continues to enchant listeners today.
12The ClashThe Clash crossed over into mainstream success with their genre-blending masterpiece "Rock in the Casbah," which fuses vibrant synths with punk energy. This quintessential '80s track exemplifies The Clash's unique approach to New Wave music and their undeniable impact on modern rock.
13Duran DuranDuran Duran delivered an unforgettable New Wave classic with their catchy tune "Hungry Like the Wolf," which blends energetic synths and Simon Le Bon’s charismatic voice. This tantalizing track secured its place in pop history by becoming one of Duran Duran's signature hits.
14Cars
Gary NumanGary Numan revolutionized electronic music with his timeless hit "Cars," featuring innovative synth lines and his signature robotic vocal delivery. This trailblazing track remains a staple of the New Wave movement and has influenced countless artists since its release.
- 15New Order
New Order brilliantly blended infectious synths and post-punk melancholy on "Bizarre Love Triangle," a defining moment in their illustrious career. This danceable track showcases their talent for creating impactful songs that continue to resonate within the New Wave genre.
16Naked Eyes' synth-driven cover of "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me" transformed the classic tune into a New Wave essential. This unforgettable rendition showcased the duo's ability to create fresh and engaging music that resonated with 80s audiences.
- 17Madness, Madness
Madness infused their ska roots into the irresistible New Wave hit "Our House," which features catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about family life. This joyful tune continues to bring warmth to listeners’ hearts as an essential part of any 80s playlist.
18Depeche ModeDepeche Mode's infectious dance track "Just Can't Get Enough" marries driving synths with catchy melodies, cementing its status as an essential '80s New Wave hit. This early classic showcases Depeche Mode's ability to create electrifying dancefloor anthems that stand the test of time.
19The ClashThe Clash's iconic anthem "London Calling" incorporates elements of ska, punk, and New Wave styles to create a fiercely unique sound that is undeniably theirs. The song’s provocative lyrics and unforgettable energy continue to resonate with music fans around the world.
20The Go-Go'sThe Go-Go's iconic single "Our Lips Are Sealed" features catchy hooks and infectious melodies, creating a fun and energetic New Wave classic. This empowering tune from their debut album Beauty and the Beat solidified The Go-Go's place as trailblazers in the genre.
- 21Talking Heads
Talking Heads blended art-rock experimentation with irresistibly catchy synths on their groundbreaking single “Once in a Lifetime,” showcasing David Byrne’s eccentric vocal style. This avant-garde masterpiece remains one of the most innovative tracks from the 1980s New Wave scene.
22Thompson TwinsThompson Twins' heartfelt single "Hold Me Now" highlights their signature synth-driven sound, creating an emotive New Wave masterpiece. With its captivating melody and tender lyrics, this song remains a beloved favorite among fans of the genre.
23Talking HeadsTalking Heads’ explosive hit “Burning Down the House” fuses funky grooves with driving synths, solidifying their status as innovative forces within the New Wave movement. David Byrne’s distinctive vocal style adds an undeniable charm to this timeless and energetic tune.
24The CureThe Cure's vibrant anthem "Friday I'm In Love" infused their signature dreamy sound with upbeat pop sensibilities, creating a captivating New Wave hit. Robert Smith's whimsical vocals meld seamlessly with the track’s infectious melody, resulting in an unforgettable feel-good classic.
- 25Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears' hauntingly melancholic ballad "Mad World" masterfully blends somber synths with poignant lyrics that captivated audiences during the '80s. This evocative New Wave classic continues to resonate with listeners today, showcasing Tears for Fears' unique ability to capture complex emotions through music.
26Down Under
Men at WorkMen at Work captured the spirit of '80s New Wave with "Down Under," combining catchy melodies and quirky lyrics about Australian life. The song's playful energy set it apart from its contemporaries, ensuring its place as a beloved classic from the era.
27Tears for FearsTears for Fears' dreamy track "Head Over Heels" melds ethereal synths with Roland Orzabal's emotive vocals, resulting in a captivating New Wave love song. This enchanting tune remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band's ability to create unforgettable songs that stand the test of time.
- 28Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode's socially conscious anthem "People Are People" showcases their signature synth-driven sound while tackling themes of prejudice and misunderstanding. The infectious melody and thought-provoking lyrics make this track an essential part of the '80s New Wave repertoire.
29The Psychedelic FursThe Psychedelic Furs' enchanting hit "Love My Way" blends swirling synths with Richard Butler's haunting vocals, creating an irresistible soundscape that is quintessential of 80s New Wave music. This mesmerizing track remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Psychedelic Furs' enduring influence on alternative music.
- 30Buggles
The Buggles' groundbreaking hit "Video Killed the Radio Star" skillfully combines catchy electronic beats with Trevor Horn's distinctive vocals, making it an instant New Wave classic. As the first music video aired on MTV, this song holds a significant place in music history.
