The Best New Wave Bands

Coley Reed

Updated March 15, 2024 248.2K views 133 items

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141.3K votes

9.3K voters

Voting Rules

New Wave bands and artists only.

This New Wave bands list ranks the greatest New Wave singers and groups of all time by votes, with the order decided by fans internationally. A jazz fusion movement that took the music world by storm, New Wave music changed the landscape of popular music, ultimately serving as was one of the most important genres of the 1980s. With their mix of glam, punk, goth, electronica, and art rock, the top New Wave artists shaped pop culture and music history for decades to come. Furthermore, New Wave bands were aided by the growth of MTV, which helped visualize their songs and reach a broader audience. Thanks to such trailblazing music videos, many New Wave groups were able to capture the hearts and minds of young music fans. Even today, the best New Wave artists are still important, continuously selling out arenas and headline festivals around the world.

So, what are the best New Wave bands? Any list of New Wave musicians has to include British groups like The Cure, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Psychedelic Furs, Duran Duran, and The Police, just to name a few. With the constant 80s nostalgia across pop culture, mixed with these groups' iconic careers, it's not surprising that New Wave made a comeback in the early 2000s. Alternative rock acts like The Strokes, The Killers, and more are known for citing New Wave music as inspiration for their unique sounds.

That being said, "what are the best New Wave bands, duos, and singing groups of all time?" and "who is the greatest New Wave musician or vocalist ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the bands' music (i.e. albums and songs) and their overall influence, rather than just voting for the most popular or famous New Wave groups that you might've heard of, but never really listened to.

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Over 9.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best New Wave Bands

1
Depeche Mode
3,390 votes
Emerging from the UK synth-pop scene, this innovative group took electronic music to new heights with their pioneering use of sampling and dark, brooding lyrics. Their knack for crafting catchy hooks and unforgettable melodies helped them achieve massive commercial success worldwide. With a career spanning four decades, they've continually pushed the boundaries of electronic music while influencing generations of artists in various genres.
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2
The Cure
3,414 votes
With a distinctive blend of gothic and post-punk influences, this English band gained a devoted following for their moody, atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics. Fronted by the enigmatic Robert Smith, their ever-changing lineup evolved over time, experimenting with various musical styles while maintaining their dark aesthetic. They've left an indelible mark on pop culture through their iconic look and influential albums, inspiring countless other musicians along the way.
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3
New Order
3,003 votes
Formed from the ashes of Joy Division, this seminal British act seamlessly melded post-punk sensibilities with cutting-edge dance beats to create a groundbreaking fusion of rock and electronica. Their inventive use of technology and penchant for memorable basslines established them as trailblazers in both alternative music and club culture. Despite numerous lineup changes throughout the years, they continue to be revered for their enduring influence on modern pop music.
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4
Blondie
2,326 votes
Led by the iconic Debbie Harry, this New York-based group effortlessly fused punk attitude with danceable beats and catchy melodies to create an irresistible blend that took the world by storm. Known for their genre-hopping musical approach and striking visual style, they broke down barriers between rock and disco while helping to lay the groundwork for both new wave and hip-hop. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their timeless appeal and groundbreaking contributions to modern music.
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5
Tears for Fears
2,568 votes
This British duo rose to fame with their unique brand of sophisticated synth-pop that tackled complex themes such as childhood trauma and existential angst. Combining intelligent songwriting with lush, layered production, they crafted a series of hit albums that resonated with fans and critics alike. Their clever fusion of pop sensibilities and introspective lyrics have made them a touchstone for countless musicians in the years since.
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6
Duran Duran
2,699 votes
As one of the definitive bands of the MTV era, this stylish British quintet became synonymous with glamorous excess and infectious hooks. With their flamboyant fashion sense and provocative music videos, they helped define the visual aesthetic of the 1980s while leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Their innovative blend of new wave, synth-pop, and rock has ensured their lasting influence on generations of artists to come.
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7
The Police
2,536 votes
Fronted by charismatic singer-bassist Sting, this English trio combined punk energy with reggae rhythms to create a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Their tight musicianship, sophisticated songwriting, and polished production set them apart from many of their contemporaries, catapulting them to global superstardom. Though their time together was relatively short-lived, their impact on popular music remains undeniable.
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8
Talking Heads
3,041 votes
Led by the quirky David Byrne, this innovative New York outfit pushed the boundaries of rock music with their eclectic fusion of punk, funk, and world music influences. With their cerebral lyrics and unconventional song structures, they challenged the norms of popular music while garnering legions of fans in the process. Their groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, inspiring countless artists across numerous genres.
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9
The Cars
2,382 votes
Blending power-pop hooks with new wave cool, this Boston-based quintet crafted a series of infectious hits that made them one of the most successful American acts of their time. Led by the late Ric Ocasek, their sleek, polished sound and offbeat sensibilities helped define the musical zeitgeist of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their enduring influence can be heard in countless modern bands who've drawn inspiration from their innovative approach to pop-rock.
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10
The Psychedelic Furs
1,907 votes
Hailing from London, this influential group blended punk aggression with lush melodies and poetic lyrics, creating an unforgettable sound that resonated with fans around the globe. Led by charismatic frontman Richard Butler, they became synonymous with moody romanticism and artful experimentation in their music. While never achieving mainstream superstardom, they remain critical darlings whose impact on alternative rock can still be felt today.
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11
Echo & the Bunnymen
1,927 votes
Emerging from Liverpool's vibrant post-punk scene, this enigmatic band captivated listeners with their atmospheric soundscapes and poetic lyricism. Fronted by the charismatic Ian McCulloch, they achieved critical acclaim for their evocative blend of swirling guitars and haunting melodies that transcended genre boundaries. Though their commercial success was somewhat limited, their influence on alternative rock and dream pop remains profound.
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12
The Human League
1,649 votes
Hailing from Sheffield, England, this synth-pop outfit pioneered electronic music with their catchy melodies and futuristic production techniques. Fronted by vocalist Philip Oakey, they achieved massive commercial success with their danceable beats and memorable hooks that made them one of the defining acts of their era. Their groundbreaking work in electronic music has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.
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13
INXS
1,869 votes
This Australian sextet combined rock swagger with infectious pop hooks to create a sound that resonated with fans around the world. Fronted by the charismatic Michael Hutchence, their fusion of new wave, funk, and dance elements made them one of the most successful acts of their time. Their tragic yet enduring story remains an integral part of popular music history.
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14
The B-52's
2,030 votes
With their quirky lyrics, infectious energy, and distinctive vocal harmonies, this Athens, Georgia-based group created a unique brand of party-ready new wave that earned them a devoted fanbase. Known for their colorful fashion sense and campy sensibilities, they brought a sense of fun and irreverence to the musical landscape. Their enduring appeal can be attributed to their timeless tunes and undeniable charisma.
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15
Siouxsie & the Banshees
1,528 votes
Fronted by the enigmatic Siouxsie Sioux, this influential British act combined punk ferocity with gothic overtones to create a darkly seductive sound that captivated listeners around the globe. Known for their theatrical stage presence and brooding aesthetic, they helped lay the groundwork for both post-punk and goth subcultures while leaving a lasting impact on alternative music as a whole. Their fearless experimentation and uncompromising vision continue to inspire new generations of musicians today.
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16
Eurythmics
1,681 votes
Annie Lennox's powerful vocals and Dave Stewart's innovative production skills made this British duo one of the most successful acts of their time. Fusing soulful melodies with cutting-edge electronic experimentation, they crafted a series of unforgettable hits that remain influential today. With their striking visual aesthetic and unapologetic attitude, they helped redefine gender norms within pop culture.
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17
Pet Shop Boys
1,830 votes
As one of the most successful duos in pop music history, these British synth-pop pioneers have left an indelible mark on the genre with their clever songwriting and innovative production techniques. Combining catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, they've consistently pushed the boundaries of what electronic music can be while maintaining a fiercely loyal fanbase throughout their decades-long career. Their influence can be heard in countless artists who've followed in their footsteps.
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18
The Pretenders
1,183 votes
Fronted by the fierce Chrissie Hynde, this Anglo-American outfit perfectly blended punk attitude with melodic hooks to create a sound that resonated with fans and critics alike. With their tight musicianship and passionate performances, they became one of the most respected acts of their time. Their potent combination of rock swagger and pop sensibilities has left a lasting impact on popular music.
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19
Omd
1,671 votes
Hailing from England's industrial heartland, this synth-pop duo crafted a unique sound that combined emotional vulnerability with technological innovation. Their moody, atmospheric tunes and intelligent songwriting made them one of the most revered acts within the genre, influencing countless artists in their wake. Despite never achieving mainstream superstardom, their contributions to electronic music have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
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20
Devo
1,705 votes
With their offbeat humor and quirky aesthetic, this American band brought a unique sense of fun to new wave music while challenging conventional notions of what rock could be. Their innovative use of electronics and unconventional song structures made them a cult favorite among fans who appreciated their satirical take on modern society. Though they never achieved massive commercial success, their influence can be heard in countless bands who've embraced their adventurous spirit.
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21
A Flock of Seagulls
1,555 votes
Known for their distinctive hairstyles and futuristic sound, this Liverpool-based group became one of the quintessential acts of the early 1980s. Their innovative use of synthesizers and evocative melodies helped define the era's musical landscape while earning them legions of fans around the globe. Though their popularity waned in later years, their influence on electronic music remains undeniable.
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22
Billy Idol
1,508 votes
This British rocker successfully transitioned from punk frontman to global superstar with his distinctive sneer and infectious hooks that made him one of the most recognizable figures of his time. Combining gritty rock 'n' roll swagger with danceable new wave beats, he forged a lasting career that continues to resonate with fans today. His undeniable charisma and memorable music videos helped define the MTV era and solidify his place in pop culture history.
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23
Simple Minds
1,909 votes
Emerging from Scotland's vibrant post-punk scene, this band evolved from experimental art-rockers to chart-topping hitmakers with their anthemic sound and passionate performances. Fronted by the charismatic Jim Kerr, they became one of the most successful acts of their time, known for their sweeping melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonated with fans around the globe. Their enduring influence can be heard in countless modern bands who've drawn inspiration from their epic soundscapes.
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24
Elvis Costello
1,419 votes
As one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation, this British musician effortlessly blended punk energy with sophisticated lyrics and melodies to create a sound that defied easy categorization. Known for his biting wit and encyclopedic knowledge of musical genres, he continually reinvented himself throughout his career while maintaining a fiercely loyal fanbase. His remarkable body of work has left an indelible mark on popular music, influencing countless artists across various styles.
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25
Thompson Twins
1,276 votes
This British trio became synonymous with 1980s synth-pop thanks to their infectious hooks, lush production, and memorable fashion sense. Their innovative use of electronics and penchant for catchy melodies earned them legions of fans around the globe, helping to define the era's musical landscape. Though they eventually disbanded in the early 1990s, their impact on pop culture remains undeniable.
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26
Gary Numan
1,160 votes
As a pioneer of electronic music, this British artist captivated audiences with his futuristic soundscapes and enigmatic stage presence. With his innovative use of synthesizers and unconventional song structures, he helped lay the groundwork for both new wave and industrial music while inspiring generations of musicians to follow in his footsteps. Despite never achieving mainstream success in later years, his influence on modern music remains profound.
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27
The Go-Go's
1,184 votes
As one of the first all-female bands to achieve mainstream success, this Los Angeles-based quintet broke down barriers while crafting a series of infectious hits that resonated with fans around the world. With their sunny harmonies and punk-inspired energy, they became a symbol of female empowerment within the male-dominated world of rock music. Their enduring influence can be heard in countless modern bands who've drawn inspiration from their trailblazing spirit.
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28
ABC
1,026 votes
Blending soulful vocals with lush orchestration and sophisticated songwriting, this British group brought a sense of elegance and glamour to the new wave scene. Fronted by the charismatic Martin Fry, they achieved commercial success with their polished sound and unforgettable melodies that made them one of the defining acts of their time. Their enduring appeal can be attributed to their timeless tunes and undeniable sophistication.
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29
A-ha
1,186 votes
This Norwegian trio captivated audiences around the world with their soaring melodies and innovative use of technology that made them one of the defining acts of the 1980s. Known for their memorable music videos and timeless hooks, they achieved global fame with a series of unforgettable hits that continue to resonate with fans today. Their contributions to electronic music have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
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30
Adam and The Ants
1,231 votes
With their flamboyant fashion sense and infectious hooks, this British band brought a sense of theatricality and fun to the new wave scene. Fronted by the charismatic Adam Ant, they achieved massive commercial success with their unique blend of punk attitude and pop sensibilities that made them one of the defining acts of the early 1980s. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their memorable tunes and larger-than-life persona.
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The Psychedelic Furs