A Look Back at the Best of 80’s Synth-Pop
Contents
Looking back at the best of 80’s synth-pop, it’s clear that the genre was defined by its innovative use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments. From the early pioneers like Kraftwerk to the new wave of British bands like Depeche Mode, synth-pop was all about pushing the boundaries of what was possible with electronic music.
Introduction
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new form of popular music emerged that combined the energetic sound of punk rock with the catchy melodies of pop music. This new genre, which came to be known as synth-pop, was championed by a number of innovative bands from Britain who used electronic synthesizers to create a new sound that was both danceable and easy to listen to.
The synth-pop sound quickly became popular in the United States, and by the mid-1980s, a number of American bands had embraced the style. Some of these bands, like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, became international superstars, while others, like New Order and The Cure, achieved cult status.
In this article, we take a look back at some of the best synth-pop songs of the 1980s. So put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and enjoy!
The Best of 80’s Synth-Pop
The 80’s were a great decade for synth-pop music. Some of the best artists of all time came out of this decade, including Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and New Order. If you’re a fan of synth-pop music, then you definitely need to check out the best of what this decade had to offer.
Duran Duran
The 1980s was the decade of synth-pop. A new generation of electronic musicians emerged, creating a sound that would dominate the pop charts for years to come. One of the most successful and influential bands of this era was Duran Duran.
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, Duran Duran was one of the first synth-pop bands to achieve widespread popularity. The band’s sound was a perfect blend of pop hooks and danceable rhythms, with a strong visual style that made them popular MTV staples. Duran Duran’s biggest hits include “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “The Reflex.”
While Duran Duran’s music may have been rooted in synth-pop, the band also incorporated elements of new wave, disco, and even rock into their sound. This willingness to experiment helped them stay relevant as other bands came and went throughout the 1980s. Though they haven’t released any new music since 2001, Duran Duran’s influence can still be heard in today’s synth-pop acts.
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode is an English electronic band formed in Basildon, Essex. The group’s original line-up consisted of Vince Clarke, Andy Fletcher, Martin Gore, and lead singer Dave Gahan.
Active from 1980 to present, they have achieved worldwide popularity with their hits “Just Can’t Get Enough”, “Personal Jesus”, and “Enjoy the Silence”. They are one of the most successful and longest-lasting bands to emerge from the UK’s new wave/synth-pop movement of the early 1980s – a movement that also spawned such acts as Duran Duran, Soft Cell, and The Human League.
New Order
New Order is an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers), Peter Hook (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums, synthesizers). The band was formed following the demise of their previous band Joy Division after the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis.
New Order’s synth-pop sound was a departure from the dark post-punk sound of Joy Division. They achieved critical and commercial success with their second album Power, Corruption & Lies (1983), which peaked at number 3 in the UK charts and included their signature single “Blue Monday”. In 1987 they scored a UK number 1 hit with the album Republic, which included the hits “True Faith” and “Bizarre Love Triangle”.
With their popularity on the rise in the US, New Order left Factory Records behind and signed to Qwest/Warner Bros. Records in 1993. The relationship proved to be short-lived; after just two albums New Order once again became embroiled in legal disputes with their former label over unpaid royalties. They returned to England where they recorded their final album Get Ready (2001).
New Order were one of the most popular synth-pop bands of the 1980s, achieving international success with hits like “Blue Monday”, “Bizarre Love Triangle”, and “True Faith”. The band’s unique blend of post-punk, new wave, and electronic music made them one of the most influential groups of their era.
Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys are an English synth-pop duo, formed in London in 1981 and consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. Pet Shop Boys have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They are listed as the most successful duo in UK music history by The Guinness Book of World Records.
The group’s musical style has varied throughout their career, but they are mainly known for their hits “West End Girls”, “It’s a Sin”, “Always on My Mind”, and “Heart”.
Conclusion
When it comes to synth-pop, the 80s were certainly a golden era. So many great bands and artists emerged during this decade, crafting catchy and seminal hits that are still loved today. From Depeche Mode to Duran Duran, there were so many memorable moments in 80s synth-pop.
As we look back on this iconic decade, let’s take a moment to remember some of the best synth-pop hits of the 80s. These are songs that have stood the test of time, remaining as fresh and exciting as they were when they first came out. So crank up the volume and enjoy!
