Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of Western electro-pop and synth-pop

Such Great HeightsThe Postal Service

The Postal Service – Such Great Heights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Are you familiar with The Postal Service, the duo formed by Ben Gibbard—the frontman of Death Cab for Cutie, which has now grown into a quintessential American rock band—and electronic artist Dntel? They wrapped up a brief run after releasing just one album in 2003, Give Up, but it became a long-selling title in the U.

S.

and a rare hit for its storied indie label, Sub Pop.

The lead single, Such Great Heights, is a classic in which forward-thinking electronic sounds blend perfectly with Ben’s characteristically delicate, wistful melodies.

Whip ItDevo

Devo – Whip It (Official Music Video) | Warner Vault

Even if you’ve never listened to Devo’s music, quite a few people can probably picture the members in their matching outfits: yellow jumpsuits and the red hats known as Energy Domes.

Known for their distinctive look, they’re a quintessential American new wave band.

Many artists, both overseas and in Japan, openly cite Devo’s influence—well-known examples include YMO, Denki Groove, and POLYSICS.

Devo’s signature hit single is “Whip It.” It appears on their 1980 album Freedom of Choice, which itself received high acclaim.

While it’s electropop, the guitars ring out crisply, and the sharp production also connects to post-punk.

KingYears & Years

Years & Years – King (Official Video)

The UK trio Years & Years burst onto the electropop/synth-pop scene like a comet in the late 2010s, quickly becoming fan favorites.

Centered on gorgeous electropop and synth-pop adorned with vivid synth tones, their sound skillfully blends elements from contemporary R&B to ’90s house and pop.

Their debut album, released in 2015, impressively reached No.

1 on the UK charts.

The striking presence of their handsome singer Olly Alexander—who is also active as an actor—is another key part of their appeal.

Their 2015 smash hit “King” encapsulates the band’s core charm in a catchy track, making it a perfect entry point for new listeners.

ViennaUltravox

Ultravox – Vienna (official video)

Ultravox is a band that achieved major success primarily in the UK during the 1980s.

Formed back in 1975, their early period—led by the group’s founder John Foxx—pioneered a sound at the forefront of post-punk and new wave.

Later, Midge Ure joined as the new vocalist, and the band’s sound shifted in a more accessible, commercial direction.

The song introduced here is the title track from their breakthrough 1981 album, Vienna.

It is a superb classic in which cutting-edge, refined production merges with a beautiful melody, and it became one of the band’s signature songs.

Love Action (I Believe In Love)The Human League

The Human League – Love Action (I Believe In Love) from ‘Multi Coloured Swap Shop’

Among the leading acts of 80s synth-pop that also achieved commercial success was The Human League.

Often labeled as part of the New Romantic movement, they gained popularity in Japan as well, with the alluring, makeup-wearing Philip Oakey as their frontman.

While they’re best known for “Don’t You Want Me” (known in Japan by the title “Ai no Nokoribi”), this time I’d like to introduce the 1981 single “Love Action (I Believe in Love).” It’s true that their image strategy—boosted by MTV-era promotional videos—helped drive their success, but as you listen, keep in mind there’s plenty to appreciate musically too, including their use of analog synthesizers.

Tainted LoveSoft Cell

Soft Cell – Tainted Love (Official Music Video)

Soft Cell, formed in 1978 by two people who met at an art school in Leeds, England, is an electropop duo that found success in the 1980s new wave scene not only in their home country but also in the United States.

Unfortunately, their name recognition in Japan has to be said to be low, but it’s worth emphasizing that they have many devoted fans and that well-known artists openly cite their influence.

The song introduced here is their signature track and a U.

S.

hit, “Tainted Love.” Also known in Japan under the title “Stainless Love,” the song is actually a cover of Gloria Jones’s 1964 release.

Their knack for picking a song like this really shows their distinctive taste, doesn’t it? Incidentally, the track was later covered by Marilyn Manson, a big fan of new wave.

Leave A TraceChvrches

CHVRCHES – Leave A Trace (Lyric Video)

For music fans who love British music, artists hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, carry a special resonance.

CHVRCHES, who were born in a place that has continuously produced countless great bands and popular artists—almost as if touched by pop magic—are a band with a fantastic pop sensibility.

Centered on contemporary electropop, they drew early attention mainly online, and after their debut they found success not only in the UK but also in the US.

Their 2015 release Leave a Trace became a hit, earning a Gold certification.

Be sure to savor the cool electro beat paired with the wistful melody and vocals—lyrics steeped in melancholy included.