[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave]
The New Romantic movement, born in early-1980s Britain.
Its glamorous makeup and fashion, combined with synth-heavy sounds, became the driving force that opened up a new musical scene.
Born as a reaction to punk, this style was brief as a movement, but with its glamorous aesthetic it fused with dance music and influenced many musicians—Japan included.
In this article, we’ll introduce tracks ranging from songs that can be considered the roots of the New Romantic sound to its signature anthems.
If you’ve only recently come across the term “New Romantic,” be sure to check it out!
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[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Neo-Romantic Songs [New Wave] (11–20)
No G.D.M.Gina X Performance
The debut single by the German music project Gina X Performance, released in 1979.
It was fervently embraced in London’s club scene at the time and is known as a track that came to symbolize the New Romantic movement.
The song stands out for Gina Kikoine’s icy, narration-like vocals and its minimal, sophisticated synth sound.
The repeated lyric “There is no great savior” carries a strong message of firmly rejecting the idealized image others demand and staying true to oneself.
This cool, beautiful, and inorganic sound seems to teach us the value of remaining ourselves without being swayed by other people’s values.
You Spin Me RoundDead Or Alive
If you lived through the disco era, this song might make you want to get up and dance.
Among Dead or Alive’s tracks, this was their biggest hit, reaching number one in the UK, though it only made it to number 11 in the US and didn’t seem to do as well there.
Dead or Alive’s style is exceptionally distinctive, isn’t it?
CarsGary Numan
It became a global hit and reached number one on the charts in the UK and Canada.
It has been covered by many artists and has also been used in films.
The song repeats a single rhythm, making it catchy, and since the lyrics are about the singer’s own car, that might be why it resonated with so many people.
The Look Of LoveABC
This track was included on their first album and became a sudden smash hit—the biggest hit among ABC’s songs.
It makes great use of the synthesizer’s characteristics and incorporates a variety of sounds.
The music video is really cute.
I travelSimple Minds
By the mid-80s, Simple Minds were mainly centered on rock-style songs, and their clothing and overall style became more conventional.
However, around their third album, which includes this song, you can hear synthesizer sounds and a New Romantic-style tone.
They are a group from Scotland.
Too ShyKajagoogoo
This song was Kajagoogoo’s debut single, and it became an explosive hit.
The slowly building intro is really nice.
The synthesizer sound and Limahl’s vocals feel like a perfect match.
[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave] (21–30)
Don't You Want MeThe Human League
Speaking of The Human League, they’re famous for the song “Human,” but in their early days they really had a quintessential New Romantic style.
This song was a massive hit around the world, reaching number one on the charts in both the UK and the US, and they even won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1982.