[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 Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave] (21–30)
Enola GayOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
“Enola Gay” is the name of the bomber that was used when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan.
The lyrics include the message that “Enola Gay should not have been used,” but OMD said they wanted people to know what Enola Gay was.
Of course, it wasn’t a hit in the United States.
Planet EarthDuran Duran
This song is Duran Duran’s debut single.
In the music video, especially the keyboardist’s outfit gives off a real New Romantic vibe.
The synthesizer sounds are great, but the bass really hits and it’s so cool, isn’t it?
Ashes To AshesDavid Bowie
David Bowie passed away in 2016, but he had a long career as a musician and was involved in a wide range of genres along the way.
He may have consistently led the music world at the forefront of genres.
The first synthesizer sounds are simple, but David’s distinctive singing style is so stylish, isn’t it?
In the Name of LoveThompson Twins
This song is an early hit by the Thompson Twins.
The lyrics are simple, repeatedly using the phrase “In the name of love,” but perhaps because it makes abundant use of synthesizers, it doesn’t feel like a simple song.
Two years after its release, it was used in the movie Ghostbusters.
Poison MindCulture Club
Culture Club is well known and has released many hit songs, but I chose this track that doesn’t get featured very often.
Boy George’s makeup and outfit are almost too perfect—an ideal embodiment of the New Romantic style.
And his sweet voice really suits the synth-driven sound, doesn’t it?
All Stood StillUltravox
Is the prominent low-end synthesizer sound what characterizes this track? Even though the groove repeats, the stylish synth tones keep it from getting boring.
The song “Vienna,” which is on side A of the record with this track, has also become a big hit.
Sweet DreamsEurythmics
Does the style of Anne, the vocalist, wearing a men’s suit feel like the complete opposite of the male New Romantic look? Many people were probably blown away by this style.
The deep, bass-driven sound of this track is distinctive and really cool, isn’t it?