Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
Post-punk, which emerged from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, is a major movement in Western music that inherited the spirit of punk rock while pursuing experimental and innovative sounds.
Characterized by a dark, melancholic atmosphere, highly artistic musicianship, and lyrics with sharp social insight, the genre has continued to exert a strong influence on contemporary bands across generations.
The word “punk” alone might surprise some listeners, but in this article we introduce classic post-punk anthems—beloved by passionate fans in Japan as well—and highlight the revival boom that has occurred since the 2000s.
Beginners are welcome to dive in!
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Classic post-punk masterpieces from Western music: a roundup of must-listen popular tracks (31–40)
Feed the EnemyMagazine
Magazine is an English band formed around Howard Devoto and John McGeoch.
“Feed the Enemy” is included on their second album, Secondhand Daylight, released in 1979.
Marching OnThe Alarm
The Alarm is a Welsh band formed in 1978, and at the time of its formation they were called Seventeen.
Marching On is a track from the album Declaration, released in 1984.
The album reached number 6 on the UK chart.
SomeoneSimple Minds
Simple Minds is a Scottish band formed in 1977.
“Someone” is a track included on their debut album, Life in a Day, released in 1979.
The album reached number 30 on the UK Albums Chart.
The Frozen OnesUltravox
Ultravox are a British band formed in 1975 around John Foxx.
“The Frozen Ones” is included on their second album, HA! HA! HA!, released in 1977.
Tainted LoveSoft Cell
Soft Cell is a musical duo consisting of Marc Almond and Dave Ball, formed in 1978.
Their 1981 release “Tainted Love,” a cover of Gloria Jones’s song, reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Classic post-punk masterpieces from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first (41–50)
Practice Makes PerfectWire
Wire is a British band formed in 1976 that influenced a variety of groups, including Elastica and The Cure.
“Practice Makes Perfect” is a track from their second album, Chairs Missing, released in 1978.
Plastic GiftFire Engines
The Fire Engines were a British band active from 1979 to 1981, and their name comes from a song by the 13th Floor Elevators.
“Plastic Gift” is a track from the 1980 album Lubricate Your Living Room.