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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!

Playlist

Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1Once in a LifetimeTalking HeadsThe autopilot moment of noticing the flow of life
2A ForestThe CureThe Cure’s dreamy and bittersweet musical world
3TransmissionJoy DivisionA legendary masterpiece that opened the door to post-punk
4The Killing MoonEcho & the Bunnymen“The Killing Moon”, a classic song that resonates in films
5WardanceKilling JokeMusic that expresses fear and anger toward war
6Marquee MoonTelevisionA post-punk masterpiece, Television's treasure.
7Whip ItDevo'Whip It' is a satirical message about the degeneration of humanity.
8SpellboundSiouxsie And The BansheesSiouxsie and the Banshees' “Spellbound,” a magical incantation
9Public ImagePublic Image LtdThe starting point of innovative music after punk
10Damaged GoodsGang Of FourPunk of Gang of Four
11Outdoor MinerWireA classic Wire song sung from a bug’s point of view
12A Song From Under The FloorboardsMagazineA scathing self-confession inspired by Notes from Underground
13Swamp ThingThe ChameleonsA phantasmagoric sonic poem depicting anguish and salvation
14Fairytale in the SupermarketThe RaincoatsThe Raincoats’ striking debut single
15Totally WiredThe FallAn emblematic track of defiant, intense post-punk
16Sunday Bloody SundayU2U2 is an Irish rock band that debuted in 1980...
17Arrogance Gave Him UpThe AssociatesAssociates are Billy Mackenzie and Ara...
18This Is EntertainmentCabaret VoltaireCabaret Voltaire was formed in 1973 and...
19Stay HereSwansSwans is a band formed around singer-songwriter Michael Gira…
20How Many Years Too SoonCHROMEChrome was formed in 1976 around Damon Edge...
21Love Will Tear Us ApartJoy DivisionJoy Division was formed in 1976…
22Natural’s Not in ItGang Of FourGang of Four was formed in 1977...
23The Headmaster RitualThe SmithsThe Smiths were active from 1982 to 1987...
24Dreams Never EndNew OrderNew Order is Joy Division…
25Society Is a HoleSonic youthSonic Youth is a band from New York…
26AlbatrossPublic Image LtdPublic Image Ltd is sex…
27Pillar to PostAztec CameraAztec Camera is centered around Roddy Frame...
28TransmissionJapanJapan is a British band formed in 1974…
29Going UpEcho & the BunnymenEcho & the Bunnymen were formed in 1978...
30London LadyThe StranglersThe Stranglers were formed in 1974 by Hugh Co...
31Double DareBauhausBauhaus is a British band formed in 1978...
32Love Like BloodKilling JokeKilling Joke was formed in 1978 and...
33Enola GayOrchestral Manoeuvres in the DarkOrchestral Manoeuvres in the…
34Girl U WantDevoDevo is an Ameri… that was formed in 1974.
35Blood BitchCocteau TwinsCocteau Twins are Robin Guthrie and E…
36Feed the EnemyMagazineMagazine was formed by Howard Devoto and John…
37Marching OnThe AlarmThe Alarm is a Welsh band formed in 1978…
38SomeoneSimple MindsSimple Minds is a Scottish ban...
39The Frozen OnesUltravoxUltravox was formed in 1975 by John…
40Tainted LoveSoft CellSoft Cell is Marc Almond and Dave…
41Practice Makes PerfectWireWire is a British band formed in 1976...
42Plastic GiftFire EnginesThe Fire Engines were from 1979 to 1…
43FrightenedThe FallThe Fall was formed in 1976, and 30…
44When The Laughter StopsYard ActYa…, who is gaining attention as a rising force in post-punk,
45Digital TendernessAdam&the AntsAdam & the Ants have been active from 1977 to 198…
46NirvanaThe CultThe Cult had Southern Death Cult as its predecessor and…