Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of Western electro-pop and synth-pop
Genres like electropop and synth-pop have a history spanning over 40 years.
If you start digging into their connections with so-called techno and dance music—or even the differences between electropop and synth-pop to begin with—you’ll find there’s no end to it.
Setting that historical background aside for now, we’ve researched and curated a wide-ranging selection of classic and contemporary electropop and synth-pop tracks from Western music, all centered around catchy, pop-oriented melodies!
You might even notice how genres connect across eras.
To music fans who are intrigued, we hope you’ll give it a read.
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Recommended and Popular Western Electropop/Synth-pop Masterpieces (1–10)
Take a WalkPassion Pit
Passion Pit, who debuted in the late 2000s, are renowned as a leading band in synth-pop and electropop.
As of 2020, the project is active as a solo endeavor by its central figure, Michael Angelakos.
The song being introduced here, Take a Walk, was released in 2012 and became a hit single, earning a Gold certification in the United States.
While it’s a quintessential track of theirs—adorned with colorful sounds and filled with bittersweet melodies—the lyrics are quite serious.
Be sure to explore the deeper meaning embedded in the words.
Personal JesusDepeche Mode
When it comes to bands that achieved major commercial success in the New Wave scene that erupted in the late ’70s, the first name that comes to mind is Depeche Mode.
Since their formation in 1980, they’ve remained at the forefront of the music world for many years despite facing numerous troubles.
Their 1989 release and hit, “Personal Jesus,” masterfully fuses freewheeling electronic sounds with a blues-rock-style riff, making it a standout track whose distinctive sensibility sets it apart from straightforward electropop.
Later on, Marilyn Manson delivered a cover that stays largely faithful to the original.
Be sure to compare the two!
ViennaUltravox
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.
Whip ItDevo
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
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.