[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!
- Romantic masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
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- Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of Western electro-pop and synth-pop
- A classic song by The Cro-Magnons. Recommended track.
- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
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- [1980s Nostalgia] What Is the World of Synthwave? — Recommended Popular Tracks
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Neo-Romantic Songs [New Wave] (11–20)
MemorabiliaSoft Cell
This is a track released in 1981 by the UK electronic music duo Soft Cell that sent the club scene into a frenzy.
Over a sterile, icy synth beat, Marc Almond’s emotionally charged vocals drift, creating a sound that heralds the dawn of the New Romantic era.
The lyrics evoke a stream of fragmented images where feelings like happy memories, emptiness, and lingering attachment swirl together.
It’s as if you’re gazing at photos and letters scattered across a room, unable to put them in order—falling into a bittersweet yet somehow detached mood.
Perhaps it’s precisely this glittering, decadent worldview that captivated so many people.
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.
Hot In The Heels Of LoveThrobbing Gristle
This is a track released in 1979 by Throbbing Gristle from the UK, pioneers of industrial music.
Its synth-disco sound, reminiscent of Giorgio Moroder, is striking and upends their public image.
Cosey Fanni Tutti’s whisper-like vocals ride a minimal beat, creating a seductive mood.
True to its title, “Hot on the Heels of Love,” you can almost picture the protagonist reveling in the thrill of passionate love and the sweet afterglow that follows.
This sophisticated electronic sound feels like a true forerunner, heralding the rise of later new wave and synth-pop.
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.
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.
[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave] (21–30)
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?