[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.
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- From Japan! Technopop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks
- [Intoxicating Vibes] A Beginner’s Guide to Classic Psychedelic Rock Songs (Western Music)
- 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
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- [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 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.
Don’t You Want MeThe Human League
Speaking of The Human League, they’re famous for the song “Human,” but in their early days they really had a quintessential New Romantic style.
This song was a massive hit around the world, reaching number one on the charts in both the UK and the US, and they even won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1982.
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.
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.
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?
Don’t Stop the DanceBryan Ferry
Brian, famous for his sexy voice, looks sharp in a suit, giving off the appearance of a businessman.
The song’s lyrics include a phrase that starts with “Mama always says…,” so it feels like he’s dancing while recalling the words his mother used to say, doesn’t it?