[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] (31–40)
Calling Your NameMARILYN
It was a big hit in Japan as well, so many of you might already know it.
He appeared in a Eurythmics music video and was reportedly scouted afterward.
He seems to be influenced by Boy George, but his makeup is a bit lighter.
Gentlemen Take PolaroidsJapan
I’ve heard that Japan has said they don’t want to be categorized as New Romantic, but their style and music really feel New Romantic to me.
This song didn’t chart that high, but it’s quite distinctive and cool, so it might really hit the sweet spot for some listeners.
Wishful thinkingChina Crisis
For China Crisis, this is the only song that made it into the UK top ten.
The melody is beautiful, and the song gives a refreshing feel.
The harmony between the synthesizer sounds and the soft tones of the acoustic guitar is lovely.
Just Can’t Get EnoughDepeche Mode
For Depeche Mode, it’s unusual—a light and upbeat tune.
The repeated line “I just can’t get enough” sticks in your head and makes you want to hum along.
It was their first song to break into the UK Top 10.
Forever YoungAlphaville
The band is a group from Germany, and it seems this song didn’t really become a hit when it was first released.
More recently, it’s been used in TV shows and movies in places like the United States, and it has become a talked-about track.
The vocalist’s high notes are beautiful in this song.
[80s] Collection of iconic songs representing the New Romantic movement [New Wave] (41–50)
Living on the SailingBLANCMANGE
I don’t think the band is very well known in Japan, but Black Manges reached No.
7 on the UK charts with this song.
It features a lively rhythm and an Indian-style intro that comes in partway through.
The music video was reportedly filmed in Egypt.
I don’t want to be a heroJohnny Hates Jazz
The song became a hit, reaching No.
11 on the UK charts, but it seems its release was refused in the United States.
Apparently, the reason was that the lyrics were anti-war, but given the feel of the music, you wouldn’t really get that from the song, so it’s surprising, isn’t it?