[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!
Playlist
| [80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | To Cut A Long Story ShortSpandau Ballet | play_arrow | Spandau Ballet’s debut single |
| 2east | Fade To GreyVisage | play_arrow | Visage’s neo-romantic classic |
| 3east | Girls On FilmDuran Duran | play_arrow | The appeal of Duran Duran's signature songs |
| 4east | You Spin Me RoundDead Or Alive | play_arrow | Dead or Alive's smash hit song |
| 5east | Back to NatureFad Gadget | play_arrow | Expressing the contradictions of modern society in Fed Gadget’s debut song |
| 6east | Being BoiledThe Human League | play_arrow | The Human League’s innovative songs |
| 7east | Life in TokyoJapan | play_arrow | Japan shifts from glam rock through collaboration with Moroder |
| 8east | ElectricityOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark | play_arrow | OMD’s debut song, a fusion of electronic sounds and punk |
| 9east | SleepwalkUltravox | play_arrow | Ultravox’s new vocalist’s debut single |
| 10east | CarsGary Numan | ![]() | A car-themed song became a worldwide hit. Its rhythm and lyrics resonated with audiences. |
| 11east | Warm LeatheretteThe Normal | play_arrow | The Normal's innovative synth track |
| 12east | The Look Of LoveABC | play_arrow | A smash hit from the first album |
| 13east | Do You Really Want To Hurt MeCulture Club | play_arrow | A song that depicts the pain in a relationship with a lover |
| 14east | Too ShyKajagoogoo | play_arrow | Kajagoogoo's smash hit song |
| 15east | I travelSimple Minds | play_arrow | Neo-romantic of the synthesizer |
| 16east | AntmusicAdam&the Ants | play_arrow | Adam Ant's revolutionary new romantic song |
| 17east | R.E.R.B.Shock | play_arrow | Shock 1980 new romantic song |
| 18east | MemorabiliaSoft Cell | play_arrow | Soft Cell's 1981 synth-pop classic |
| 19east | Hot In The Heels Of LoveThrobbing Gristle | play_arrow | Throbbing Gristle’s ’79 synth-disco track |
| 20east | No G.D.M.Gina X Performance | play_arrow | Debut song of Gina X Performance |
| 21east | Planet EarthDuran Duran | play_arrow | Duran Duran’s debut single |
| 22east | In the Name of LoveThompson Twins | play_arrow | Early hit songs of the Thompson Twins |
| 23east | Enola GayOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark | play_arrow | The History of the Atomic Bombing Aircraft and the Question of Peace |
| 24east | Don’t You Want MeThe Human League | play_arrow | The Human League scores a worldwide hit |
| 25east | Ashes To AshesDavid Bowie | play_arrow | David Bowie, a pioneer of multi-genre music |
| 26east | Don’t Stop the DanceBryan Ferry | play_arrow | Brian dances in a suit, recalling his mother's words |
| 27east | All Stood StillUltravox | play_arrow | The synth tone is stylish and never gets old. |
| 28east | Goody Two-ShoesAdam Ant | play_arrow | Broke away from Adam and the Ants; debut single hit number one |
| 29east | Sweet DreamsEurythmics | play_arrow | Ann captivates in a men's suit |
| 30east | Where Did Our Love GoSoft Cell | play_arrow | Arrange a Supremes song with a synthesizer |
| 31east | Is It a DreamClassix Nouveaux | play_arrow | The distinctive style of a New Romantic band |
| 32east | Poison MindCulture Club | play_arrow | Introducing Culture Club's hidden gems |
| 33east | Ai LanA Flock Of Seagulls | play_arrow | British group becomes a big hit in America |
| 34east | Mad WorldTears for Fears | play_arrow | Dark lyrics but a soothing melody |
| 35east | Talk TalkTalk Talk | play_arrow | It’s trending that the band and the song have the same name. |
| 36east | Calling Your NameMARILYN | play_arrow | Scouted after appearing with Eurythmics |
| 37east | Gentlemen Take PolaroidsJapan | play_arrow | Japan is a cool, distinctive act with a neo-romantic vibe. |
| 38east | Wishful thinkingChina Crisis | play_arrow | China Crisis's only UK chart Top 10 hit |
| 39east | Just Can’t Get EnoughDepeche Mode | play_arrow | Depeche Mode bright, upbeat song |
| 40east | Forever YoungAlphaville | play_arrow | A German band's song is gaining buzz thanks to a film |
| 41east | Living on the SailingBLANCMANGE | play_arrow | Black Manji ranked 7th in the UK. |
| 42east | I don’t want to be a heroJohnny Hates Jazz | play_arrow | US release canceled due to anti-war lyrics |
| 43east | More Than ThisRoxy Music | play_arrow | Roxy Music's smash hit |


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