Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first

Post-punk, which emerged from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, is a major movement in Western music that inherited the spirit of punk rock while pursuing experimental and innovative sounds.

Characterized by a dark, melancholic atmosphere, highly artistic musicianship, and lyrics with sharp social insight, the genre has continued to exert a strong influence on contemporary bands across generations.

The word “punk” alone might surprise some listeners, but in this article we introduce classic post-punk anthems—beloved by passionate fans in Japan as well—and highlight the revival boom that has occurred since the 2000s.

Beginners are welcome to dive in!

Playlist

Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Once in a LifetimeTalking Heads		A classic by Talking Heads prompts insights about life
2	TransmissionJoy Division		Joy Division's signature work
3	A ForestThe Cure		The Cure’s mysterious post-punk classic
4	Arrogance Gave Him UpThe Associates		A song released by Associates in 1982
5	Sunday Bloody SundayU2		U2 debuted in 1980 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
6	WardanceKilling Joke		The War Dance of Killing Joke
7	The Killing MoonEcho & the Bunnymen		The classic song “The Killing Moon” by Echo & the Bunnymen
8	Marquee MoonTelevision		Television’s 1977 masterpiece post-punk song
9	Whip ItDevo		Devo's 'Whip It' is an ironic song
10	SpellboundSiouxsie And The Banshees		Introduction to the classic Spellbound by Siouxsie and the Banshees
11	Public ImagePublic Image Ltd		Public Image Ltd's debut single
12	Stay HereSwans		Swans disbanded in 1997, reunited in 2010
13	This Is EntertainmentCabaret Voltaire		British band, formed in 1973
14	How Many Years Too SoonCHROME		Chrome is an American band formed in 1976.
15	Damaged GoodsGang Of Four		Introduction to Gang of Four's 1978 debut single
16	Fairytale in the SupermarketThe Raincoats		Introduction to The Raincoats’ debut song
17	A Song From Under The FloorboardsMagazine		Magazine’s 1980 classic: self-loathing and tension
18	Outdoor MinerWire		Wire's signature song, a song from a bug's perspective
19	Swamp ThingThe Chameleons		A song that fantastically depicts The Chameleons' inner struggles
20	Totally WiredThe Fall		The appeal of The Fall’s signature songs
21	Love Will Tear Us ApartJoy Division		Joy Division was a British band formed in 1976 and disbanded in 1980.
22	Society Is a HoleSonic youth		A band from New York, formed in 1981
23	Natural’s Not in ItGang Of Four		the political rock band Gang of Four
24	The Headmaster RitualThe Smiths		The Smiths 1982 British band
25	AlbatrossPublic Image Ltd		PIL: a band formed by former members of the Sex Pistols
26	Dreams Never EndNew Order		New Order was formed in 1980.
27	Going UpEcho & the Bunnymen		Echo & the Bunnymen, formed in 1978
28	TransmissionJapan		British band, formed in 1974 and disbanded in 1982
29	Pillar to PostAztec Camera		The Scottish band Aztec Camera
30	Enola GayOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark		OMD is a British duo that debuted in 1979.
31	Double DareBauhaus		Bauhaus is a British band formed in 1978
32	Love Like BloodKilling Joke		Killing Joke released a hit song in ’85.
33	Girl U WantDevo		Devo influenced Japanese music
34	Marching OnThe Alarm		Welsh band, No. 6 album in ’84
35	Blood BitchCocteau Twins		Cocteau Twins' debut song
36	Feed the EnemyMagazine		Magazine is a band from England.
37	London LadyThe Stranglers		The Stranglers were formed in 1974.
38	The Frozen OnesUltravox		Ultravox 1977 second album
39	SomeoneSimple Minds		Included on a 1979 album by a Scottish band
40	Tainted LoveSoft Cell		Soft Cell’s signature song “Tainted Love” was a big hit.
41	Practice Makes PerfectWire		Wire’s 1978 song
42	Digital TendernessAdam&the Ants		Adam and the Ants-style pirate fashion
43	Plastic GiftFire Engines		A track from Fire Engines’ 1980 album
44	FrightenedThe Fall		The Fall have been active for over 30 years.
45	When The Laughter StopsYard Act		Yard Act’s new song, a track where wistfulness and skepticism intersect
46	NirvanaThe Cult		British band, ranked 4th on the 1985 album charts