The late 1970s saw the rise of a new musical force: electronic music. This marked the beginning of the synthpop and New Romantic era, which would dominate the music scene on both sides of the Atlantic for the next decade.
Join us on a nostalgic journey as we revisit 25 of the greatest synthpop anthems that defined the 1980s, showcasing the enduring power and influence of this iconic genre. From unforgettable melodies to groundbreaking music videos, these songs continue to captivate and inspire music lovers today.
1. Spandau Ballet – ‘To Cut a Long Story Short’
Before serenading us with their iconic ballad ‘True,’ Spandau Ballet were pioneers of the moody New Romantic sound. ‘To Cut a Long Story Short,’ their debut single, shot straight to number five on the UK charts. This evocative track is believed to be narrated from the perspective of a Vietnam War veteran grappling with PTSD, highlighting the emotional turmoil of conflict.
2. Duran Duran – ‘Rio’
Synonymous with 1980s style and sophistication, Duran Duran’s ‘Rio’ is a synthpop masterpiece. The music video, a vibrant spectacle featuring the band on a luxurious yacht against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, perfectly captured the song’s energetic and glamorous spirit. Released in 1982, ‘Rio’ solidified Duran Duran’s position as global superstars.
3. Dead or Alive – ‘You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)’
This energetic synthpop anthem catapulted Dead or Alive to fame in 1984, becoming the first UK number one hit for the renowned songwriting and production trio Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Despite initial skepticism from their record label, singer Pete Burns’ unwavering belief in the song led him to take out a personal loan to finance its recording. ‘You Spin Me Round’ proved to be a testament to their instincts, becoming an instant classic.
4. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) – ‘Enola Gay’
Beneath its deceptively upbeat melody, OMD’s ‘Enola Gay’ carries a powerful message. Inspired by the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the song sparked conversations about the consequences of war. Despite its somber subject matter, ‘Enola Gay’ achieved global success, selling over five million copies and solidifying OMD’s place in music history.
5. Heaven 17 – ‘Temptation’
Formed by former members of The Human League, Heaven 17 made their mark on the synthpop scene with ‘Temptation.’ The song’s captivating vocals, performed by session singer Carol Kenyon, and its exploration of rising sexual tension, resonated with audiences worldwide.
6. ABC – ‘The Look of Love’
ABC’s ‘The Look of Love’ is a seamless fusion of new wave energy and sophisticated synthpop. Released in 1982, the song became a defining track from their critically acclaimed debut album, The Lexicon of Love. Produced by the legendary Trevor Horn, the song’s infectious chorus and stylish spy-themed music video propelled it to the top of the charts.
7. Kim Wilde – ‘Kids in America’
Kim Wilde’s journey to stardom began with ‘Kids in America,’ a song written by her brother, Ricky Wilde, and their father, Marty Wilde. The song became an instant anthem for teenagers around the world, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and the desire for freedom.
8. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – ‘Relax’
Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘Relax’ took the world by storm, becoming one of the most controversial and successful songs of the 1980s. The song’s suggestive lyrics and themes of homosexuality, considered taboo at the time, led to it being banned by the BBC. Despite this, ‘Relax’ topped the charts and became an anthem for challenging societal norms.
9. Yazoo – ‘Don’t Go’
Yazoo, the synthpop duo formed by Vince Clarke (formerly of Depeche Mode) and Alison Moyet, captivated audiences with their heartfelt track ‘Don’t Go.’ Moyet’s powerful vocals, combined with Clarke’s signature synth melodies, created a timeless plea for love and reconciliation.
10. Visage – ‘Fade to Grey’
Considered a cornerstone of the synthpop genre, Visage’s ‘Fade to Grey’ is instantly recognizable for its haunting vocals and ethereal atmosphere. The song’s unique blend of English lyrics sung by Steve Strange and spoken French verses by Brigitte Arens created an international appeal that transcended language barriers.
11. Kraftwerk – ‘The Model’
German electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk made a significant impact on the synthpop scene with ‘The Model,’ originally released in 1978. Despite being released years earlier, the song gained immense popularity in 1981 when it was re-released as the A-side of a single, reaching number one in the UK.
12. Gary Numan – ‘Cars’
Gary Numan’s ‘Cars’ became his signature song, topping the UK charts and cementing his status as a synthpop innovator. Inspired by a real-life road rage incident, Numan’s lyrics explored themes of isolation, technology, and the search for security in an increasingly chaotic world.
13. Depeche Mode – ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’
Before evolving into the darker, more experimental band we know today, Depeche Mode embraced a more playful, synth-driven sound. ‘Just Can’t Get Enough,’ their breakout hit, perfectly embodies this early era. The song’s infectious energy and relatable lyrics about infatuation resonated with audiences worldwide.
14. The Buggles – ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’
This iconic track not only topped the charts but also made history as the first music video ever aired on MTV. Released in 1979, ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ marked the beginning of a new era in music, where visuals became just as important as the music itself. The song’s prophetic lyrics reflected the changing landscape of the music industry and the growing influence of technology.
15. Pet Shop Boys – ‘West End Girls’
Pet Shop Boys burst onto the music scene in 1984 with ‘West End Girls,’ a song that perfectly blended synthpop, hip hop influences, and introspective lyrics. Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s poetry, the song explored themes of class, urban life, and the allure of the city at night.
16. Erasure – ‘A Little Respect’
Erasure’s ‘A Little Respect’ is a powerful synthpop ballad that became an anthem for love, respect, and understanding. Andy Bell’s emotive vocals, combined with Vince Clarke’s uplifting synth melodies, created a timeless message of hope and resilience.
17. A-ha – ‘Take on Me’
Norwegian band A-ha’s ‘Take on Me’ is a synthpop masterpiece that remains instantly recognizable today. The song’s innovative music video, featuring a groundbreaking blend of animation and live-action, helped propel it to global stardom.
18. The Human League – ‘Don’t You Want Me’
The Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’ became an instant classic, topping the UK charts and becoming a staple of 1980s synthpop. The song’s tale of a bitter break-up, told through the perspective of both partners, resonated with audiences and showcased the band’s ability to write emotionally charged lyrics.
19. Tubeway Army – ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’
Before embarking on a successful solo career, Gary Numan fronted the band Tubeway Army. Their song ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’ topped the UK charts in 1979, introducing Numan’s distinctive vocal style and his fascination with themes of technology and dystopian futures.
20. New Order – ‘Blue Monday’
Formed after the tragic end of Joy Division, New Order emerged with a sound that blended post-punk and electronic music. ‘Blue Monday,’ their groundbreaking 1983 single, became a dancefloor anthem and a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both experimental and accessible.
21. Donna Summer – ‘I Feel Love’
Often cited as one of the most influential songs of all time, Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ revolutionized both disco and electronic music. Produced by Giorgio Moroder, the song’s pulsating synthesizers and Summer’s ecstatic vocals created a futuristic soundscape that continues to inspire artists today.
22. Soft Cell – ‘Tainted Love’
Soft Cell’s synthpop rendition of Gloria Jones’ 1964 Northern Soul track ‘Tainted Love’ became a global phenomenon. Marc Almond’s haunting vocals and the song’s infectious synth melodies transformed it into a tale of heartbreak and obsession.
23. Eurythmics – ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’
Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ became an instant classic, topping charts worldwide. Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals and Dave Stewart’s innovative production created a synthpop anthem that explored themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
24. Ultravox – ‘Vienna’
Ultravox’s ‘Vienna’ is a hauntingly beautiful synthpop masterpiece that showcases the band’s ability to create atmospheric and emotionally evocative music. Inspired by the 1949 film The Third Man, the song’s dramatic arrangement and Midge Ure’s soaring vocals created a timeless classic.
25. Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder – ‘Together in Electric Dreams’
This collaboration between Human League frontman Philip Oakey and electronic music pioneer Giorgio Moroder resulted in one of the most enduring synthpop anthems of the 1980s. Originally featured in the film Electric Dreams, ‘Together in Electric Dreams’ captured the spirit of the digital age with its optimistic lyrics and futuristic soundscape.
