(premium) Best New Wave Songs of 1982
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1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 to 1987 (coming soon)
This isn’t your average year-end list.
1982 was the year new wave stretched its legs and sprinted—in all directions. Shimmering synths collided with bold brass, quirky vocal tics met chart-topping hooks, and there was plenty of room for both radio polish and offbeat charm. 1982 proved new wave could be goofy, glossy, and emotionally gripping—all in the same breath. This deep dive runs it down:
Toni Basil’s pep-rally power pop to the
The sci-fi stylings of Thomas Dolby
Strutting satire of Adam Ant
Sax-soaked paranoia of Men at Work