Themes in New Wave
Enjoy these articles focused on lyrical themes in new wave!
New Wave and Their Twins
Behind every shiny New Wave hit, there's a twisted twin. This article pairs beloved songs from The Police, Human League, Soft Cell, and more with their darker, stranger siblings—tracks that reveal the shadows behind the synths. If you like your pop with a side of menace, this one’s for you.
New Wave in Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis - Regional Scenes and Hidden Gems
New Wave thrived far beyond NYC and London. This article uncovers six hidden-gem bands from Chicago, LA, and Minneapolis—each with their own sound, swagger, and archetype. From Skafish’s theatrical menace to 20/20’s power-pop polish, discover how regional weirdos shaped New Wave’s underground pulse. Your next favorite band might be decades old.
Gay & Queer in New Wave
New Wave didn’t just play with synths—it played with gender, sexuality, and visibility. This article spotlights the queer voices and allies who made the scene revolutionary, from Boy George to Bronski Beat. Discover how their music, style, and defiance helped LGBTQ listeners feel seen, heard, and beautifully weird.
New Wave Does the Summer
New Wave went on vacation—and got existential. This playlist explores eight summer-themed songs that range from euphoric (Katrina and the Waves, B-52s) to bittersweet (The Motels, Bananarama). Whether you’re chasing popsicles or ghosts of summers past, these tracks prove that even in the sun, New Wave kept its sunglasses on.
Under-the-Radar New Wave Songs
Think you know early New Wave? These deep cuts from 1979–1981 reveal the genre’s weirder, darker, and more experimental sides. From Depeche Mode’s icy beginnings to Lene Lovich’s operatic birdcall, this article surfaces six forgotten gems that prove New Wave was always more than just hits and haircuts.
New Wave Hits That Are Actually Covers
You know the hits—but did you know they were covers? These five New Wave classics weren’t originals, but radical reworks of forgotten '60s songs. From icy synths to feminist swagger, they transformed retro pop into era-defining anthems. You’ll never hear Tainted Love or Venus the same way again.
Countdowns and Synth Sounds: How New Wave Captured the Cold War
Missiles, paranoia, and synths—Cold War fears hit the charts. From 99 Luftballons to Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, New Wave artists transformed nuclear dread and global tension into unforgettable pop. This article explores how the genre’s icy sound and surreal style perfectly captured the era’s fear, irony, and fallout.
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