(series) Best-of-Year New Wave
New wave wasn’t just a genre—it was a shape-shifting force that rewired pop, punk, and fashion in real time. These deep dives break down 10 iconic years of synths, sneers, strange hair, and undeniable hooks.
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1978 ($)
PUNK MEETS THE SYNTHS
She made glass sound cool
He pumped it up with rage
He begged her not to turn on the red
1979 ($)
WEIRD GETS RADIO PLAY
Is she really out or just ironic?
He was cruel - but catchy
They brought lobsters to life
1980 ($)
MACHINES JOIN THE BAND
She’s got brass and pocket
He drove us into synthhood
They whipped pop into shape
1981 ($)
ANGST TURNS TO ANTHEMS
No one was watching, but he danced anyway
Love: tainted and timeless
Sealed lips, open hooks
1982
NEW WAVE HITS THE MALL
He made goody sound naughty
Oh Mickey, so infectious
He ran so synths could soar
1983
Will be released later this year
ANDROGYNY, HOOKS & NEON
Culture Club charmed
Men Without Hats got weird on purpose
Eurythmics made synths sound like ghosts
1984
Will be released later this year
GIRLS ALSO WANTED FUN
Germans dropped balloons
New wave went global—with glam, gloom, and political pop in the mix
1985
Will be released later this year
MTV WAS KING & EVERYTHING HAD A HOOK
A-ha hit impossible notes
Tears for Fears shouted
Simple Minds owned the prom
1986
Will be released later this year
SYNTHS WERE CHEESIER & THE PARTY GOT BIGGER
Wang Chung partied
Falco flexed
New Order made heartbreak sound euphoric
1987
Will be released later this year
NEW WAVE GOT SLEEK AND RADIO-FRIENDLY
INXS strutted
ABC honored Smokey
The Cure made bliss out of melancholy
Want full access? These are exclusive to paid subscribers. Get the entire Best-of-Year Vault Series and more.
Or enjoy many of our articles for free.