New music? How about New Wave music?
The funky synth punk pop and rock music, known as New Wave, emerged in the late seventies spanning into the early eighties.
As the music that resides in the genre started to become more popular, the newly launched MTV was crowded with New Wave music videos further helping to popularize the musical style.
Electronic keyboard and synthesizer sounds also became very common at this time and were integral to the New Wave bands.
The list of New Wave bands and their work is extensive, but these bands (and a brief summary of their work) are a great starting point as you explore the genre:
The B-52’s
Starting in 1976 in Athens, Georgia, the B-52’s started to roam within their musical journey. The band’s members originally consisted of Ricky Wilson, Cindy Wilson, Keith Strickland, and Fred Schneider. The band has gained and lost some members since starting. Throughout the years the band has released eight main albums. The band’s music is known for its unique style and sound that could get people dancing. Check out the albums Wild Planet (1980) and their biggest seller Cosmic Thing (1989).
New Order
Before New Order, the band was the punkier Joy Division. The band was composed of Ian Curtis, Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, and Bernard Summer. After the unexpected and tragic death of singer Ian Curtis, the band renamed themselves and started out new. New Order started in Manchester, U.K. in 1980. The band was composed of Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, Bernard Summer, and Gillian Gilbert joining them soon afterwards. The band made post-punk music that incorporated many different usages of electronics. New Order being released ten studio albums. Two album recommendations are Brotherhood (1986) and Republic (1993).
The Cure
Lol Tolhurst, Robert Smith, Porl Thompson, and Michael Dempsey formed the band in Crawley, England in 1976. The band started to make music as soon as they had formed. Throughout their years together, The Cure released 14 main albums (including one this year). The band still produces gothic rock music which draws many fans to them. The sounds and lyrics are what appeal most to fans. Wish (1992) and Galore (1997) are two album recommendations.
Talk Talk
In London in 1981, Simon Brenner, Paul Webb, Mark Hollis, and Lee Harris formed the band Talk Talk after being introduced to each other. The band produced synth-pop music. In their years of being active, the band released five studio albums. The music the band produced amazed many with its dense electronic sound and their skill. The band’s first two albums ranked into the top 40 in the U.K. The Party’s Over (1982), and It’s My Life (1984) are the two that ranked and the two that are recommended to listen to.
Echo & the Bunnymen
From Liverpool, U.K., Les Pattinson, Ian McCulloch, and Will Sergaent formed Echo & the Bunnymen. Starting in 1978 the band was well-known for its “different” music and the technology used. The lyrics from the music had deep meanings that could be understood emotionally by listeners. The attraction of listeners continued to grow as time went on. The band released thirteen main albums and two album recommendations are Ocean Rain (1984) and Songs to Learn & Sing (1985).
The Psychedelic Furs
Paul Wilson, Duncan Kilburn, Roger Morris, Tim Butler, and Richard Butler created the band in 1977. The band originated in London. The band's genres included Post-Punk, Alternative Rock, and of course New Wave. The energy of the band drew an audience. The band released a total of eight studio albums throughout the years of being active. Two album recommendations are, Forever Now (1981) and World Outside (1990).
Sophomore Hannah McCarty shared, “I really like New Wave music. I like New Wave because it was a whole movement. It was just so huge. On fashion and movies too, not just music. My favorite New Wave bands would probably be Strawberry Switchblade and Blondie. The Sugarcubes were cool too; I own Life’s Too Good on vinyl. The Missing Persons are awesome, also Cyndi Lauper—I saw her live in concert.”