The new wave movement marked the beginning of a notable change in the 1970s and 1980s when it came to music. New types and genres of music were emerging after the genesis of punk rock, all of which were kind of crammed into one category. Really, itโs hard to define exactly what new wave is. But, we do know of four killer records under the genre that are worth listening to decades later. Letโs explore four of the best new wave albums from the 1980s!
1. โRioโ by Duran Duran
This 1982 album is easily recognizable, especially its album cover. Rio was what connected Duran Duran to new wave, and itโs a real piece of work. Itโs playful, futuristic, and artsy. You wonโt find dance-rock music that seamlessly blends traditional instrumentation with synths quite like this.
Videos by American Songwriter
2. โZenyatta Mondattaโ by The Police
โDe Do Do Do, De Da Da Daโ and โDonโt Stand So Close To Meโ are two major hits from The Policeโs 1980 album Zenyatta Mondatta. Outside of those singles, the rest of the album is still a new wave gem that showcases how much the band had changed up until that point. Itโs The Police at their most elevated.
3. โPower, Corruption & Liesโ by New Order
This sophomore record from New Order had one foot in the past and the other in the future. By this point, similar bands were getting heavier with synths, and New Order was doing the same thing. However, the way New Order did it just hit. The heavy synths, the powerful guitar riffs, the cohesiveness of it all; itโs a really, really fun album.
4. โRemain In Lightโ by Talking Heads
A little bit new wave, a little bit alternative rock, thereโs really not an album out there quite like Talking Headsโ Remain In Light. Itโs indulgent and pleasurable, with addictive tracks like โBorn Under Punchesโ and โHouses In Motionโ. While Talking Heads would go on to chart higher with newer works, thereโs something about Remain In Light that keeps fans coming back for more.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Most Viewed
-
Paul Revere & The Raiders Perform American pop group Paul Revere & the Raiders perform in matching outfits, probably on a television studio set, mid 1960s. The band includes Mark Lindsay (third left) as the vocalist and Paul Revere (right) on keyboards. (Photo by Authenticated News/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 10: Singer and band leader Brian Wilson of the rock and roll group 'The Beach Boys' goofs around during a portrait session at Pacific Ocean Park on March 10, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Reba McEntire performs at San Jose Arena on November 23, 1994 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) -
Mick Jagger performing with The Rolling Stones during a secret gig live at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street. They were billed as 'Diz And The Doormen'. May 31 1982. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 13 : Members of Poison: (L to R) C.C. Deville, Brett Michaels, Bobby Dall and Rikki Rockett backstage at the Mtv Awards Show, September 13, 1987 in Los Angeles,California. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1978: Photo of CW McCall Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO — Episode 1599 — Pictured: (l-r) Emily Robison, Natalie Maines, and Martie Maguire of musical guest "Dixie Chicks" performs on May 05, 1999 — (Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
