Five super 1980s new wave songs more people need to hear

As a child of the ’80s, I find myself reminiscing about the tunes that shaped my musical coming-of-age. These forgotten gems, while not household names stateside, were the soundtracks to countless nights spent dancing in my bedroom under the glow of a neon Casio keyboard.

The term “new wave” is frequently employed to describe various types of music. In the mid-1970s, it was also used to label punk bands as they gained prominence in that era. Generally, it’s associated with groups that emerged post-punk and had a distinct new sound. It wasn’t about traditional rock; instead, it often featured electronic keyboards or synthesizers, although not always. The music was typically rhythmic, upbeat, and sometimes a bit unusual, but the definition could be quite wide.

The 1980s marked a flourishing era for new wave music, with numerous bands adopting this genre or label. Some of these groups achieved significant success and remain active today, such as Depeche Mode and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. However, many other bands, despite not reaching the same heights, produced remarkable music that continues to resonate.

For instance, here are five exceptional tracks from emerging new wave groups that arguably could have achieved even greater popularity. These tunes and their respective bands share this common ground. While some of these bands experienced brief fame as one-hit wonders, others garnered more modest but consistent chart success. Regardless, each song merits a wider audience, so I encourage you to give them a spin or revisit if they’re already familiar. Enjoy!

Five super 1980s songs from new wave bands

Wah! – “The Story Of The Blues (Part 1)”

1982 saw the release of this monumental solo track, which turned out to be the biggest success for either Wah! or variations such as The Mighty Wah! Throughout their history, you’ll notice they went by several names, but mostly it was Pete Wylie at the helm. Before this project, he had been a member of various bands, like The Critical Three with Ian McCulloch (Echo And The Bunnymen) and Julian Cope (Teardrop Explodes). Not a shabby background for Wylie.

“The Blues” was penned by Wylie, influenced significantly by a British TV series titled “The Boys From The Blackstuff“, which delved into the hardships of joblessness in Liverpool during the early 1980s. Additionally, Wylie channeled his discontent with the media and a record company into the song. However, the lyrics are powerful and optimistic, intended to stir inspiration and motivation within its audience.

“The song reached third place in the UK music rankings, trailing behind Men At Work’s “Down Under” and Phil Collins’ “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Displacing them was no small feat. From its very beginning, “The Story Of The Blues” is upbeat and catchy, boasting excellent instrumentation and a powerful lead vocalist supported by a captivatingly layered chorus. It’s impossible not to get it stuck in your head.

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Wang Chung – “Dance Hall Days”

Initially known as Huang Chung, this band went through a few name transformations. Their hit single “Dance Hall Days” debuted under the name Huang Chung in 1982, but was later simplified and re-released as Wang Chung in the UK and US (in 1983 and 1984 respectively). The original Chinese name translated to Yellow Bell, but the group retained an Asian influence throughout their career.

This tune has a lively new wave feel, blending electronic sounds with others. It was designed to pay homage to dance halls of yesteryears, which is clearly heard in its rhythm. In the UK and US, it managed to secure a spot in the top 40 charts, peaking at number 16 as a single, while reaching number one on Dance Club charts.

An intriguing fact is that the song was once presented to Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson during their work on the album “Thriller”. It nearly got picked up by them, which would have resulted in its widespread popularity.

Kissing The Pink –”The Last Film”

This slightly altered yet still innovative track, blending traditional aspects with modern vibes, is “The Last Film” by Kissing The Pink. Released as a single from their first album titled “Naked“, in 1983, it showcases a militaristic feel through the persistent drumbeat and whistled melody that sets the tune’s tone at the start.

The tune gradually becomes more engaging, surpassing the initial simple presentation and basic tones as it introduces richer textures and a memorable chorus. The melody aligns well with its theme about a soldier preparing for war. It brought to mind the emotionally charged scenes from the BBC series “Blackadder Goes Forth.” Despite being a top 20 hit solely in the UK, its unique style and intelligent sound warrant broader recognition.

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Fiction Factory – “(Feels Like) Heaven”

I’m quite fond of Scottish bands, particularly those that rose in popularity during the 1980s. A lot of fantastic tunes and sounds went unnoticed by the mainstream back then. While some bands like Fiction Factory from Perth, Scotland, did receive more recognition than others, they truly deserved a larger fanbase and greater success.

One factor contributing to this is the song’s title, “(Feels Like) Heaven.” This tune was one reason behind their success. It became a top 6 hit in the UK and a top 10 hit across much of Europe. However, it failed to resonate in the US market. Undeniably, they missed out on a substantial audience there.

In 1984, Fiction Factory seemed poised for success, with the opportunity to tour alongside Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark seemingly setting them on a path to greatness. Regrettably, it didn’t quite pan out as expected. However, their tune remains an enjoyable pop-infused new wave piece from that era. The use of catchy keyboards was prevalent back then and gave this song a smooth flow. The lyrics were cleverly written, addressing themes of a fractured relationship, and the chorus is particularly noteworthy. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this song is definitely worth another listen.

The Lotus Eaters – “The First Picture of You”

Back in 1983, it felt like I’d struck gold as a member of The Lotus Eaters when our debut single took off like wildfire. Before we even had a chance to play a single gig, we were already making waves. The magical moment came when “The First Picture of You” was recorded during a live session on the John Peel Show, an incredible opportunity that we embraced wholeheartedly.

There’s a soft piano start to the song, it soon opens out into quiet vocals and a great backdrop of sounds. The beat kicks in, the singing picks up pace, then the glorious and bright chorus. It’s a happy, cheerful song at its peak. The song is definitely a winner. It was a top 20 hit in the UK. It did have limited success in Australia too. It’s probably a pretty familiar song to people there, but it ought to be heard by others for sure.

2024-10-31 13:00