Top 15 80s Synthpop Songs

Top 15 80s Synthpop Songs – The 1980s was a defining decade for synthpop music. The synthesizer took center stage, providing the backbone for infectious melodies, driving rhythms, and atmospheric textures. Synthpop combined the catchiness of pop music with the futuristic sounds of synthesizers, creating a style that was both accessible and innovative. During the 80s, synthpop was one of the most popular genres and many iconic songs that still hold up today came out of this prolific period. Let’s look at 15 of the best and most influential 80s synthpop songs.Top 15 80s Synthpop Songs

The Top 15 80s Synthpop Songs Are:

1. “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode (1990)

With a shuffling beat, lush keyboards, and David Gahan’s distinct baritone, “Enjoy the Silence” encapsulates everything fans love about Depeche Mode. Though it was released in 1990, it built upon the synthpop foundation the band established in the 80s. The lyrics explore themes of love and communication in a relationship, packaged in an infectious melody that’s perfect for dancing or singing along. It’s no wonder “Enjoy the Silence” became Depeche Mode’s biggest hit and one of the most memorable songs of the synthpop genre.

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2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds (1985)

Featured in the legendary 80s film The Breakfast Club, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds is a new wave anthem. The booming drums, synthesizers, and evocative vocals capture the angst of youth while delivering an arena-ready chorus. It’s impossible not to sing along to the “la la la” hook that dominates the song. Simple Minds broke through to international acclaim with this hit, now deeply intertwined with 80s pop culture.

3. “Take On Me” by A-ha (1985)

With its innovative half-animated music video and superb synth riff, “Take On Me” by A-ha is pure 80s magic. Morten Harket’s falsetto vocals soar over racing keyboards and propulsive drums. The melody shifts from atmospheric verses into one of the most catchy, uplifting choruses of all time. It’s no wonder “Take On Me” shot A-ha to stardom and endures as a synthpop classic. The song’s creative music video also pioneered mixing animation with live-action footage.Good morning My Love Message

4. “Blue Monday” by New Order (1983)

The best-selling 12″ single of all time, “Blue Monday” by New Order is critically acclaimed for its groundbreaking electronic and dance elements. The seven-minute track pulses with synthesizers, drum machine beats, and Peter Hook’s signature bass. Building through different textures and rhythms, “Blue Monday” highlighted New Order’s skill at crafting infectious electronic music. Its impact shaped dance music and synthpop. The song’s prescient proto-techno sound still sounds ahead of its time.NYSC Portal

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5. “Cars” by Gary Numan (1979)

Though released in 1979, “Cars” by Gary Numan kickstarted the 80s synthpop boom. Its opening synth hook is instantly recognizable. Numan’s android-like vocals blend perfectly with the buzzing keys and synthetic textures. “Cars” conveyed themes of urban isolation and has a cinematic quality, especially emphasized in its music video set in a futuristic city. This seminal synthpop hit set the tone for Numan’s career and the electronic pop to come.

6. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton (1980)

Dolly Parton brought synthpop into the mainstream with her massive hit “9 to 5.” The pulsing bass and catchy melody paired perfectly with lyrics lamenting the daily office grind. Parton’s vocals soar over the building synths in the chorus. Though an unusual stylistic turn, “9 to 5” highlighted Parton’s ability to craft an infectious synthpop gem. It also served as the theme song for the hit comedy film of the same name starring Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin.

7. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics (1983)

Eurythmics blended rock, pop, and electronic elements to create their unique brand of synthpop. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” shows Annie Lennox’s powerhouse vocals gliding over Dave Stewart’s dark, rhythmic synths. The memorable music video also established Lennox’s persona as an androgynous, daring frontwoman. Infectious and bold, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” encapsulates why Eurythmics became synthpop superstars.

8. “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls (1982)

British band A Flock of Seagulls soared to fame with this alien-invasion themed hit. “I Ran (So Far Away)” features homemade synth textures, kinetic rhythms, and frontman Mike Score’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics reference sci-fi concepts while conveying relationship themes through cryptic but compelling imagery. With its otherworldly new wave vibe, “I Ran (So Far Away)” epitomizes the adventurous creativity of early 80s synthpop.JAMB portal

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9. “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club (1981)

The playful funk of “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club captured a more dance-oriented side of synthpop’s broad spectrum. Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz crafted hypnotic rhythms punctuated by keyboards and catchy sing-speak vocals. Sampling this track, Mariah Carey would create her hit “Fantasy” in 1995. “Genius of Love” is both a brilliant dance-pop production and a testament to Weymouth and Frantz’s ingenious talent for crafting forward-thinking synth gems.

10. “Fade to Grey” by Visage (1980)

Visage’s “Fade to Grey” pioneered a European, fashion-conscious side of synthpop. The French lyricism paired with driving electronic pulses craft a lush, melancholic atmosphere. Lead singer Steve Strange’s expressive vocals give the song a theatrical, dramatic flair. As one of the earliest synthpop hits, “Fade to Grey” revealed the genre’s potential for emotion and disco-friendly tunes. Heralding other Euro-pop bands like Depeche Mode, “Fade to Grey” left a lasting mark.Information guide Nigeria

11. “Cars” by Gary Numan (1979)

Though released in 1979, “Cars” by Gary Numan kickstarted the 80s synthpop boom. Its opening synth hook is instantly recognizable. Numan’s android-like vocals blend perfectly with the buzzing keys and synthetic textures. “Cars” conveyed themes of urban isolation and has a cinematic quality, especially emphasized in its music video set in a futuristic city. This seminal synthpop hit set the tone for Numan’s career and the electronic pop to come.

12. “Enola Gay” by OMD (1980)

OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) garnered buzz with this historic tune named after the plane that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. “Enola Gay” features kinetic synth programming seemingly inspired by the plane’s flight. Andy McCluskey’s detached vocals heighten the chilling lyricism. OMD’s anti-war message sparked some controversy, but exemplified synthpop’s ability to handle weighty themes. Their intelligent lyrics and electronic experimentation made OMD synthpop standouts.

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13. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell (1981)

Soft Cell’s cover of “Tainted Love” went down as one of the era’s signature synthpop hits. Marc Almond’s theatrical lead vocals livened up the track driven by infectious synthesizers and rhythms. Originally a 60s soul tune, Soft Cell’s brooding, melodramatic version topped charts worldwide. The song’s memorable music video also left a mark with Almond’s smeared makeup and sleazy atmosphere. Soft Cell brought raw synthpop energy to this electronic ’80s remake.Romantic love message

14. “This is Not America” by Pat Metheny Group & David Bowie (1985)

Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny teamed up with David Bowie for this atmospheric theme from the Sean Penn film The Falcon and the Snowman. David Bowie’s hushed yet urgent vocals detail political themes over smooth saxophone melodies and synthesizers. The song has an ethereal quality complemented by the haunting chant “This is not America” in Bowie’s unforgettable voice. Film synths were common in the 80s, but Metheny and Bowie crafted something transcendent.

15. “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League (1981)

British band The Human League hit international stardom with this duet detailing a troubled relationship. Philip Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley trade verses over bouncy synth melodies and driving beats. “Don’t You Want Me” spent time at number one on both US and UK charts. Its male vs female dynamic resonated with audiences, as did its catchy, danceable sound. A mainstay on 80s playlists, this Human League classic perfectly distills the synthpop appeal.

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Conclusion

The innovative sounds of synthpop left an unforgettable mark on 80s music. Advanced synthesizers enabled artists to craft catchy electronic pop with sci-fi aesthetics. Yet synthpop transcended these futuristic roots with enduring melodies and themes exploring relationships, society, and more. The genre crossed from underground to mainstream through danceable singles like “Genius of Love” and anthemic hits like “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” These 15 songs represent synthpop’s origins, rise, and continued legacy. The creativity of 80s synthpop still inspires modern electronic music today. This pioneering era burned bright through unforgettable songs.

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