New Wave Music of the 1980's
New Wave music starting in the 1980’s has been an incredible contribution to music as a whole. With similar style/looks in New Wave artists, yet a wide ranged variety of rhythm and energy, New Wave music has been by far the music I have enjoyed learning about the most.
Depeche Mode
Andy Fletcher on keyboards, Vince Clarke as guitarist and vocals, Martin Gore lead guitarist, and lead vocalist Dave Gahan finalized the creation of the band “Depeche Mode” in England, 1980. Dave Gahan’s unique voice and the band’s overall rhythm was incredible and their music was easy to dance to. The bands’ dark aesthetic and lyrics were a huge success when they played here in the U.S. in 1981, with the release of their album, Speak and Spell. Their music would create an entire subculture of “Mod” or “Goth” aesthetics and the band’s potential seemed limitless. Even now, in the year 2023, a whopping 42 years later, Depeche Mode sells tickets to concerts and venues that oftentimes sell out!
Depeche Mode from left to right: Martin Gore, Dave Gahan, Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke.
In the song, “Blasphemous Rumors” that was released in their 1984 album, Some Great Reward, the unusual instrumentation (the pots and pans clink and clank) was ear opening. People wanted to hear more of that as well as the songs serious lyrics about teenage depression and suicide.
Their contribution to music videos was also very different from mainstream MTV. It was edgy, it was dark, and they had deep meaning attached to them. “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus” are all different song examples of these edgy and deep meaningful lyrics.
The Cure
Simon Gallup on keyboard, guitar and bass, Roger O’Donnell on tambourine and percussion, and Robert Smith as guitarist and lead vocalist make up the band “The Cure”. The Cure is one of my all time favorite bands because of their duality of light hearted “lovey dovey” music paired with their edgy, deep, and thought provoking lyrics. Robert Smith has an instantly recognizable voice and their bands use of percussion made them stand out from the New Wave pop sounding bands. Their unique style of wardrobe and hair was inspiring to many 1980’s youth.
The band “The Cure” lead singer Robert Smith.
The Cure has many hit songs that play even to this day on the radio. Songs like, “Just like Heaven” “Close to Me” and “Lovesong” are all radio favorites because of their catchy guitar and percussion sounds. Paired with Robert Smith’s unique voice, the songs have become timeless.
Billy Idol
Singer, songwriter, and actor Billy Idol was like gasoline to the New Wave fire. When this British artist came on to the music scene, fans from all over the world listened in. His unique voice and androgynous looks oozes sexuality and edginess. With his first album, “Billy Idol” released in July, 1982, Idol was immediately consumed by New Wave listeners. His good looks also helped his Music Videos as he was very aware of the classic term, “Sex Sells”.
Well known songs that are hits to this day are “White Wedding” “Eyes Without a Face” and “Dancing with Myself”. Although his look was a tough “Punk” style look, his music and lyrics were more danceable and edgy like that of New Wave music. His iconic “fist and smirk” were an instant hit with the 1980’s youth.
Billy Idol doing his classic fist and smirk look.
New Wave Artists
I would like to point out that although I did not mention many other New Wave artists, that doesn’t mean their contribution to American Music wasn’t important. I just picked out a few of my favorite artists and their unique styles. Even though the 1980’s were saturated with New Wave artists, our generation today still sees a good amount of New Wave artists and their genre of music. Their styles may come and go, but their effects on our American Culture in rock are permanent.
