17 Best New Wave Songs of All Time: Best of New Wave!

Hey there, music enthusiasts and spinning maestros! It’s TBone from Level Tunes. As an ardent lover of beats and melodies, I often journey down the melodious lanes of the past.

Recently, I was spinning some good old ’80s tunes, and it hit me like a thunderbolt – the charm of new wave music is timeless! It’s innovative, it’s edgy, and it brings a unique energy that gets the feet moving and the hearts pounding.

So, I decided to take a deep dive into this pulsating genre and present to you, the 17 best new wave songs of all time. Get ready to groove!

Here are the best New Wave songs of all time that you can check out:

List Of Best New Wave Songs of All Time

Top New Wave songs of all time in a list format:

1. “Just Like Heaven” – The Cure (1987, Fiction Records)

From their album “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,” The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” is a celestial blend of Robert Smith’s melancholic vocals and dreamy guitar layers. The magic of this song lies in its ability to balance the heavy themes of love and loss with an infectious upbeat melody. I chose this because it perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of new wave music – darkness into danceable tunes. Simon Gallup on bass and Porl Thompson with his memorable guitar solo make this song irresistible.

2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds (1985, Virgin Records)

Thanks to “The Breakfast Club”, this song has become a new wave anthem. From the soundtrack album, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds etches itself in your mind with Jim Kerr’s captivating vocals and a synth-heavy backdrop. What makes this song special is its timeless appeal and its power to transport you to an era of teen angst and self-discovery. The chorus, in particular, invites you to sing along, which is why it holds a special place in my list.

3. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Eurythmics (1983, RCA Records)

Off their second album of the same name, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a synth-pop masterpiece by Eurythmics. Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals fused with Dave Stewart’s innovative synth work create a hypnotic rhythm that’s hard to forget. This song reflects new wave’s daring approach to question societal norms, making it a must-listen for all fans of the genre.

4. “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division (1980, Factory Records)

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” from Joy Division’s “Closer” is the epitome of new wave melancholia. Ian Curtis’ haunting vocals are underpinned by Bernard Sumner’s memorable riff and Stephen Morris’ rhythmic drumming. I chose this song for its raw emotion and powerful lyrics, which make it one of the most moving songs of the era.

5. “Blue Monday” – New Order (1983, Factory Records)

“Blue Monday” is a phenomenal new wave track from New Order, initially released as a standalone single. It’s a blend of Peter Hook’s distinctive bassline, Bernard Sumner’s vocal delivery, and Gillian Gilbert’s pulsating synths. What makes it stand out is its fusion of post-punk and electronic music – a testament to the band’s innovative spirit.

6. “Once in a Lifetime” – Talking Heads (1980, Sire Records)

Off their album “Remain in Light,” Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” is an ingenious collision of funk and art rock. David Byrne’s captivating performance, married with Brian Eno’s production, creates an enticing sound that’s both reflective and danceable. This song represents the eccentric side of new wave, thus securing its place in my list.

7. “Rock Lobster” – The B-52’s (1979, Warner Bros. Records)

“Rock Lobster” from The B-52’s eponymous debut album is a psychedelic mix of surf rock and dance beats. Fred Schneider’s distinctive vocal style combined with Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson’s harmonies makes it a true new wave gem. It’s fun, it’s wild, and it’s the perfect song to get the party started.

8. “I Melt with You” – Modern English (1982, 4AD)

“I Melt with You” is a stellar track from Modern English’s album “After the Snow.” Robbie Grey’s soothing vocals glide over a vibrant soundscape of guitar riffs and synths. This song is iconic for its positive vibes and universal theme of love, making it a compelling addition to this list.

9. “Cars” – Gary Numan (1979, Beggars Banquet)

From the album “The Pleasure Principle,” Gary Numan’s “Cars” is a pioneering song in electronic music. The synthesizer-driven track combined with Numan’s robotic vocals creates a futuristic atmosphere that still feels fresh today. Its contribution to pushing the boundaries of new wave music is why it earns a spot on this list.

10. “Call Me” – Blondie (1980, Chrysalis Records)

Featured on the soundtrack for the film “American Gigolo,” “Call Me” is a Blondie classic. Debbie Harry’s seductive vocals, combined with the band’s tight performance, make for an energetic track that encapsulates the thrill of new wave. This song showcases Blondie’s ability to blend punk, disco, and pop seamlessly.

11. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” – Tears for Fears (1985, Phonogram)

Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” from “Songs From The Big Chair” is a perfect blend of Curt Smith’s heartfelt vocals and Roland Orzabal’s guitar artistry. It’s catchy, thought-provoking, and carries a message that still resonates today, thus securing its place in my list.

12. “Dancing With Myself” – Billy Idol (1981, Chrysalis Records)

“Dancing With Myself” is a high-energy track from Billy Idol’s eponymous debut album. Idol’s punk-infused vocals and the song’s pulsating rhythm makes it impossible not to dance. It exemplifies the spirit of independence and self-love, making it a quintessential new wave anthem.

13. “Take on Me” – a-ha (1985, Warner Bros. Records)

a-ha’s “Take on Me” from their debut album “Hunting High and Low” is an undeniable earworm. Morten Harket’s falsetto and the song’s iconic synth riff create an upbeat melody that’s universally loved. This song is chosen for its unforgettable music video and the sheer joy it brings to listeners.

14. “Rio” – Duran Duran (1982, EMI)

From the album of the same name, “Rio” is a dance-pop treasure by Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon’s charismatic vocals, coupled with John Taylor’s groovy bassline, result in a glamorous tune that perfectly embodies the excess of the ’80s. Its ability to get people on the dance floor is why it’s in this list.

15. “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell (1981, Some Bizzare Records)

Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” from the album “Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret,” is an enduring synth-pop classic. Marc Almond’s emotive vocals mesh beautifully with David Ball’s electronic soundscape, turning this into a heartbreak anthem of the new wave era. Its impact on pop culture is undeniable, earning it a spot on this list.

16. “Don’t Change” – INXS (1982, WEA)

“Don’t Change” is a stand-out track from INXS’s album “Shabooh Shoobah.” Michael Hutchence’s passionate vocals and the band’s tight performance result in a high-energy track that is both moving and motivating. This song reflects the optimism of new wave, and that’s why it deserves to be on this list.

17. “Enjoy the Silence” – Depeche Mode (1990, Mute Records)

“Enjoy the Silence” from Depeche Mode’s “Violator” is a beautiful synth-pop track that merges Dave Gahan’s soulful vocals with Martin Gore’s stunning lyricism. It stands out due to its introspective nature and haunting melody, offering a different perspective to the otherwise vibrant new wave scene. It’s the perfect end to this list, showing that new wave is indeed a genre of depth and diversity.

Fun Facts: Best New Wave Tracks of All Time

“Just Like Heaven” – The Cure

Did you know that the iconic riff of this song was inspired by a ship’s horn? According to guitarist Porl Thompson, the melody popped into his head while he was listening to the droning horn of a ferry during a trip to North Sea.

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds

Interestingly, Simple Minds were not the first choice for this song. The band initially refused to record it, but after being persuaded by their label, they agreed. The song turned out to be their biggest hit, reaching number one in the US.

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Eurythmics

Fun fact about “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – the song was written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart in a tiny, makeshift 8-track studio in Chalk Farm, London. The duo had just broken up their previous band and were feeling pretty low when they came up with this global hit.

“Blue Monday” – New Order

“Blue Monday” holds the record for being the biggest-selling 12″ single of all time. Despite its success, the sleeve design by Peter Saville, which resembled a floppy disk and required a die-cut, was so expensive to produce that the band’s label, Factory Records, made a loss on each copy sold.

“Once in a Lifetime” – Talking Heads

“Once in a Lifetime” wasn’t a big hit initially. Its popularity rose after the music video was put into heavy rotation on MTV. The video featured David Byrne dancing like a ‘demented marionette’, a performance inspired by footage of ‘possessed’ religious ceremonies.

“Rock Lobster” – The B-52’s

John Lennon was inspired to start making music again after hearing “Rock Lobster.” He recognized the rock-and-roll influence in the track and was inspired to start recording again, resulting in his “Double Fantasy” album.

“Take on Me” – a-ha

The high notes in “Take on Me” are indeed a challenge! Lead singer Morten Harket holds the Guinness World Record for the longest live note held in a pop song – he sustained a chest voice note for 20.2 seconds during a live performance of “Summer Moved On” in 2000.

“Enjoy the Silence” – Depeche Mode

“Enjoy the Silence” was initially conceived as a slow, harmonium-based track. However, band member Alan Wilder and producer Flood saw its dance floor potential and reworked it into the synth-pop gem we know today.

And there you have it, folks! The golden tunes from the era that reshaped music.

Plug in your headphones, press play, and take a trip down the melodious lanes of new wave. Let these timeless classics make you dance, dream, and feel again.

Stay groovy, my friends. Until next time, this is TBone, signing off.

Thanks for reading.

TBone