11 Underrated New Wave Songs: Lost & Found

Hey there, music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, your friendly neighborhood DJ and die-hard music fan.

Today, I’m super excited to share with you a list that’s close to my heart: “11 Underrated New Wave Songs You Need to Hear.” As someone who lives and breathes music, I’ve always been captivated by the unique sounds of the new wave era.

These tracks, often overshadowed by more mainstream hits, are true gems that deserve a spotlight.

So, I’ve curated this list not just for fellow DJs, but for anyone who loves to explore the depths of music. These songs, each with its distinct flavor and innovative sound, will transport you back to the golden era of new wave, and maybe even introduce you to some new favorites.

Let’s dive into the world of underrated classics and unearth the treasures that have been waiting for us all this time!

Here are the underrated New Wave songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated New Wave Songs

Underrated New Wave songs in a list format:

1. “Oblivious” by Aztec Camera

From their debut album “High Land, Hard Rain” released in 1983 under Rough Trade Records, “Oblivious” by Aztec Camera is a delightful gem. The Scottish band, led by the talented Roddy Frame, brings a blend of jangly guitars and poetic lyrics that capture the essence of youthful optimism. The song’s catchy melody contrasts with its complex lyrical themes, making it a standout track. Its underappreciation in mainstream circles doesn’t diminish its quality, which is why it’s first on my list.

2. “Messages” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

Featured on their 1980 album “Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark” under Dindisc label, “Messages” showcases OMD’s ability to blend synth-pop with thoughtful lyricism. This song, with its pioneering electronic sound, highlights the band’s knack for creating music that’s both catchy and intellectually stimulating. The band, particularly frontmen Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, demonstrates a unique mastery of synthesizers, making “Messages” a must-listen for its historical and musical significance.

3. “Telecommunication” by A Flock of Seagulls

This track, from their self-titled album released in 1982 under Jive and Arista Records, is a quintessential new wave song. A Flock of Seagulls, known for their futuristic aesthetic, perfectly captured the era’s spirit with “Telecommunication.” The song’s use of electronic instrumentation and space-age themes made it ahead of its time, and it remains a testament to the band’s innovative approach to music.

4. “The Cutter” by Echo & the Bunnymen

From their 1983 album “Porcupine” under Korova and Sire Records, “The Cutter” blends post-punk energy with new wave sensibilities. Echo & the Bunnymen, led by Ian McCulloch, created a song that’s both atmospheric and anthemic. The band’s use of Eastern-inspired strings adds an exotic flavor, setting this track apart from its contemporaries. Its depth and complexity make it a song that deserves more recognition.

5. “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs

Off their 1982 album “Forever Now” released on Columbia Records, “Love My Way” is a shining example of The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to combine poetic lyrics with a post-punk sound. The song’s use of marimba, alongside Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals, creates a sound that’s both haunting and alluring. It’s a track that resonates with emotional depth, showcasing the band’s versatility and creativity.

6. “Enola Gay” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

Another masterpiece by OMD, “Enola Gay” is from their 1980 album “Organisation,” released under Dindisc. This song is not only musically engaging with its catchy synth riff but also historically poignant, addressing the bombing of Hiroshima. The band’s ability to weave serious themes into danceable music is a testament to their artistic depth, making “Enola Gay” a standout track in the new wave genre.

7. “Temptation” by New Order

From the 1982 single release under Factory Records, “Temptation” captures New Order’s transition from post-punk to dance-oriented new wave. The song’s driving beat and Bernard Sumner’s emotive vocals create a sense of longing and euphoria. It’s a pivotal track in New Order’s discography and a cornerstone of the new wave movement, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve and innovate.

8. “I Melt with You” by Modern English

Featured on their 1982 album “After the Snow” under 4AD and Sire Records, “I Melt with You” by Modern English is an iconic new wave love song. The track’s blend of jangly guitars and romantic lyrics creates a timeless appeal. Despite its popularity in film and TV, it remains somewhat underappreciated in the wider music scene, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.

9. “Tenderness” by General Public

From their 1984 album “All the Rage” released under I.R.S. Records, “Tenderness” by General Public is a buoyant track that combines ska and new wave elements. The band, featuring members of The English Beat, created a song that’s both infectious and heartfelt. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus make it an enduring favorite and a testament to the genre’s diverse influences.

10. “Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)” by The Icicle Works

This song, from their 1984 self-titled album released under Beggars Banquet Records, showcases The Icicle Works’ talent for creating anthemic and emotionally charged music. The track’s powerful chorus and dynamic instrumentation make it a standout in the new wave scene. It’s a song that combines the energy of rock with the sophistication of new wave, making it a hidden treasure of the era.

11. “Promised You a Miracle” by Simple Minds

Off their 1982 album “New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)” released under Virgin Records, “Promised You a Miracle” is a seminal track by Simple Minds. The song’s blend of shimmering synths and Jim Kerr’s charismatic vocals create an optimistic and uplifting atmosphere. It’s a track that captures the spirit of the early 80s and showcases the band’s ability to craft songs that are both thought-provoking and accessible.

Fun Facts: Underrated New Wave Songs

1. “Oblivious” by Aztec Camera

• Roddy Frame’s Youth: Roddy Frame was just a teenager when he wrote “Oblivious.” His young age at the time of its writing and release is often cited as a remarkable aspect, considering the maturity and depth of the songwriting.
• Peel Sessions: The band recorded a version of “Oblivious” for the famous John Peel Sessions, which helped boost their popularity among UK indie music fans.

2. “Messages” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

• DIY Ethos: “Messages” exemplifies OMD’s DIY approach to music. The band was known for using homemade synthesizers and electronic instruments, which contributed to the unique sound of the track.
• Music Video: The music video for “Messages” is quintessentially 80s, featuring the band performing with a backdrop of TVs showing static images.

3. “Telecommunication” by A Flock of Seagulls

• Video Game Feature: “Telecommunication” was featured in the popular video game ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’, which helped introduce the song to a new generation of listeners.
• Space Age Themes: The song is a great example of A Flock of Seagulls’ fascination with space and futuristic themes, which were a significant part of the band’s image.

4. “The Cutter” by Echo & the Bunnymen

• Chart Success: Despite being underrated now, “The Cutter” was actually a commercial success at the time of its release, reaching the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart.
• Eastern Influence: The Eastern-influenced string arrangement in the song was somewhat unusual for new wave music at the time, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment.

5. “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs

• Marimba Magic: The use of a marimba in “Love My Way” was a distinctive feature that set the song apart from many other tracks in the genre.
• Movie Soundtrack: The song gained a resurgence in popularity when it was featured in the critically acclaimed film ‘Call Me by Your Name’.

6. “Enola Gay” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

• Historical Reference: The song is named after the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The lyrics reflect on the tragic event, making it a thought-provoking dance track.
• Chart Performance: “Enola Gay” was a huge hit in Europe and has remained one of OMD’s most recognized songs.

9. “Tenderness” by General Public

• Band Formation: General Public was formed by members of The English Beat, a band that had split up. “Tenderness” became one of their most successful singles.
• Movie Appearances: The song has been featured in various movies and TV shows, including ‘Weird Science’ and ‘Clueless’, contributing to its lasting popularity.

11. “Promised You a Miracle” by Simple Minds

• Breakthrough Hit: This song was considered Simple Minds’ breakthrough hit in the UK, marking their transition to a more mainstream audience.
• Collaboration: The track features a guest appearance by Herbie Hancock on synthesizer, adding a unique flavor to the song.

And there you have it, fellow music lovers! We’ve journeyed through the underrated treasures of new wave, unearthing the hidden gems that time almost forgot. These songs are more than just tunes; they’re portals to a vibrant era of musical innovation. Keep exploring, and always stay tuned to Level Tunes for more musical adventures!

Thanks for reading.

TBone