New Wave
tagStarted 1977Peak 1979-1984Last big hit 1986
Located in 1 route
Punk's energy made bright, melodic and radio-ready: clipped rhythm guitars, bouncy basslines, quirky synths and skinny-tie hooks. Nervy, danceable and pop-smart, with deadpan or theatrical vocals. Embraced new technology and art-school wit, built for MTV and singles charts rather than basement clubs.
History
Coined by US labels and press to market punk-adjacent acts to wider audiences around 1977. Blondie, Talking Heads and Devo crossed from CBGB to the charts; UK and US bands flooded MTV from 1981. By the mid-80s it had largely dissolved into synth-pop and mainstream pop, but its hooks defined the era's sound.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_wave_music
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/new-wave-ma0000002710
- https://www.britannica.com/art/new-wave-music