Best of 80s synth pop

taurusatwork · 05-12-2012, 04:14 AM

Musique - Keep on Jumpin . 1978.

Nerd · 05-22-2012, 05:50 PM

Ok. I am a huge fan of the area, I had almost a complete Depeche Mode album collection until around 95 when they were stolen from me. Everyone always posts the most popular songs which some of the rare songs are actually better than that of the popular ones. Great time period but this is my list. I will first say the band a then I will say my favorite song of that band, then I will give my favorite album. Anyone who know true 80's Pop Synth the area was between around 77-85. Although there has been some great albums created after. By the way I was made fun of all through school because I liked Depeche Mode and Erasure. Starting with ten working my way up to #1

10:The Smiths (Girlfriend in a Coma) A different style but still a great Synth band that came out in the right era. Don't let number 10 fool you. These guys are awesome in their own right. (Favorite Album: The Smiths)

9

epech Mode (Shake the disease, Here is the House) Even though I am putting them at #9 these guys are probably the most popular and probably have the most music out there of any on this list. These guys are probably known best as the #1 80's Synth Pop band and probably are. Simply the best. (Favorite Album(s):Black Celebration; Music for the Masses; Violator)

8:Erasure: (Witch in the ditch, Hallowed Ground) Yes they are flaming, but great vocals with great beats. You don't have to agree with their life style to enjoy their music. Greatest mistake is their album "Other Peoples Songs" almost ending their carrier as a prop band. (Favorite Album(s) By far Innocents and Wild)

7:The Fix: (Red Skies at Night & Stand or Fall) Listen to those songs - Memorizing what more do i have to say, Great vocals. Get's you in the mood. (Favorite Album: The Best Of)

6

ead or Alive: (In Too Deep & Something in my House) Also Flaming but who cares. Memorizing Vocals and great 80's Synth. I would put him up against any on this list. He has a lot of amazing songs and still to this day go’s way un-noticed. These are the 80's That I love. (Favorite Album - Evolution: The Hits)

5:Camoflauge: (Love is a Shield & The Great Commandment) Sounds an awful lot like Depeche Mode. If Depeche Mode didn't take off like they did, I am sure Camouflage would have and taken their spot. These guys are great and I would say in most cases better than Depeche Mode. Especially Live, From what I hear anyway. (Favorite Album - Voices and Images and The Best of)

4:Talk Talk (Life is what you make it & Talk Talk & It's My Life + many more) This guy has one of the best 80's voices around. Not only that but his beats are way original. This group also gets over looked a lot and is becoming a rarity to hear anymore. A Simply Awesome Band. (Favorite Album - The Best of)

3: OMD (Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark) Songs: (Was it something I said & La Femme Accident (12' version) & So many others) Every Album they created had multiple + songs I absolutely love. These guys don't get the credit they deserve. You can never go wrong listening to their stuff even the older/Newer stuff. People hear their music all the time and the younger generation thinks some of their songs are new and that they are a new band. Great beats and vocals. (Favorite Album - The Best of) #3 and #2 are tied for second by the way. They could easily be switched back and forth...

#2: New Order: (The Picture you see & Love Vigilantes & The Perfect Kiss + many more)This band is the Emphasis of 80's Synth Pop. If I didn't know better I would say these guys are the people who came up with this style of Music. This band is also going away to obscurity especially because of the techno age and now Dub step music which has taken over the Synth bands. Whenever I hear any of their songs takes me back to only good memories. Love you and you will always have your place in my heart. (Favorite Album: All of them)

#1: Yaz or Yazoo: (Winter Kills & Nobody's Diary & Tuesday). The reason why is every single one of their songs I love, even the bad ones. Her voice hypnotizes me. Very Original and is the essence of this time period. When Alison went on her own - it just wasn’t the same for some reason. The Yaz records speak to me from within. There was a special spirit with that group that has now dissipated. This music with her voice is absolutely unmatched.

All these are my opinion of course.

Unknown Soldier · 05-23-2012, 01:26 PM

Well done for saying why you liked these albums, a lot of people just end up making boring lists without any explanations.

jerryanddrum · 05-29-2012, 05:01 AM

Depeche Mode - "In Your Room"

Sparky · 05-29-2012, 02:08 PM

Forward To Death · 05-29-2012, 03:29 PM

Everything by New Order. Some of their stuff is kind of more like Joy Division, but their synth stuff is awesome. I'm glad they didn't just basically pick up where JD left off, because they probably would have ruined their legacy.

icuongpv · 05-31-2012, 01:27 AM

I like it

Nerd · 05-31-2012, 05:55 PM

Well I thought I would post a few more groups that I like. Expand on my previous list, I'll also put some one hit wonders in here. I’m just gonna list them don't have as much time today.

Tears for fears: few albums tons of good songs.
Alphaville: Screw (Forever young, although a good song) Sounds like a melody and big in japan.

Concrete Blond: ("Wendy" and another song named "Joey") + A few other songs that make the lime light.

Duran Duran: (Wild Boys; Union of the Snake) Of course they have tons of albums out and most are well known. This was the first Concert I have ever gone too. Great band.

U2: back then you could really tell they loved what they did. When they went worldwide, something changed from their original music. I totally recommend their 80's songs.

Fleetwood Mac: (Little lies, Seven Wonders, Everywhere) Even though they have more 70's hits then the 80's This is a group I would compare to abba. Great band, Great Songs.

Gene Loves Jezebel: (Desire, Jealous) Although more of a rock band they have a totaly 80's feel to them. People remember the songs but they didn't know who sung them.
Howard Jones: (everlasting love, What is love), This is 80's Synth pop, whether you like it or not.

Journey: (Oh Sherry, Worlds Apart) Would the 80's even be the 80's without Steve Perry?

Thompson Twins (Doctor Doctor) many others. These guys have a lot of musical influence of what people hear today in music. Great band. Wiki them it is actually a interesting read.

The Moody Blues (Wildest dreams, I know you’re out there somewhere) These guys were way before the Synth stage, yet they ended their career in the time era. If you listen to these guys some of their 70's is even better then these songs. I might get dissed for putting them on this list; However if you listen to the two songs listed you will see they were synthesized.

Oingo Boingo: (Just another Day, only a lad, Deadmans party) This guy retired and now makes theme songs for movies and tv shows and he has become a very talented music writer. He did the Simpsons theme song.

Pet Shop Boys (Domino Dancing, Go West, it’s a sin, Jealousy, What have I done to deserve this, West end girls) Do I have to do on? These guys are probably #11 on the list.

Peter Gabriel: (Games without frontiers, Big time, Salisbury Hill, Sledgehammer) + many more.

Phil Collins: (I wish it would rain down, Sussudio, Groovy kind of love, in the air tonight) Yes I did put him on this list. A lot of people don't know but as with "Prince" Phil could play every instrument in the band, Arguably one of the best drummers around in his area go look up Phil Collins drum solos...

The Police: (Synchronicity) no need to get any other album, By the way sting sucks.
Real Life: (Send me an angel, God Tonight). Another Synth band that rocks the hizzy...

Talking Heads: (And She Was, Psycho Killer, Take me to the River) Although not really a Synth band, they did use them. Most of the noises you hear in their songs however were actually recorded by instruments. They are more of a band but, Wow, What more is there to say.

Ultravox: (Vienna) I think of vampires for some reason when I hear this song?

Violent Femmes (American Music, Kiss off) Although not Synth, I really don't know how to categorize these guys but folk music, and I hate folk music, However these guys are a prodigy from the area. And you can't help but sing along to all their songs. 3 Person band.

One Hit Wonders (80’s)

Book of love (I touch Roses) Wonderful song. They have other hits but not like this one.

Camper Van Beethoven: (Matchstick men) Song gets annoying after a while; yet somehow it creatively wants you to keep on listening.

Cetu Javu: (Have in Mind) A German Synth band, they have amazing voices and beats: However I would start with Have in Mind, to know where they are coming from.

Q-Feel: (Dancing in Heaven) Although the band is severely dated this songs brings up nothing but good spirits, and makes you feel good.

Hall and Oats: (Missed Opportunity). Some will call this group Soul or POP but the song missed opportunity is in a class of its own. I think. They actually have a lot of hits in the area but this song is totally obscure and unrecognized.

Donny Osmond: (Soldier of love) Funny hu?

Laura Branigan: (Self Control), She is more of 80’s pop, but this song has a beat of it’s own. I used to work grave yards. This song takes me back to that.

Mathew Wilder: (Break My Stride) this will take you back to the beginning of the era.

Nu Shooz: (I Can’t Wait): This is arguably one of the best 80’s songs around. Whenever I listen to it I have to finish it, like a good movie.

The Other Ones: (Another Holiday) Another totally obscure 80’s songs. Shhh Don’t tell anyone.

Rockwell & Michael Jackson: (Somebody’s watching me) MJ did the backup vocals on this song.

Steven tin tin Duffy: (Kiss me (With your mouth)). This song is the essence of a one hit wonder.

T’pau: (Heart and Soul). I still listen to this song and try to figure out how they pulled it off.

Underworld: (underneath the radar).

When in Rome: (The Promise) Although I had this song long time before Napoleon Dynamite came out, it made the song even more popular.

I’ll leave it there this should give you guys some research studies.

Anteater · 05-31-2012, 06:11 PM

I'm still of the opinion that this particular synth-pop debut is criminally underrated, especially in retrospect.

Nerd · 05-31-2012, 08:07 PM

One more I somehow skipped, shame on me I don't know if I am even worthy for posting it now but I went back through all other pages and I have yet to see them so here they are: They have tons of Hits in the 70's and 80's, They have influenced many, many different pop artists in the UK and America.

Siouxsie And The Banshees: (Peekaboo, Israel) Peekaboo has got to be one of the most original beats and songs out there. Have fun listening to them, she tells stories with her songs great band, and should have been brought up before page 12. Although she was labeled as punk in here area, her music still carries on today.

05-22-2012, 05:50 PM	#132 (permalink)
Nerd Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 3	Ok. I am a huge fan of the area, I had almost a complete Depeche Mode album collection until around 95 when they were stolen from me. Everyone always posts the most popular songs which some of the rare songs are actually better than that of the popular ones. Great time period but this is my list. I will first say the band a then I will say my favorite song of that band, then I will give my favorite album. Anyone who know true 80's Pop Synth the area was between around 77-85. Although there has been some great albums created after. By the way I was made fun of all through school because I liked Depeche Mode and Erasure. Starting with ten working my way up to #1 10:The Smiths (Girlfriend in a Coma) A different style but still a great Synth band that came out in the right era. Don't let number 10 fool you. These guys are awesome in their own right. (Favorite Album: The Smiths) 9epech Mode (Shake the disease, Here is the House) Even though I am putting them at #9 these guys are probably the most popular and probably have the most music out there of any on this list. These guys are probably known best as the #1 80's Synth Pop band and probably are. Simply the best. (Favorite Album(s):Black Celebration; Music for the Masses; Violator) 8:Erasure: (Witch in the ditch, Hallowed Ground) Yes they are flaming, but great vocals with great beats. You don't have to agree with their life style to enjoy their music. Greatest mistake is their album "Other Peoples Songs" almost ending their carrier as a prop band. (Favorite Album(s) By far Innocents and Wild) 7:The Fix: (Red Skies at Night & Stand or Fall) Listen to those songs - Memorizing what more do i have to say, Great vocals. Get's you in the mood. (Favorite Album: The Best Of) 6ead or Alive: (In Too Deep & Something in my House) Also Flaming but who cares. Memorizing Vocals and great 80's Synth. I would put him up against any on this list. He has a lot of amazing songs and still to this day go’s way un-noticed. These are the 80's That I love. (Favorite Album - Evolution: The Hits) 5:Camoflauge: (Love is a Shield & The Great Commandment) Sounds an awful lot like Depeche Mode. If Depeche Mode didn't take off like they did, I am sure Camouflage would have and taken their spot. These guys are great and I would say in most cases better than Depeche Mode. Especially Live, From what I hear anyway. (Favorite Album - Voices and Images and The Best of) 4:Talk Talk (Life is what you make it & Talk Talk & It's My Life + many more) This guy has one of the best 80's voices around. Not only that but his beats are way original. This group also gets over looked a lot and is becoming a rarity to hear anymore. A Simply Awesome Band. (Favorite Album - The Best of) 3: OMD (Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark) Songs: (Was it something I said & La Femme Accident (12' version) & So many others) Every Album they created had multiple + songs I absolutely love. These guys don't get the credit they deserve. You can never go wrong listening to their stuff even the older/Newer stuff. People hear their music all the time and the younger generation thinks some of their songs are new and that they are a new band. Great beats and vocals. (Favorite Album - The Best of) #3 and #2 are tied for second by the way. They could easily be switched back and forth... #2: New Order: (The Picture you see & Love Vigilantes & The Perfect Kiss + many more)This band is the Emphasis of 80's Synth Pop. If I didn't know better I would say these guys are the people who came up with this style of Music. This band is also going away to obscurity especially because of the techno age and now Dub step music which has taken over the Synth bands. Whenever I hear any of their songs takes me back to only good memories. Love you and you will always have your place in my heart. (Favorite Album: All of them) #1: Yaz or Yazoo: (Winter Kills & Nobody's Diary & Tuesday). The reason why is every single one of their songs I love, even the bad ones. Her voice hypnotizes me. Very Original and is the essence of this time period. When Alison went on her own - it just wasn’t the same for some reason. The Yaz records speak to me from within. There was a special spirit with that group that has now dissipated. This music with her voice is absolutely unmatched. All these are my opinion of course.

05-12-2012, 04:14 AM	#131 (permalink)
taurusatwork Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 13	Musique - Keep on Jumpin . 1978.

05-29-2012, 05:01 AM	#134 (permalink)
jerryanddrum Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Location: London Posts: 23	Depeche Mode - "In Your Room"

05-29-2012, 02:08 PM	#135 (permalink)
Sparky not really Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,223

05-29-2012, 03:29 PM	#136 (permalink)
Forward To Death Trolier Than Thou Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,336	Everything by New Order. Some of their stuff is kind of more like Joy Division, but their synth stuff is awesome. I'm glad they didn't just basically pick up where JD left off, because they probably would have ruined their legacy.

05-31-2012, 01:27 AM	#137 (permalink)
icuongpv Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2	I like it

05-31-2012, 05:55 PM	#138 (permalink)
Nerd Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 3	Well I thought I would post a few more groups that I like. Expand on my previous list, I'll also put some one hit wonders in here. I’m just gonna list them don't have as much time today. Tears for fears: few albums tons of good songs. Alphaville: Screw (Forever young, although a good song) Sounds like a melody and big in japan. Concrete Blond: ("Wendy" and another song named "Joey") + A few other songs that make the lime light. Duran Duran: (Wild Boys; Union of the Snake) Of course they have tons of albums out and most are well known. This was the first Concert I have ever gone too. Great band. U2: back then you could really tell they loved what they did. When they went worldwide, something changed from their original music. I totally recommend their 80's songs. Fleetwood Mac: (Little lies, Seven Wonders, Everywhere) Even though they have more 70's hits then the 80's This is a group I would compare to abba. Great band, Great Songs. Gene Loves Jezebel: (Desire, Jealous) Although more of a rock band they have a totaly 80's feel to them. People remember the songs but they didn't know who sung them. Howard Jones: (everlasting love, What is love), This is 80's Synth pop, whether you like it or not. Journey: (Oh Sherry, Worlds Apart) Would the 80's even be the 80's without Steve Perry? Thompson Twins (Doctor Doctor) many others. These guys have a lot of musical influence of what people hear today in music. Great band. Wiki them it is actually a interesting read. The Moody Blues (Wildest dreams, I know you’re out there somewhere) These guys were way before the Synth stage, yet they ended their career in the time era. If you listen to these guys some of their 70's is even better then these songs. I might get dissed for putting them on this list; However if you listen to the two songs listed you will see they were synthesized. Oingo Boingo: (Just another Day, only a lad, Deadmans party) This guy retired and now makes theme songs for movies and tv shows and he has become a very talented music writer. He did the Simpsons theme song. Pet Shop Boys (Domino Dancing, Go West, it’s a sin, Jealousy, What have I done to deserve this, West end girls) Do I have to do on? These guys are probably #11 on the list. Peter Gabriel: (Games without frontiers, Big time, Salisbury Hill, Sledgehammer) + many more. Phil Collins: (I wish it would rain down, Sussudio, Groovy kind of love, in the air tonight) Yes I did put him on this list. A lot of people don't know but as with "Prince" Phil could play every instrument in the band, Arguably one of the best drummers around in his area go look up Phil Collins drum solos... The Police: (Synchronicity) no need to get any other album, By the way sting sucks. Real Life: (Send me an angel, God Tonight). Another Synth band that rocks the hizzy... Talking Heads: (And She Was, Psycho Killer, Take me to the River) Although not really a Synth band, they did use them. Most of the noises you hear in their songs however were actually recorded by instruments. They are more of a band but, Wow, What more is there to say. Ultravox: (Vienna) I think of vampires for some reason when I hear this song? Violent Femmes (American Music, Kiss off) Although not Synth, I really don't know how to categorize these guys but folk music, and I hate folk music, However these guys are a prodigy from the area. And you can't help but sing along to all their songs. 3 Person band. One Hit Wonders (80’s) Book of love (I touch Roses) Wonderful song. They have other hits but not like this one. Camper Van Beethoven: (Matchstick men) Song gets annoying after a while; yet somehow it creatively wants you to keep on listening. Cetu Javu: (Have in Mind) A German Synth band, they have amazing voices and beats: However I would start with Have in Mind, to know where they are coming from. Q-Feel: (Dancing in Heaven) Although the band is severely dated this songs brings up nothing but good spirits, and makes you feel good. Hall and Oats: (Missed Opportunity). Some will call this group Soul or POP but the song missed opportunity is in a class of its own. I think. They actually have a lot of hits in the area but this song is totally obscure and unrecognized. Donny Osmond: (Soldier of love) Funny hu? Laura Branigan: (Self Control), She is more of 80’s pop, but this song has a beat of it’s own. I used to work grave yards. This song takes me back to that. Mathew Wilder: (Break My Stride) this will take you back to the beginning of the era. Nu Shooz: (I Can’t Wait): This is arguably one of the best 80’s songs around. Whenever I listen to it I have to finish it, like a good movie. The Other Ones: (Another Holiday) Another totally obscure 80’s songs. Shhh Don’t tell anyone. Rockwell & Michael Jackson: (Somebody’s watching me) MJ did the backup vocals on this song. Steven tin tin Duffy: (Kiss me (With your mouth)). This song is the essence of a one hit wonder. T’pau: (Heart and Soul). I still listen to this song and try to figure out how they pulled it off. Underworld: (underneath the radar). When in Rome: (The Promise) Although I had this song long time before Napoleon Dynamite came out, it made the song even more popular. I’ll leave it there this should give you guys some research studies.

05-31-2012, 08:07 PM	#140 (permalink)
Nerd Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 3	One more I somehow skipped, shame on me I don't know if I am even worthy for posting it now but I went back through all other pages and I have yet to see them so here they are: They have tons of Hits in the 70's and 80's, They have influenced many, many different pop artists in the UK and America. Siouxsie And The Banshees: (Peekaboo, Israel) Peekaboo has got to be one of the most original beats and songs out there. Have fun listening to them, she tells stories with her songs great band, and should have been brought up before page 12. Although she was labeled as punk in here area, her music still carries on today.