The Best New Wave Singers Of All Time Ranked

New wave is a loosely defined music genre that encompasses pop-oriented styles from the late 1970s and the 1980s. It was originally used as a catch-all for the various styles of music that emerged after punk rock, including punk itself. Later, critical consensus favored “new wave” as an umbrella term involving many popular music styles of the era, including power pop, synth-pop, ska revival, and more specific forms of punk rock that were less abrasive. It may also be viewed as a more accessible counterpart of post-punk. Common characteristics of new wave music include a humorous or quirky pop approach, the use of electronic sounds, and a distinctive visual style in music videos and fashion. In the early 1980s, virtually every new pop/rock act – and particularly those that employed synthesizers – were tagged as “new wave”. Although new wave shares punk’s do-it-yourself philosophy, the artists were more influenced by the styles of the 1950s along with the lighter strains of 1960s pop and were opposed to the generally abrasive, political bents of punk rock, as well as what was considered to be creatively stagnant “corporate rock”. Here are all of the Best New Wave Singers of all time ranked.

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20. Elvis Costello and the Attractions

“Elvis is the only songwriter besides John Lennon to match well against Paul McCartney and his mastery of wordplay in his songs is unmatched. Elvis Costello is a musical genius and his band is one of the tightest backing bands ever. Their first five albums are stellar.”

19. U2

“U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. U2’s early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group’s musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns.”

18. Kaiser Chiefs

“Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who formed in 2000 as Parva, releasing one studio album, 22, in 2003, before renaming and establishing themselves in their current name that same year. They are a soft band that is very strong as one. whatever song you like of theirs is so good that it keeps repeating in your head!”

17. INXS

“INXS were an Australian rock and pop band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. Bands like Men at Work, Midnight Oil, and Inxs opened people’s eye to the quality of music that was coming out of Australia and this band in particular was brilliant.”

16. The Strokes

“They have made new wave popular in todays society and given it a name and unique identity. They are a modern day version of the kingsmen, or what I imagine the kingsmen would be like today. Their edgy style make listening to a song of their’s great.”

15. The Smiths

“A once in a lifetime band! The reason Morrissey gets under so many people’s skin is because there is a lot of truth in what he says or sings about and he is not afraid to call out the rampant hypocrisy in society or the music industry.”

14. Eurythmics

“Eurythmics were a British music duo consisting of members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart. Stewart and Lennox were both previously in the band The Tourists, who split up in 1980; Eurythmics were formed that year in London.”

13. Siouxsie & the Banshees

“Although a bit before my time, I am so totally impressed by Siouxie and the Banshees it is not even funny! In fact, her version the song Helter Skelter is in all honesty one of the most radically awesome things I have ever seen or heard in my entire life! Seriously, it has personally become an anthem for me as well as a new favorite song overnight! She and her band are in my opinion true pioneers of punk rock among other types music today”

12. The Police

“The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland. They are most known for their songs “Message In A Bottle”, “Don’t Stand So Close To Me”, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”, “Roxanne”, And “Every Breath You Take. he Police will forever be one of my favorite bands, their music is just stunning and has helped me through some rough times.”

11. Devo

“Devo is an American rock band from Akron, Ohio formed in 1973. Their classic lineup consisted of two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs and the Casales, along with Alan Myers. The band had a No. 14 Billboard chart hit in 1980 with the single “Whip It”, the song that gave the band mainstream popularity.”

10. Tears For Fears

“Tears for Fears are an English pop/rock band formed in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith Tears for Fears is great. They have a very unique and catchy sound to their music. “Everybody wants to Rule the world” is one of my favorite songs of all time in my personal opinion as well.

9. The Killers

“The Killers is an American pop rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. One of my gave bands next to the strokes. Love the killers. They sound brilliant. Brandon flowers very talented. There’s something catchy and stuff u can relate to on all their albums.”

8. Joy Division

“Joy Division were an English post-punk band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band consisted of singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris. The originals. Ian Curtis took them from punk to new wave and gave birth to the great New Order. They stand toe to toe with the Cure and Depeche Mode.”

7. New Order

“New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980, currently comprising Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert, Phil Cunningham and Tom Chapman. This band created in the ashes of Joy Division was unique, experimental, and extremely creative. They showed the world how great electronic music can be.”

6. The Cars

“The Cars were an American rock band that emerged from the new wave scene in the late 1970s. The Cars songs were quirky, catchy, and infectious and all over the place. They are not a band that is easily pigeonholed. The cover to their album Candy O, created by legend Alberto Vargas was iconic.

5. Blondie

“Blondie is an American rock band founded by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. The band was a pioneer in the early American new wave and punk scenes of the mid-late 1970s. Blondie makes very catchy and enjoyable songs. The female singer has a beautiful voice as well.”

4. Talking Heads

“New Wave would not be as well known as it is without the Talking Heads. David Byrne’s antics, Tina Weymouth’s solid bass playing, Chris Frantz’s drumming, and Jerry Harrison’s licks defined the sound of the Talking Heads. Albums like Talking Heads 77, More Songs about Buildings and Food, Fear of Music, Remain in Light, and Speaking in Tongues helped to shape New Wave like never before.”

3. Duran Duran

“Duran Duran owned the 80’s with hit after fabulous hit. Their videos were cinematic masterpieces with most fans eagerly awaiting the next one. They were Lady Di’s favorite band and many others around the world as well. You can easily count on one hand the number of British pop groups that achieved what Duran Duran have done.”

2. The Cure

“The Cure are an English post-punk/gothic rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member.”

1. Depeche Mode

“Depeche Mode are an English electronic and synth-pop band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. Not only one of the best new wave bands of all time, but they are definitely one of my favourite music artists. The dark, unique and melancholy sound of their music is just incredible.