Synth-Pop Bands and Artists
Synthpop, a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s, features electronic instruments and synthesizers as its primary sound source. It quickly gained popularity and became a staple of the 1980s music scene. Many synthpop bands and artists became household names during this time, and their influence can still be heard in modern music. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic synthpop bands and artists of all time from the 80’s to 2024.
DEPECHE MODE
Depeche Mode, formed in 1980 in Basildon, England, is one of the most successful synthpop bands of all time. The band’s early sound was characterized by upbeat, danceable rhythms and catchy melodies. Their music evolved over the years, becoming darker and more atmospheric with each release. Depeche Mode’s biggest hits include “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “Personal Jesus,” and “Enjoy the Silence.”
NEW ORDER
New Order was formed in Manchester, England in 1980. The band was formed after the dissolution of Joy Division, following the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis. New Order’s sound was influenced by Joy Division’s post-punk style but incorporated electronic instruments and synthesizers. The band’s biggest hits include “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith.”
PET SHOP BOYS
Pet Shop Boys, formed in London in 1981, is a duo consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. Their sound combines danceable beats with clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Pet Shop Boys’ biggest hits include “West End Girls,” “It’s a Sin,” and “Always on My Mind.”
YAZOO
Yazoo, also known as Yaz, was a British synthpop duo consisting of Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke. The band was active from 1981 to 1983 and released two albums before disbanding. Yazoo’s biggest hits include “Don’t Go” and “Only You.”
ERASURE
Erasure, formed in London in 1985, is a duo consisting of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke (formerly of Depeche Mode and Yazoo). Erasure’s music is known for its upbeat, danceable rhythms and Bell’s distinctive vocals. The band’s biggest hits include “A Little Respect,” “Oh L’amour,” and “Sometimes.”
A-HA
A-ha, formed in Oslo, Norway in 1982, is best known for their hit song “Take on Me.” The band’s sound is characterized by Morten Harket’s falsetto vocals and catchy synthpop melodies. A-ha’s other hits include “The Sun Always Shines on TV” and “Hunting High and Low.”
HUMAN LEAGUE
Human League, formed in Sheffield, England in 1977, is another influential synthpop band from the 1980s. The band’s sound was characterized by the use of synthesizers and drum machines, as well as Phil Oakey’s distinctive vocals. Human League’s biggest hits include “Don’t You Want Me,” “Human,” and “Fascination.”
SOFTCELL
Soft Cell, formed in Leeds, England in 1978, is best known for their hit song “Tainted Love.” The band’s sound is characterized by Marc Almond’s dramatic vocals and Dave Ball’s use of synthesizers. Soft Cell’s other hits include “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” and “Bedsitter.”
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK (OMD)
OMD, formed in Wirral, England in 1978, is another influential synthpop band from the 1980s. The band’s sound was characterized by the use of synthesizers and electronic percussion.
ALPHAVILLE
Alphaville, formed in Münster in 1982, is a popular German synthpop band from the 1980s. The band’s sound was characterized by the use of synthesizers and catchy melodies. Alphaville’s biggest hits include “Forever Young,” “Big in Japan,” and “Dance With Me.”
VISAGE
Visage, formed in London in April 1979, is a British synthpop band featuring Steve Strange and Midge Ure. Its biggest hit was “Fade to Grey.”
ULTRAVOX
Alphaville, formed in London in April 1974, is a British New Wave synthpop band whose hits include “Dancing with Tears in my Eyes,” “Vienna” and “Hymn.” It was fronted from 1979 to 1986 by ex-Visage Midge Ure.
THE NEW GENERATION
With Synth-Pop being trendy again 40 years later, new Synth-Pop groups and artists are keeping the flame alive including the Belarusian band Molchat Dolma, American dup Xeno & Oklander, Canadian artist Automelodi and Los Angeles-based French Synth-Pop artist Noisegun.
