The term “new wave” was used to describe a movement of new music emerging in the 70s and 80s after the era of punk rock. This genre included more synths and electronics within its music, as well as pop elements and disco. Several new wave bands also encapsulated the feel of punk rock, such as the bands DEVO and The Adverts. Yet, all of these bands can be found under the general term of new wave. This phenomenon impacted much of 80s culture and still impacts today’s modern culture.
New wave was a movement that originated in Europe, more specifically the UK. England had a spur of punk and ska bands emerging, which was the spark that eventually led to new wave spreading like wildfire globally. New wave band Oingo Boingo took its punk influences from bands in Europe like The Clash and The Sex Pistols, with its more new wave aspects coming from the fact that they used to be a theater troupe by the name of Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo.
Many new wave bands made a point to include no political ties into their music. It was meant to be a fun, upbeat, and more synth-driven kind of genre with newer aspects being added in. A great example of this groovy, romantic and dance-club kind of music would be Talking Heads. Best known for their hits “Psycho Killer” as well as “Burning Down the House,” Talking Heads was a huge hit in the 80s, and they still exert influence over modern artists and bands.
Often, these new wave bands also included a visual style to their music. This would affect their music videos as well as live performances. David Bryne, the lead singer of Talking Heads, is best known for wearing oversized suits that look huge on him. Bryne also includes these suits within Talking Heads music videos, such as the music video for “Once in a Lifetime.”
Another new wave band known best for their style, especially in live performances, is DEVO. DEVO has a history of different outfits that correlate with the theme of their albums. With the release of their album “Freedom of Choice” in 1980 and their hit song “Whip It” from the same album, they often wore black and grey outfits with their iconic red energy domes on their heads. Their “New Traditionalists” album is where they wore rubber wigs, blue shirts with an astronaut, and light grey pants. One of their most iconic outfits is a yellow radiation suit they also often wear with red energy domes, which they usually don on tour.
DEVO has a history of political meaning behind their songs, yet were defined as new wave due to the eccentricity of their outfits and synth elements in songs, which was separate from the power chord driven roughness of punk itself.
Bands with songs containing more controversial themes would be The Police. Most of their discography does not include deep political meaning, but their most popular song, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” does include a deeper meaning. It discusses pedophilia and is likely based off the book “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov.
Much of the music in this era captured a new sound that took much of the generation by a chokehold. Whether that was by swooning over main singers or simply buying a new album as soon as it was released, people in the 80s loved new wave.
