The albums that define
new wave.
Our picks for where to start with new wave — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top new wave artists
Start with one of these.
The new wave essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
David Bowie
Young Americans
A lush blend of soul and rock, infused with Bowie's characteristic theatricality and introspection.
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Pet Shop Boys
Super
A vibrant blend of euphoric synths and rhythmic house beats that encapsulates contemporary dance-pop.
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New Order
Waiting for the Sirens' Call
A vibrant fusion of electronic textures and melodic hooks intertwined with introspective lyrics that captures a sense of longing.
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New Order
Power, Corruption & Lies
A vibrant fusion of post-punk energy and electronic textures that defined the early 80s soundscape.
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Talking Heads
Talking Heads: 77
A jittery blend of art rock and funk-driven rhythms that redefine the boundaries of new wave.
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Talking Heads
Stop Making Sense
A vibrant fusion of art rock and funk that energizes with its rhythmic complexity and dynamic live performance essence.
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The Strokes
Future Present Past
A gritty blend of garage rock and new wave that captures both urgency and nostalgia.
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No Doubt
Rock Steady
A vibrant blend of reggae, ska, and pop rock that radiates danceable energy and infectious hooks.
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Marina Diamandis
The Family Jewels
An eclectic mix of dance-pop and synth melodies layered with whimsical, introspective lyrics.
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Marina Diamandis
Electra Heart
A vibrant blend of dance-pop and synth melodies intertwined with sharp lyrical commentary on fame and identity.
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Los Prisioneros
La cultura de la basura
A sharp blend of punk and new wave that critiques societal norms with biting irony and infectious melodies.
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Split Enz
True Colours
Bright melodies collide with eclectic arrangements, showcasing an infectious blend of art pop and new wave.
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XTC
Black Sea
A vibrant blend of new wave and pop rock, bursting with sharp wit and social commentary.
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Bow Wow Wow
See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang, Yeah. City All Over! Go Ape Crazy
A vibrant fusion of punk energy and pop sensibilities, layered with tribal beats and playful lyrics.
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Martin Gore
The Third Chimpanzee
A meditative blend of electronic soundscapes and emotive melodies that evoke the wildness of nature.
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Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota
Oktubre
A vibrant mix of post-punk energy and blues-infused rock, layered with surreal and provocative lyrics.
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Siekiera
Nowa Aleksandria
A turbulent blend of haunting melodies and driving rhythms reflecting the socio-political unrest of 1980s Poland.
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Erasure
Other People's Songs
Erasure transforms classic songs into vibrant synth-pop anthems filled with heartfelt emotion and catchy melodies.
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Erasure
Phantom Bride EP
A vibrant mix of synth-driven nostalgia and contemporary dance beats that invigorates Erasure's classic sound.
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The Cure
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
A kaleidoscopic blend of soaring melodies and dark, introspective lyrics wrapped in lush instrumentation.
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The Cure
The Top
A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic elements and dark, atmospheric textures defines this adventurous album.
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Pet Shop Boys
Concrete
A reflective blend of synth-pop and lyrical introspection that echoes the duo's enduring artistry.
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INXS
Definitive INXS
A vibrant collection blending catchy hooks with danceable grooves and emotive lyrics that defined a generation.
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INXS
Live Baby Live
High-energy live recordings amplify INXS's dance-rock anthems, merging funk grooves with soaring vocals in a vibrant concert atmosphere.
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