Music

Canciones influyentes del synth-pop de los 80

Explore the most iconic and groundbreaking songs that defined the synth-pop genre in the 1980s. This selection ranges from electronic sound pioneers to the global chart-topping hits. Discover how these catchy melodies and innovative synthesizers left an indelible mark on pop music history. It's an essential dive for 80s music lovers and electronic pop enthusiasts.

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  1. 1

    I Ran (So Far Away) (1982)

    353 Global Votes

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, notable for its innovative use of synthesizers and futuristic atmosphere that defined the decade's sound. Its iconic music video, aired during MTV's early days, played a crucial role in popularizing the genre and shaping the visual aesthetic of music at the time.

  2. 2

    Cars

    20 Global Votes
    • Proved music was changing in late 70s/early 80s

      (+3)

    This song is fundamental to 80s synth-pop, as its dominant synthesizers and robotic vocals set a new standard for the genre. Its innovative sound and themes of isolation through technology profoundly influenced the direction of electronic music in the decade.

  3. 3

    Don't You Want Me (1981)

    3 Global Votes
    • Classic 1981 synth-pop anthem

      (+3)

    This song is a landmark track that propelled synth-pop from an experimental genre to a global phenomenon, showcasing its commercial and artistic potential. Its innovative dialogue structure between two vocalists and its cutting-edge production defined the sound of a decade, influencing countless subsequent artists.

  4. 4

    Blue Monday (1983)

    2 Global Votes
    • Best-selling 12-inch single of all time

      (+4)

    This song is a fundamental milestone in 80s synth-pop, as it redefined the genre's sound by fusing elements of post-punk, disco, and club electronics. Its innovative production with drum machines and sequencers set a new standard for dance and electronic music, influencing countless subsequent artists and genres.

  5. 5

    Tainted Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Topped UK charts in 1981

      (+2)

    Soft Cell's version of "Tainted Love" redefined 80s synth-pop with its innovative fusion of synthesizers and northern soul, becoming a global hit that topped charts in 17 countries. Its distinctive electronic sound and Marc Almond's vocal performance set a standard for the genre, influencing the direction of electronic music throughout the decade.

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  7. 6

    Personal Jesus

    0 Global Votes

    This Depeche Mode song fuses blues-rock with electronic elements, creating an innovative sound that pushed the boundaries of synth-pop. Its lyrics explore co-dependency and idealization in human relationships, offering a thematic depth uncommon in the genre and resonating with a global audience.

  8. 7

    Situation

    0 Global Votes

    This Yazoo song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its innovative electronic production and Alison Moyet's unmistakable vocals. Its pioneering sound and catchy structure made it a global hit, influencing countless artists in the genre and defining the decade's musical aesthetic.

  9. 8

    A Little Respect

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a signature hit for Erasure

      (+4)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, notable for its catchy melody and timeless message of inclusion and respect. Its innovative production and Andy Bell's emotional vocal performance cemented it as a global hit that continues to resonate today.

  10. 9

    99 Luftballons (1983)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features Nena's powerful voice

      (+4)

    This song stands as a landmark of 80s synth-pop due to its innovative fusion of catchy melodies and a profound political message. Its international success demonstrated the genre's ability to transcend language barriers and address serious themes in an accessible, danceable way.

  11. 10

    True Faith

    0 Global Votes
    • Graceful synths and pop swooshes and hooks

      (+3)

    This New Order song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its innovative blend of melancholic synths and euphoric hooks. Its production, co-written with Stephen Hague, transformed the song into a cutting-edge synth-pop piece that influenced the decade's sound.

  12. 11

    West End Girls

    0 Global Votes
    • Introduced the world to Pet Shop Boys

      (+4)

    This song introduced the world to Pet Shop Boys in 1985 and became a benchmark for synth-pop. Its innovative blend of minimalist synths and Neil Tennant's spoken-word vocal style, influenced by hip hop, made it unique and highly influential in the 80s.

  13. 12

    Love Will Tear Us Apart (The 1980 Martin Hannett Tapes)

    0 Global Votes
    • Superior version due to Martin Hannett Remix

      (+3)

    This version of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is pivotal for its incorporation of synthesizers, marking an evolution in Joy Division's sound towards synth-pop. Its 1980 production by Martin Hannett captured a sonic experimentation that influenced the genre's development. The song demonstrated how electronic instrumentation could be integrated into post-punk rock, creating a bridge to the distinctive 80s synth-pop sound.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates 1980s synth-pop songs that had a significant influence on the genre and mainstream pop music, highlighting their legacy and the use of synthesizers.
You can participate by voting for your favorite 80s synth-pop songs or by suggesting new entries you consider influential, provided they meet the selection criteria.
The results reflect the community's opinion on the influence and impact of these songs. They serve as a guide to explore the key contributions of 80s synth-pop.
Influential songs often feature drum machines like the TR-808 or TR-909, prominent and repetitive basslines, and sound effects such as risers and vocal chops to add texture and energy.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our methodology for ranking influential 80s synth-pop songs is based on a combination of editorial recognition and community participation. We aim to highlight works that not only defined the sound of the decade but also left a lasting mark on music.

  • The ranking begins with an editorial selection of songs widely recognized for their impact on 80s synth-pop and mainstream pop music.
  • We consider the legacy and influence of each song, including how they helped establish the synthesizer as a primary instrument and their impact on other music genres.
  • The community has the opportunity to vote for their favorite songs and suggest new additions, ensuring the ranking reflects a broad and participatory perspective.
  • Featured songs often exhibit distinctive synth-pop characteristics, such as the use of iconic drum machines (TR-808, TR-909), catchy basslines, and creative use of sound effects.
  • The song must have been released in the 1980s and be representative of the synth-pop genre.
  • It must have contributed to establishing the synthesizer as a primary instrument in mainstream pop music.
  • Its influence on other mainstream rock acts and its lasting legacy in music culture are valued.
  • The song must exhibit key synth-pop elements, such as the use of drum machines (TR-808, TR-909), prominent basslines, and distinctive sound effects.