Music

Mejores canciones de synth-pop de los 80

Explore an exhaustive selection of the most iconic and revolutionary synth-pop songs from the 1980s. This list celebrates the electronic anthems that defined a decade, from danceable classics to introspective gems. Discover the influence of synthesizers and drum machines on pop music, featuring trendsetting artists. Ideal for retro music fans and those wishing to relive the sonic magic of the eighties.

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  1. 1

    Hungry Like the Wolf (1982)

    444 Global Votes
    • Distinctive, blippy arpeggiated pluck synthesizer sound

      (+2)

    This Duran Duran song is an iconic example of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its innovative use of synthesizers and its distinctive arpeggio that defines the genre. Its production and composition capture the essence of the era's electronic dance music, with a catchy melody and an immersive atmosphere that made it a global hit.

  2. 2

    Cars

    43 Global Votes
    • Enduring anthem from the 1980s

      (+3)

    This song is a foundational milestone in synth-pop history, popularizing the use of the synthesizer as a lead instrument in pop music. Its innovative sound, featuring gliding synth lines and catchy, robotic vocals, set a new standard for the genre in the 1980s.

  3. 3

    Don't You Want Me (1981)

    6 Global Votes
    • Classic 1981 synth-pop anthem

      (+4)

    This song is an 80s synth-pop anthem, blending catchy melodies with distinctive synthesizers to create an unforgettable sonic experience. Its narrative of sexual power politics and heartbreak, told through a male and female vocal dialogue, made it a massive hit and a cultural touchstone of the decade.

  4. 4

    Blue Monday (1983)

    4 Global Votes
    • Landmark synth-pop and alternative dance track

      (+4)

    "Blue Monday" is a seminal track that redefined the sound of synth-pop in the 80s with its innovative fusion of electronic, post-punk, and disco elements. Its groundbreaking production, characterized by the use of drum machines and sequencers, set a new standard for the genre and dance music. The song became a global hit, profoundly influencing the direction of electronic and alternative music.

  5. 5

    Tainted Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Attained worldwide fame

      (+2)

    Soft Cell's version of «Tainted Love» is a landmark of 80s synth-pop, innovatively merging synthesizers with soul. Its distinctive sound and emotive vocal performance made it a global hit, redefining the electronic music landscape of the decade.

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  7. 6

    Just Can't Get Enough

    0 Global Votes
    • Riff-driven synth-pop song

      (+4)

    This song features a catchy synthesizer melody and danceable energy that encapsulate the essence of 80s synth-pop. Its simple yet effective structure and electronic production make it a defining example of the genre. The track stands out for its ability to evoke the vibrant and experimental atmosphere of early decade electronic music.

  8. 7

    A Little Respect

    0 Global Votes
    • Heartfelt plea for compassion

      (+4)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its catchy melody and emotional lyrics that resonate with a message of compassion. Its innovative production fuses synthesizers with rock elements, creating a distinctive sound that captured the essence of the era and made it a global hit.

  9. 8

    Sounds Like A Melody

    0 Global Votes
    • Features shimmering synthesizers

      (+3)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop with its iconic synthesizers and a catchy melody that defines the era's sound. Its musical structure and innovative production established it as a benchmark of the genre, influencing numerous subsequent artists. The song features a distinctive atmosphere and a timeless quality that keeps it relevant for synth-pop enthusiasts.

  10. 9

    Head Over Heels

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the best 80s synth-pop songs

      (+4)

    This Tears For Fears song features intricate synthesizer instrumentation and polished production that encapsulate the distinctive sound of 80s synth-pop. Its catchy melodies and emotional vocal performance make it an outstanding example of the genre, showcasing the band's mastery in crafting pop hits with lyrical depth.

  11. 10

    Human

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a prime example of 80s synth-pop, with its innovative production and emotional lyrics that resonated with audiences. Its global success and distinctive sound established it as a foundational piece of the genre, showcasing The Human League's evolution.

  12. 11

    Need You Tonight

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a hit song

      (+4)

    This INXS song encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop with its sleek synthesizers and distinctive rhythmic production. Its sound fuses rock, funk, and pop elements, creating a vibrant and modern atmosphere that was a hallmark of late-80s music.

  13. 12

    She Drives Me Crazy

    0 Global Votes
    • Classic 80s Pop

      (+3)

    The song features a distinctive blend of pop rock, soul, and layered synths that capture the essence of 80s synth-pop. Its innovative production and Roland Gift's passionate vocals cemented it as a global hit, standing out for its energy and catchy melody. The combination of punk punch with languid grooves and soulful vocals makes it a seminal piece of the genre.

  14. 13

    Enola Gay

    0 Global Votes
    • Pop but subtly poignant take on Hiroshima attack

      (+4)

    This song features one of the catchiest and most recognizable synth melodies of the decade, blending an upbeat pop sound with a profound anti-war theme. Its innovative use of synthesizers and melodic structure established it as a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop.

  15. 14

    Chains of Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Euphoric synth-pop brilliance

      (+3)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 1980s synth-pop with its vibrant synthesizers and Andy Bell's unmistakable vocals. Its melodic structure and innovative production established it as a benchmark of the genre, influencing numerous subsequent artists. It was a commercial and critical success, solidifying Erasure's reputation as pioneers of electronic sound.

  16. 15

    True Faith

    0 Global Votes
    • One of New Order's most iconic songs

      (+4)

    "True Faith" is a landmark 80s synth-pop track, notable for its innovative fusion of electronic elements with a melancholic sensibility. Its sophisticated production and introspective lyrics established it as an influential classic of the genre, resonating with a wide audience and defining the decade's sound.

  17. 16

    Rio

    0 Global Votes
    • Cemented Duran Duran as synth-pop legends

      (+4)

    Duran Duran's "Rio" features an innovative synth-pop sound with a JUPITER-4 arpeggio that became a defining element of 1980s music. Its blend of danceable beats, funk-inspired basslines, and arpeggiated synths establishes it as a key example of the genre. The song encapsulates the energy and style of 80s synth-pop, influencing the musical and visual culture of the era.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates the most iconic and influential songs of the 80s synth-pop genre, based on their cultural impact, popularity, and distinctive use of synthesizers.
You can participate by voting for your favorite 80s synth-pop songs or by suggesting new entries that you believe should be included, provided they meet the selection criteria.
The results reflect the collective opinion of the community and the editorial relevance of the songs within the 80s synth-pop genre. It serves as a guide to explore classics and discover new gems.
The ranking includes both established artists and those who, while perhaps less known, had a significant impact or created essential songs within 80s synth-pop.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our methodology for ranking the best 80s synth-pop songs combines editorial relevance with community participation to offer a comprehensive and dynamic list.

  • Songs that were fundamental in defining the sound and aesthetic of synth-pop during the 80s are considered, including hits and influential tracks.
  • The relevance of participating artists is based on their contribution to the genre, with examples like Depeche Mode, The Human League, and Gary Numan, who are pillars of synth-pop.
  • Songs that have left a lasting legacy are valued, being remembered and celebrated for their innovation and musical quality decades after their release.
  • The community has the opportunity to vote for their favorite songs, which influences the position of each entry and ensures the ranking reflects current fan preferences.
  • The song must have been released between 1980 and 1989, ensuring its belonging to the 80s decade.
  • It must exhibit a prominent and distinctive use of synthesizers and drum machines, key elements of the synth-pop sound.
  • Priority is given to songs that had a significant impact on charts, popular culture, or the evolution of the genre.
  • The song must be representative of the synth-pop style, with catchy melodies and characteristic electronic production.