Music

Mejores canciones de synth-pop de todos los tiempos

Explore an exhaustive selection of the most influential and beloved synth-pop songs in history. This genre, which emerged in the late 1970s, is characterized by the dominant use of synthesizers to create catchy melodies and unique atmospheres. From pioneers to recent hits, this list celebrates the evolution and cultural impact of synth-pop in modern music. Discover melancholic gems, dance anthems, and timeless classics that defined an era and continue to inspire artists today.

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  1. 1

    Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) (1985)

    371 Global Votes
    • Full of strange tones

      (+4)

    This song is a synth-pop landmark, notable for its innovative production featuring synthesizers like the Fairlight CMI and Yamaha CS-80, which defined the 1980s sound. Its complex lyrical and melodic structure, coupled with Kate Bush's distinctive vocals, makes it a pivotal piece that masterfully fuses art pop with electronic music.

  2. 2

    I Ran (So Far Away) (1982)

    166 Global Votes
    • Reached top 10 in US and New Zealand

      (+1)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 1980s synth-pop with its distinctive synthesizers and ethereal atmosphere. Its innovative production and catchy melody established it as a benchmark of the genre, influencing countless subsequent artists.

  3. 3

    Cars

    9 Global Votes
    • One of the best synth-pop songs

      (+1)

    This song is a foundational pillar of synth-pop, notable for its innovative use of synthesizers to create a mechanical, futuristic sound that captured the genre's essence. Its introspective lyrics about isolation and technology, inspired by a personal experience, resonated deeply and set a lyrical standard for electronic music. Its influence on new wave and electronic pop is undeniable, marking a before and after in music production.

  4. 4

    Blue Monday (1983)

    1 Global Votes
    • Commonly cited as one of the greatest songs of all time

      (+1)

    This song is a landmark in synth-pop due to its innovative fusion of post-punk and electronic music, redefining the genre's sound in the 1980s. Its groundbreaking production and instrumental structure influenced countless artists and the evolution of dance music.

  5. 5

    Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard charts

      (+4)

    The song features an iconic synthesizer riff and innovative production that defined the sound of 80s synth-pop. Its introspective lyrics about the search for personal fulfillment and success resonated deeply with audiences, making it a generational anthem. The combination of Annie Lennox's distinctive vocals and Dave Stewart's musical mastery created a timeless piece that remains influential in electronic music.

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  7. 6

    Just Can't Get Enough

    0 Global Votes
    • Very possibly Depeche Mode's poppiest hit

      (+3)

    This Depeche Mode song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its infectious energy and iconic synthesizer riff. Its innovative sound and perfect pop structure made it an instant hit and a benchmark for the genre.

  8. 7

    Take On Me

    0 Global Votes
    • Instant hit

      (+3)

    This song is a synth-pop landmark due to its catchy melody, Morten Harket's distinctive vocals, and its innovative instrumentation combining acoustic guitars, keyboards, and drums. Its groundbreaking rotoscoped music video set a new standard for music videos and significantly contributed to its global cultural impact.

  9. 8

    Love Action (I Believe In Love)

    0 Global Votes
    • Lush, multi-layered synth pop

      (+2)

    This song features one of the most recognizable synth parts ever, with its opening 5th riff marking a significant milestone. It was one of the first international hits to use a drum machine, showcasing The Human League's innovation in mainstream pop.

  10. 9

    Enola Gay

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic synth riff

      (+4)

    The song features one of synth-pop's most iconic and recognizable synthesizer melodies, establishing it as a genre benchmark. Its combination of a serious anti-war theme with a catchy electropop instrumentation demonstrated the versatility and commercial potential of synth-pop in the early 1980s.

  11. 10

    West End Girls

    0 Global Votes
    • Became the number 1 song in America

      (+4)

    This song defines synth-pop perfection with its cool, timeless sound, blending minimalist synthesizers with profound social commentary. Its innovative production and Neil Tennant's distinctive spoken-word vocals created a style that significantly influenced British and global music.

  12. 11

    Fade to Grey

    0 Global Votes
    • Explores themes of alienation, ambiguity, and introspection

      (+3)

    This song is a cornerstone of synth-pop due to its innovative production and melancholic atmosphere that captured the essence of the New Romantic movement. Its distinctive instrumentation and introspective lyrics about isolation made it an influential classic of the genre. Its cultural impact and unique sound make it a fundamental piece in synth-pop history.

  13. 12

    Don't You (Forget About Me)

    0 Global Votes
    • Signature hit by Simple Minds

      (+1)

    This song defines the synth-pop sound of the 1980s with its iconic production and memorable melody. Its cultural impact was amplified by being the main theme of the influential film 'The Breakfast Club', becoming a generational anthem that resonates to this day.

  14. 13

    Chains of Love

    0 Global Votes

    This song encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop with its catchy synthesizers and Andy Bell's unmistakable vocals. Its melodic structure and innovative production established it as a benchmark for the genre. The song demonstrates Erasure's ability to craft enduring pop anthems that resonate with audiences.

  15. 14

    Everybody Wants To Rule the World

    0 Global Votes
    • An absolute masterpiece

      (+2)

    This song defines the synth-pop sound of the 80s with its innovative production and catchy melody, capturing the essence of the era. Its lyrics, exploring ambition and control, resonate with a thematic depth that sets it apart within the genre.

  16. 15

    Instant Crush (2013)

    0 Global Votes
    • Favorite song on the album for some

      (+4)

    The song features a unique fusion of Daft Punk's electronic sound with Julian Casablancas' melancholic vocals, creating a nostalgic and emotionally profound atmosphere. Its detailed production and catchy melody make it an outstanding example of modern synth-pop, resonating with a wide audience and maintaining its relevance over time.

  17. 16

    Walking On A Dream

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the best in all aspects songs of the time

    The song features a catchy melody and rich layers of sound that encapsulate the essence of synth-pop. Its production, including the use of the iconic Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer, contributes to its distinctive and timeless sound within the genre.

Frequently asked questions

" Synth-pop is a music genre that first became prominent in the late 1970s and features the synthesizer as the dominant musical instrument. For this ranking, we consider songs that embody this distinctive sound and have left a significant mark on the genre."
" Songs are selected based on their cultural impact, commercial success, innovation in synthesizer use, and overall critical and fan acclaim. Both iconic hits and songs that have influenced the genre's evolution are considered."
" Absolutely! We value our community's participation. While this ranking is based on an initial selection and user votes, we are always open to considering new suggestions for future editions to enhance the list's diversity."
" This ranking covers synth-pop songs from its inception in the late 1970s, including iconic 80s hits, up to more recent songs that have maintained the genre's essence. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of its history."

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

" Our ranking of the best synth-pop songs of all time is compiled through a combination of editorial research and valuable community input. We aim to highlight songs that not only defined the genre but also left an indelible mark on music history."

  • " Extensive research is conducted on songs that pioneered the use of the synthesizer and are widely recognized as influential within the synth-pop genre, from the late 70s onwards."
  • " Songs that achieved significant commercial success, such as reaching top chart positions, and those that received critical acclaim for their innovation and artistic quality are considered."
  • " The ability of a song to evoke the characteristic atmosphere and sound of synth-pop is valued, with the synthesizer as the dominant instrument and catchy, memorable melodies."
  • " Community opinion is crucial; we incorporate user preferences and ratings to reflect a collective perspective on each song's popularity and legacy."
  • " Impact on the Genre: Songs that have been fundamental to the evolution and definition of synth-pop, establishing trends and distinctive sounds, are included."
  • " Innovative Synthesizer Use: Priority is given to tracks that demonstrate exceptional creativity in using the synthesizer as the main instrument, creating unique textures and melodies."
  • " Cultural Relevance and Popularity: Both commercial hits that resonated with a wide audience and songs that, while perhaps not massive hits, are highly valued within synth-pop culture are considered."
  • " Legacy and Durability: Songs that have stood the test of time, maintaining their appeal and relevance over decades, and that continue to be listened to and influence new artists, are valued."