Music

Mejores canciones synth-pop de los 80

Explore the electronic melodies and catchy rhythms that defined an era. This list celebrates the synth-pop anthems of the 1980s, from genre pioneers to chart-topping hits. Discover the influence of synthesizers and drum machines on popular music, reliving the nostalgia of an iconic decade. It's the perfect guide for retro music lovers and new listeners wanting to immerse themselves in the characteristic sound of the eighties.

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  1. 1

    I Ran (So Far Away) (1982)

    499 Global Votes
    • Became a major commercial success

      (+3)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, notable for its innovative use of synthesizers and echo-laden guitars that defined the decade's sound. Its commercial success and iconic music video cemented its status as a pivotal piece of the genre and 80s pop culture.

  2. 2

    Blue Monday (1983)

    3 Global Votes
    • Became an international smash hit

      (+4)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its innovative fusion of Eurodisco and alternative dance with distinctive electronic instrumentation. Its groundbreaking production and status as the highest-selling 12-inch single of all time demonstrate its lasting cultural and musical impact on the decade.

  3. 3

    Cars - Gary Numan

    0 Global Votes
    • Proved music was going to be different

      (+4)

    This song is a foundational milestone in the development of synth-pop, released in 1979, yet its sound and aesthetic profoundly influenced the 1980s. Its innovative use of synthesizers and dystopian atmosphere set a new standard for electronic music and new wave. The track captured the essence of the era with its mechanical sound and iconic synth riff, becoming a timeless classic of the genre.

  4. 4

    Chains of Love (Erasure) (1988)

    0 Global Votes
    • Uptempo dance-oriented synthpop track

      (+2)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop with its vibrant synthesizers and Andy Bell's unmistakable vocals. Its melodic structure and production, led by Vince Clarke, establish it as a landmark in the genre, showcasing Erasure's mastery in creating danceable and emotive anthems.

  5. 5

    Love Action (I Believe In Love)

    0 Global Votes
    • More approachable and intimate

      (+2)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop with its innovative synthesizers and distinctive electronic production. Its 1981 release, as part of the album "Dare," cemented The Human League as pioneers of the genre and helped shape the decade's sound. The track features a catchy melody and a structure that made it ubiquitous in discos of the era.

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  7. 6

    The Metro

    0 Global Votes
    • Heavily played in early MTV days

      (+2)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop with its distinctive electronic instrumentation and Terri Nunn's emotive vocals. Its melancholic atmosphere and innovative production made it a genre benchmark and an MTV hit. The song defined Berlin's sound and the musical period of the decade, with its prominent use of synthesizers and evocative lyrical narrative.

  8. 7

    Enola Gay - Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark

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

      (+4)

    This song stands out for its innovative fusion of an anti-war message with a danceable and catchy synth-pop melody, creating a unique sound in the 1980s. Its distinctive synthesizer break, in place of a traditional chorus, and its harmonic production cemented it as an influential classic of the genre.

  9. 8

    Fade to Grey (Visage)

    0 Global Votes
    • Pure art, atmospheric and futuristic

      (+4)

    This song is a seminal 80s synth-pop anthem, recognized for its innovative sound and pivotal role in the New Romantic movement. Its atmospheric production, bilingual vocals, and exploration of melancholic themes establish it as a distinctive piece from the era.

  10. 9

    The Riddle (Nik Kershaw)

    0 Global Votes
    • Advanced and clever synth pop

      (+2)

    Nik Kershaw's "The Riddle" is an advanced and clever example of 80s synth-pop, standing out for its intelligent production and innovative use of synthesizers. Its catchy melody and complex structure make it a fundamental piece that defined the genre's sound in that decade.

  11. 10

    Wouldn't It Be Good

    0 Global Votes
    • An 80s synth-pop classic

      (+4)

    This song stands out for its innovative use of synthesizers, featuring a blippy, falling arpeggiated synth that became a hallmark of 80s synth-pop. Its technically brilliant production, combined with a deep exploration of emotional isolation, makes it an influential classic of the genre. The complexity of its instrumentation, including multiple guitars and synthesizers like the PPG Wave 2.2 and Yamaha DX7, underscores its musical sophistication.

  12. 11

    The Look of Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Great song

      (+3)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s synth-pop, notable for its innovative production by Trevor Horn and sophisticated arrangements that fuse new wave with disco influences. Its catchy melody and lyrics about love and desire cemented it as a hit that defined the decade's sound.

  13. 12

    Left to My Own Devices

    0 Global Votes
    • One of Pet Shop Boys' boldest sonic tracks

      (+2)

    This Pet Shop Boys song encapsulates the sophistication and innovation of 80s synth-pop with its orchestral production and introspective lyrics. Its fusion of electronic elements with classical arrangements and disco touches makes it a benchmark for the genre. The track demonstrates the duo's ability to create catchy yet complex pop anthems.

  14. 13

    Just Can't Get Enough

    0 Global Votes
    • Stood the test of time

      (+4)

    The song features a bright, pulsing lead synth riff that defines its iconic sound, establishing it as an energetic and timeless synth-pop anthem. Its 1981 release propelled Depeche Mode to stardom and solidified their influence in the genre, marking a milestone in 80s electronic music.

  15. 14

    Electricity (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)

    0 Global Votes

    This song stands out for its pioneering sound and innovative use of electronic instruments, despite being created with an organ and a run-down electric piano. Its structure and atmosphere establish it as a foundational piece in the development of 80s synth-pop, influencing the genre with its distinctive style.

  16. 15

    Homosapien (Pete Shelley)

    0 Global Votes
    • Pioneering work of electronic-centered production

      (+2)

    Pete Shelley's "Homosapien" is a landmark 80s synth-pop track, notable for its innovative fusion of punk rock with electronic sounds. Its pioneering production and overtly homoerotic lyrics established it as an influential and bold piece within the genre.

  17. 16

    Sounds Like A Melody

    0 Global Votes
    • Big success in continental Europe and South Africa

      (+2)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 1980s synth-pop with its catchy synthesizers and melancholic atmosphere. Its melodic structure and Marian Gold's vocal performance make it a prime example of the genre. The song reflects Alphaville's ability to craft pop anthems with emotional depth and an innovative sound for its time.

  18. 17

    Human

    0 Global Votes

    This song stands out as a prime example of 80s synth-pop, with its innovative production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, blending cool synthesizers with an emotional ballad. Its narrative exploring human vulnerability and infidelity resonated deeply, making it a global hit and a milestone in the genre's evolution.

  19. 18

    The Promise - When In Rome

    0 Global Votes

    This song is an iconic example of 80s synth-pop, featuring distinctive electronic instrumentation and catchy melodies that defined the genre. Its chart success and enduring popularity demonstrate its cultural impact and musical quality within the decade's synth-pop scene.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking evaluates and celebrates the most iconic and influential synth-pop songs from the 1980s, based on their popularity, cultural impact, and musical quality, as determined by community opinion.
You can participate by voting for your favorite 80s synth-pop songs from the list. Your vote contributes to each song's overall position in the ranking, reflecting community sentiment.
The ranking results reflect the collective preference of participants. A higher position indicates greater popularity and appreciation from the community, but music is subjective, and all listed songs are considered outstanding.
The ranking aims to include both established 80s synth-pop artists and those who, while perhaps less known, had a significant impact or created memorable songs within the genre. Names like New Order, Human League, OMD, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode, among others, are considered.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

This ranking of the best 80s synth-pop songs has been compiled based on community opinions and the cultural relevance of each track. The selection aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the musical gems from this decade.

  • Song inclusion is based on their recognition as 80s synth-pop hits, with frequent mentions in lists and discussions about the genre.
  • Songs by key artists of the genre such as New Order, Human League, OMD, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and Erasure, among others, are considered.
  • The popularity and lasting impact of the songs, including their influence on later music and their presence in pop culture, are important factors.
  • Community voting allows users to express their preferences, directly influencing each song's final position in the ranking.
  • The song must have been released in the 1980s and clearly belong to the synth-pop genre, characterized by the prominent use of synthesizers and electronic elements.
  • Originality and innovation in sound are prioritized, as well as the song's ability to define or influence the genre during the decade.
  • The cultural relevance and lasting impact of the song are valued, including its presence on charts, critical acclaim, and its musical legacy.
  • Both massive hits and lesser-known gems that are highly appreciated by 80s synth-pop fans are considered.