The 100 Greatest “New Wave” songs 1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World-Tears for Fears (1 Viewer)

[That one guy]

I can’t stand How Soon Is Now any longer, but I think that’s due to it being a theme song for one of my wife’s crappy vampire shows

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Clash should definitely be featuring on this list. I know they started off as punk, but from London Calling (voted by Rolling Stone as the best album of the 1980s here) their whole sound changed. 

Critics love to overrate London Calling, and Rolling Stone is right at the front of the line. 

 

[Tin Cup]

I’m really not a guy who hates anyone. I don’t even hate Donald Trump. I hate Lane Kiffin, and I hate The Smiths with a passion. Not Johnny Marr, I don’t mind him. Basically I just hate Morrisey. Long before the world discovered what a ######## Morrisey is, I knew it. I hate his whiny voice, I hate his haircut from the 80s, I hate his poseur attitude, I hate his punchable face.

My college roommate that year seemed to listen to the Smiths 24x7.  Was a very long (and depressing) year.  I also hate both the Smiths and Morrisey to this day.

 

[squistion]

27. “How Soon Is Now?” The Smiths (1984, from Hatful of Hollow)

https://youtu.be/hnpILIIo9ek

I’m really not a guy who hates anyone. I don’t even hate Donald Trump. I hate Lane Kiffin, and I hate The Smiths with a passion. Not Johnny Marr, I don’t mind him. Basically I just hate Morrisey. Long before the world discovered what a ######## Morrisey is, I knew it. I hate his whiny voice, I hate his haircut from the 80s, I hate his poseur attitude, I hate his punchable face. Sorry @HellToupee

I am forced, against my will, to add this song and even rank it pretty high because it’s so iconic. Actually it’s one of only two Smiths songs I can even tolerate (the other is “Girlfriend in a Coma.”) But even this song is made unbearable by the whiny way he sings the chorus: “I am human and I need to be loooved”. First off I’m not sure you are, and second, no you don’t. 

For what it's worth, Billboard did a critics poll of the 20 best Smiths' songs and voted How Soon Is Now #1 (and no, I don't get it either, as that is not even close to being among my top choices).

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7964682/the-smiths-songs-best-hits-list

 

[Leroy Hoard]

 Gonna add Oscillate Wildly here. 

Their best song perhaps because the singer is not there?

 

[Osaurus]

Their best song perhaps because the singer is not there?

That’s an interesting thought. 

 

[joey]

For what it's worth, Billboard did a critics poll of the 20 best Smiths' songs and voted How Soon Is Now #1 (and no, I don't get it either, as that is not even close to being among my top choices).

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7964682/the-smiths-songs-best-hits-list

LOVE the Smiths. I can listen to all their albums on shuffle on a 3 hour drive and be happy as a clam.

Their music, especially Marr's guitars, are undeniably great. And I'm not bothered by Morrisey's lyrics or delivery because I think their hilarious and ironic. Not serious at all.

My top songs by them are Still Ill, Hand in Glove, Light that Never Goes Out, ....let me stop there cuz the list keeps going.

 

[nirad3]

LOVE the Smiths. I can listen to all their albums on shuffle on a 3 hour drive and be happy as a clam.

Their music, especially Marr's guitars, are undeniably great. And I'm not bothered by Morrisey's lyrics or delivery because I think their hilarious and ironic. Not serious at all.

My top songs by them are Still Ill, Hand in Glove, Light that Never Goes Out, ....let me stop there cuz the list keeps going.

Someone upthread mentioned how "Smiths fans" back in the day sucked.  This totally reminds me of something back in 7th grade when someone challenged my fandom when I said that I liked them and then I mentioned how they had great guitar play.  I think they just scoffed and walked off.

Still love 'em.  I'm sure there'll be more of them on this list.  

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Someone upthread mentioned how "Smiths fans" back in the day sucked.  This totally reminds me of something back in 7th grade when someone challenged my fandom when I said that I liked them and then I mentioned how they had great guitar play.  I think they just scoffed and walked off.

Still love 'em.  I'm sure there'll be more of them on this list.  

 I hate The Smiths with a passion. 

I am forced, against my will, to add this song and even rank it pretty high because it’s so iconic. Actually it’s one of only two Smiths songs I can even tolerate (the other is “Girlfriend in a Coma.”) 

I wouldn't be so sure. 

 

[Apple Jack]

This or There is a Light That Never Goes Out would be my number 1.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

My top songs by them are  Light that Never Goes Out, ....

This one I really like.

 

[timschochet]

26. “I Don’t Like Mondays” The Boomtown Rats (1979, from The Fine Art of Surfacing) 

https://youtu.be/8yteMugRAc0

Probably my favorite band as a teenager, I’m in love with nearly every song from their first 4 albums. Great musicianship (particularly the keyboardist, Johnny Fingers, who excels here) and interesting songwriting with incisive, rather cynical lyrics by Bob Geldof. This song is loosely based on the true story of a school mass shooter from San Diego, a girl, who when she was asked why she did it explained that she did not like Mondays. Geldof wrote a gorgeous melody around that theme. 

 

[wikkidpissah]

26. “I Don’t Like Mondays” The Boomtown Rats (1979, from The Fine Art of Surfacing) 

https://youtu.be/8yteMugRAc0

Probably my favorite band as a teenager, I’m in love with nearly every song from their first 4 albums. Great musicianship (particularly the keyboardist, Johnny Fingers, who excels here) and interesting songwriting with incisive, rather cynical lyrics by Bob Geldof. This song is loosely based on the true story of a school mass shooter from San Diego, a girl, who when she was asked why she did it explained that she did not like Mondays. Geldof wrote a gorgeous melody around that theme. 

wOw - this was my guess for your #1, mr timmy

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

One of my least favorite Police songs.  Vocals are grating.  

Also one of the less reggae-influenced songs on their first two albums.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Critics love to overrate London Calling, and Rolling Stone is right at the front of the line. 

shut your whore mouth

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

26. “I Don’t Like Mondays” The Boomtown Rats (1979, from The Fine Art of Surfacing) 

https://youtu.be/8yteMugRAc0

Probably my favorite band as a teenager, I’m in love with nearly every song from their first 4 albums. Great musicianship (particularly the keyboardist, Johnny Fingers, who excels here) and interesting songwriting with incisive, rather cynical lyrics by Bob Geldof. This song is loosely based on the true story of a school mass shooter from San Diego, a girl, who when she was asked why she did it explained that she did not like Mondays. Geldof wrote a gorgeous melody around that theme. 

I am now even more confused than before about what your criteria are for acts/songs that qualify as "New Wave". I wouldn't have thought that possible five minutes ago.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Also one of the less reggae-influenced songs on their first two albums.

Can't Stand Losing You might be a better example.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Can't Stand Losing You might be a better example.

The Bed's Too Big Without You is the best song on the first two albums, IMO.

Great bass line and percussion, cool scratchy guitar work, and lyrically poignant.

 

[Gr00vus]

26. “I Don’t Like Mondays” The Boomtown Rats (1979, from The Fine Art of Surfacing) 

https://youtu.be/8yteMugRAc0

Probably my favorite band as a teenager, I’m in love with nearly every song from their first 4 albums. Great musicianship (particularly the keyboardist, Johnny Fingers, who excels here) and interesting songwriting with incisive, rather cynical lyrics by Bob Geldof. This song is loosely based on the true story of a school mass shooter from San Diego, a girl, who when she was asked why she did it explained that she did not like Mondays. Geldof wrote a gorgeous melody around that theme. 

This song deserves to be here. I really don't enjoy it though. Never have.

 

[squistion]

26. “I Don’t Like Mondays” The Boomtown Rats (1979, from The Fine Art of Surfacing) 

https://youtu.be/8yteMugRAc0

Probably my favorite band as a teenager, I’m in love with nearly every song from their first 4 albums. Great musicianship (particularly the keyboardist, Johnny Fingers, who excels here) and interesting songwriting with incisive, rather cynical lyrics by Bob Geldof. This song is loosely based on the true story of a school mass shooter from San Diego, a girl, who when she was asked why she did it explained that she did not like Mondays. Geldof wrote a gorgeous melody around that theme. 

Hmm...this is a song I have never heard before and after listening to it and seeing the video, I don't think I missed that much.

 

[Osaurus]

wOw - this was my guess for your #1, mr timmy

We Are The World down?

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Hmm...this is a song I have never heard before and after listening to it and seeing the video, I don't think I missed that much.

what? how in the world?

 

[squistion]

what? how in the world?

Wasn't played on the radio stations I was listening to here in L.A. at the time (or if it was like on KROQ I must have missed it, or immediately changed the station). Don't recall any of my friends being into the band or sharing any of their music when we got together. Looking at the Wiki entry it was a huge hit in the UK but peaked at #79 on US charts.

 

[El Floppo]

Wasn't played on the radio stations I was listening to here in L.A. at the time (or if it was like on KROQ I must have missed it, or immediately changed the station). Don't recall any of my friends being into the band or sharing any of their music when we got together. Looking at the Wiki entry it was a huge hit in the UK but peaked at #79 on US charts.

If you were listening to kroq when this came out, you heard it... A lot. Like the killing joke song that will be coming up shortly.

 

[squistion]

If you were listening to kroq when this came out, you heard it... A lot. Like the killing joke song that will be coming up shortly.

I don't recall hearing it once. 

 

[Gr00vus]

I don't recall hearing it once. 

KROQ played it all the time. I know this because I clearly remember wishing the song would end as soon as possible all too often.

 

[El Floppo]

I don't recall hearing it once. 

I was in SF back then and the SF station (kqak/kfog played it a ton...genuinely doubt la wouldn't, but dunno. Seemed like their big or only hit.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Can we talk about the fact that the Boomtown Rats started out as a punk act and then put out a record that sorta sounded New Wave-ish? 

This seemed to be a recipe to NOT be included. Except, I guess, sometimes. Because. Hmm.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

what? how in the world?

I'm guessing he's always had Mondays off.

 

[El Floppo]

....

But for me- if I see somebody talk about "80s new wave" in a general way like this, I immediately assume it will straddle the spectrum of lots of genres.

Can we talk about the fact that the Boomtown Rats started out as a punk act and then put out a record that sorta sounded New Wave-ish? 

This seemed to be a recipe to NOT be included. Except, I guess, sometimes. Because. Hmm.

As soon as Timmy said new wave, I figured it would be music from the era more than any kind of strict synth driven new wave thing. I gave up caring about that long ago. Except for that Christmas tune. Wtf.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

As soon as Timmy said new wave, I figured it would be music from the era more than any kind of strict synth driven new wave thing. I gave up caring about that long ago. Except for that Christmas tune. Wtf.

It's his list and I really don't care. Except that logical inconsistencies bother me at the molecular level because of my obsessive and pedantic (yet charming?) personality.

 

[Zegras11]

If you were listening to kroq when this came out, you heard it... A lot. 

This.   It was on all the time.  

 

[squistion]

This.   It was on all the time.  

Sorry, I never heard it. I am not lying. I didn't exclusively listen to KROQ so I must have missed it.

 

[timschochet]

Can we talk about the fact that the Boomtown Rats started out as a punk act and then put out a record that sorta sounded New Wave-ish? 

This seemed to be a recipe to NOT be included. Except, I guess, sometimes. Because. Hmm.

They were never close to a punk band IMO. On their first album they actually sound a little like Thin Lizzy. 

 

[squistion]

They were never close to a punk band IMO. On their first album they actually sound a little like Thin Lizzy. 

Wow. What tracks do you think sound a little like Thin Lizzy?

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

They were never close to a punk band IMO. On their first album they actually sound a little like Thin Lizzy. 

Uhhhhhhh

This is their first single. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

shut your whore mouth

LOL, we can agree to disagree.

 

[Mister CIA]

Holding out hope Tim will pick my favorite AOR hit from 1978.  Well, one of my favorites. One of the most-under-appreciated hits ever.

 

[Mister CIA]

Uhhhhhhh

This is their first single. 

Sounds punk, but just a little too talented.

 

[That one guy]

Man, top 20 must just be Pet Shop Boys, OMD, Erasure, and Depeche...like some mix cd the wedding reception DJ left behind.

*looking up closest roller rink in anticipation*

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

KROQ played it all the time. I know this because I clearly remember wishing the song would end as soon as possible all too often.

There was a joke going around about how Geldolf got all the big British pop groups to appear on Do They Know It's Christmas--they all agreed to sing if he promised to stop making music. 

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

There was a joke going around about how Geldolf got all the big British pop groups to appear on Do They Know It's Christmas--they all agreed to sing if he promised to stop making music. 

I like I Don't Like Mondays.

 

[Redwes25]

Sunglasses at night better make the list!

 

[Ghost Rider]

Man, top 20 must just be Pet Shop Boys, OMD, Erasure, and Depeche...like some mix cd the wedding reception DJ left behind.

*looking up closest roller rink in anticipation*

It will be epic fail of major proportions if Making Plans for freaking Nigel ends up being the only XTC song in this top 100. 

 

[That one guy]

It will be epic fail of major proportions if Making Plans for freaking Nigel ends up being the only XTC song in this top 100. 

Chances are high most of us will “p-shaw!” the end result; I mean, we’ve already been informed of only one New Order entry back in the 30s I think.  But it’s been a fun ride nonetheless 

 

[timschochet]

Uhhhhhhh

This is their first single. 

One of my favorites. But not punk. 

 

[timschochet]

Wow. What tracks do you think sound a little like Thin Lizzy?

Joeys on the Street Again 

 

[timschochet]

And Rat Trap. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

Chances are high most of us will “p-shaw!” the end result; I mean, we’ve already been informed of only one New Order entry back in the 30s I think.  But it’s been a fun ride nonetheless 

For sure. I have actually dug into a few bands' catalog's a little deeper thanks to this thread and added some new songs to my massive collection, so I am pleased.  

 

[squistion]

Joeys on the Street Again 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-xVRu2ndqQ

That is nothing like Thin Lizzy. You can make a good argument that it is heavily Springsteen influenced with the vocal phrasing and the sax instrument, but I would never have thought of Thin Lizzy if you hadn't mentioned it.