3 New Wave Songs From 1979 That Helped Invent the 1980s Sound
Three 1979 new wave songs helped shape the sound and culture of the 1980s, particularly through their use of synthesizers, mechanical rhythms and futuristic themes. The article argues that these tracks anticipated electronic music and the rise of music videos.
Tubeway Army’s “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” reached No. 1 in the UK and came close to the US Hot 100. Gary Numan’s “Cars” topped the UK chart and peaked at No. 9 in the US, while The Buggles’ “Video Killed The Radio Star” reached No. 1 in the UK and much of Europe; it became MTV’s first music video in 1981.
In short
- Three 1979 new wave hits anticipated the 1980s sound.
- Gary Numan’s “Cars” reached No. 9 in the US.
- The Buggles’ video later launched MTV’s music broadcasts.
Explained simply
New wave emerged as punk gave way to a broader mix of pop and rock styles in the late 1970s. Some groups began using synthesizers and tightly repeated rhythms, giving their songs a more electronic, machine-like sound.
Tubeway Army featured Gary Numan, who later recorded as a solo artist; The Buggles were a British pop duo. Their 1979 hits brought synthesizer-led music to a wide audience in Britain and the United States.
The songs also reflected growing interest in technology and the future. Their place in the early history of music television matters because “Video Killed The Radio Star” was the first video shown on MTV when the channel launched in 1981.
Americas Entertainment Music World