This American Songwriter piece highlights four standout vocalists from Britain's early-1980s New Romantic movement, an era that revitalised pop music and produced acts who found major success on both sides of the Atlantic. It celebrates the distinctive style each singer brought to their band, from icy detachment to theatrical melancholy, arguing that their individual approaches were central to the genre's lasting appeal.

The four singled out are Annie Lennox of Eurythmics, known for her striking look and shift from icy delivery on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" to more soulful later work; Martin Fry of ABC, praised for his emotive, soap-opera-style delivery on tracks like "The Look Of Love"; Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen, whose dark, gothic vocals defined "The Killing Moon"; and Alison Moyet of Yazoo, whose passionate voice paired with Vince Clarke's synth work on hits such as "Only You".