It is not a secret that I am obsessed with the music of the 80s. Whenever I get into a deep discussion involving music, I will bring up the synth-pop and advancement in rock. There was one genre that surfaced during the changes in the music. NEW WAVE. New Wave was like if the rock stylings of the 70s and the synth-pop of the 80s had a little alternative love child. New Wave started in the mid-70s with punk rock, but the new wave of the 80s is music more significant in the growth of the genre. This music encapsulates the beginnings of Alternative music. I’ve decided to compile a list of songs that most influenced the future of Alternative.

This Charming Man – The Smiths

Not being able to fully hear the lyrics but just enough that you can sing along is a statement that started with New Wave. The 90s Alternative continued with this eventually ending up with bands like The 1975 and Tame Impala. Not being able to hear the lyrics isn’t the only thing charming about this song though. It has this fun summer sound with a unique guitar riff and upbeat bass. If you listen to one song to start you off with the beauty of New Wave, this is that song.

Boys Don’t Cry – The Cure

Starting the 1980s off right with this being released right at the end of 1979. When I first heard this song I thought it was made in the 2010s. The guitar riff sounds incredibly modern which means it HAD to be a huge influence on the alternative of today. Also, band feuds are fun to read about and The Smiths and The Cure had a huge one. 

Heart of Glass – Blondie

If there was one female singer to describe the future of alternative, it would be the vocals of Debbie Harry of Blondie. Also released in 1979 to start the 80s off right, this unique song pioneered the way for the indie singers of the 2000s. There is just something about this song that is hard to describe what makes it an absolute hit. It could be the vocals, but the instrumentals in it just work so well with them to make a truly different sound. It just might be the way the guitar, bass, and drums just melt together. 

Written by Haley Isom