Synthpop

Synthpop is a popular electronic music genre that combines elements of pop and new wave music, characterized by the use of synthesizers and drum machines in creating sounds. It emerged in the late 1970s and has continued to evolve and influence other music genres ever since. The origins of synthpop can be traced back to the early 1970s when synthesizers first became widely available. Electronic music pioneers such as Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, The Human League, and Devo are often cited as the forefathers of the genre. These artists introduced a new sound to popular music, using synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create music that was both futuristic and otherworldly. In the late 1970s, synthpop began to gain widespread popularity with the release of The Human League's album "Reproduction" and Gary Numan's hit single "Are Friends Electric?" These songs marked a significant shift in the music industry, with electronic instruments becoming increasingly popular in both mainstream and underground music scenes. Throughout the 1980s, synthpop continued to grow in popularity, with artists such as Depeche Mode, New Order, Eurythmics, and Pet Shop Boys dominating the charts. These bands refined the sound of synthpop, incorporating elements of disco, funk, and rock and roll into their music. Many of these groups also embraced the visual aspects of the genre, using colorful and visually striking music videos to enhance the impact of their music. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Synthpop began to decline in popularity, as grunge and alternative rock became the dominant musical genres. However, the movement continued to influence popular music, with new artists including Erasure, Yazoo, and Information Society continuing to release music that embraced the synthpop sound. In recent years, synthpop has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with artists such as Chvrches, M83, and The Naked and Famous bringing the sound back to the forefront of popular music. These artists have taken the original sound of synthpop and updated it for modern audiences, incorporating elements of electronic dance music, indie rock, and other genres into the mix. Today, the influence of synthpop can be heard across a wide range of musical genres, with electronic music producers incorporating synthpop-inspired sounds into their tracks. The sound of synthpop continues to evolve and change, with new artists and styles emerging on a regular basis.

Depeche Mode: One of the most influential bands in the synthpop genre, Depeche Mode blends electronic beats with dark, brooding lyrics. Their hits include "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence." Yazoo: Also known as Yaz in the US, this duo consisting of Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke released their debut album, "Upstairs at Eric's," in 1982. Their synthpop sound was ahead of its time and inspired many other artists. Pet Shop Boys: The Pet Shop Boys, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, are one of the most successful synthpop acts of all time. Their hits include "West End Girls" and "It's a Sin." New Order: Although they began as a post:punk band, New Order quickly adopted a synthpop sound that would define their career. Hits like "Blue Monday" and "Bizarre Love Triangle" still hold up today. OMD: Short for Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, this British band formed in the late '70s and helped popularize the synthpop sound. Their hits include "Enola Gay" and "If You Leave." Human League: The Human League had their biggest success in the early '80s with hits like "Don't You Want Me" and "Human." Their use of synthesizers and electronic drums helped define the sound of the era. Erasure: Led by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke (formerly of Yazoo and Depeche Mode), Erasure had hits in the '80s and '90s with songs like "A Little Respect" and "Chains of Love." Eurythmics: Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox formed Eurythmics in the early '80s and were known for their unique blend of pop and electronica. Hits like "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and "Here Comes the Rain Again" cemented their place in synthpop history. Soft Cell: This duo consisting of Marc Almond and David Ball released their debut single, "Tainted Love," in 1981. The song became a massive hit and helped define the sound of synthpop. Gary Numan: Although he's often associated with the new wave genre, Gary Numan's use of synthesizers in his music helped pave the way for synthpop. Hits like "Cars" and "Are Friends Electric?" helped make Numan an icon of the genre.

1. "Don't You Want Me" - The Human League 2. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" - Eurythmics 3. "Just Can't Get Enough" - Depeche Mode 4. "Blue Monday" - New Order 5. "West End Girls" - Pet Shop Boys 6. "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell 7. "Only You" - Yazoo 8. "Enjoy the Silence" - Depeche Mode 9. "Synth-pop / New wave - Dancing with tears in my eyes" - Ultravox 10. "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" - Wang Chung 11. "Fade to Grey" - Visage 12. "Obsession" - Animotion 13. "People Are People" - Depeche Mode 14. "Pop Muzik" - M 15. "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure 16. "The Reflex" - Duran Duran 17. "Electricity" - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark 18. "The Model" - Kraftwerk 19. "Situation" - Yazoo 20. "True Faith" - New Order 21. "It's a Sin" - Pet Shop Boys 22. "New Song" - Howard Jones 23. "Whip It" - Devo 24. "Shout" - Tears for Fears 25. "Shadows of Love" - The Damned.

One of the most notable books ever written about synthpop is "Electric Shock: From the Gramophone to the iPhone - 125 Years of Pop Music," by British music journalist and critic Peter Doggett. In his book, Doggett traces the history of electronic music, beginning with the invention of the phonograph all the way up to the rise of electronic music in the 21st century. In his chronicle of synthpop's early days, he says, "Synthpop was almost the antithesis of what rock music was supposed to be about. It favoured artificial sounds over real ones, and synthesizers over guitars". Another notable book on the subject is "Rewind, Play, Fast Forward: The Past Present and Future of Electronic Music, written by Craig Hamilton Parker and Elio E Leoni-Sceti. In the book, they describe synthpop as a style that is "futuristic and nostalgic at the same time". They argue that the subgenre has stood the test of time because it blended the electronic and disco elements of the late 70s with a punk rock attitude, which appealed to young people who were looking for something new and different. In the world of music journalism, a notable article was written by Stuart Jeffries for The Guardian newspaper in 2015. In the article, Jeffries describes how synthpop emerged in the aftermath of punk rock, when musicians sought to embrace technology to make music that was both challenging and danceable. He writes, "Synthpop was punk's way of making a pop music that was as abrasive as possible, that challenged the mainstream, that demanded you dance in a way that wasn't self-indulgent. It captured the moment perfectly". In a review of a Depeche Mode album, writer Andy Fyfe noted for Q Magazine, "Synthpop's biggest bands – Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, and Yazoo – had a euro-cool detachment that separated them from the emotive, physical thrust of rock and roll. Their music suggested a world of corduroy slacks, chromed-out cars and an impossible level of control over one's emotional state." Musicians have also had a lot to say about synthpop, both as admirers and detractors. In an interview, Gary Numan spoke about his love for the subgenre, saying, "Synthpop was always seen as being lightweight and shallow, but I think what it actually did was to create an alternative way of looking at music that wasn't tied to rock music". Conversely, The Who's Pete Townshend once described synthesizers as "little wheezing boxes of electronic mischief", while ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said, "Give me a guitar, and I'll make it sound like synthesizers".

One of the key social factors that contributed to the rise of Synthpop was the cultural climate of the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this time, there was a growing fascination with technology and the future. The rise of personal computers and other technological innovations led many to believe that the world was entering a new era of progress and possibility. This sense of excitement and possibility was reflected in the music of the time, with many artists experimenting with new sounds and using synthesizers and electronic instruments to create music that sounded like nothing else. Another factor that contributed to the popularity of Synthpop was the emergence of new record labels and distribution channels. In the 1980s, independent labels like Mute Records and Factory Records emerged, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists to release their music to a wider audience. These labels often had a distinct aesthetic, which helped to differentiate them from the mainstream music industry. By embracing Synthpop and other forms of electronic music, these labels helped to generate a sense of excitement and innovation in the music scene. Journalists and other cultural commentators also played a significant role in promoting Synthpop and raising awareness about the genre. Music publications such as NME and Melody Maker were critical in helping to shape the public perception of Synthpop. Influential journalists like Paul Morley and Ian Penman wrote extensively about the genre, helping to promote and popularize it among their readership. Other prominent figures, such as DJ John Peel and music video director Russell Mulcahy, also played a role in bringing Synthpop to a wider audience. In terms of technology, the rise of synthesizers and other electronic instruments was crucial in the development of Synthpop. In the 1970s, the development of synthesizers such as the Moog and the ARP 2600 paved the way for a new kind of music that was built around electronic soundscapes. As these instruments became more widely available, more and more musicians began to experiment with electronic music, leading to the rise of Synthpop and other electronic genres.