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New Wave Bands

Big hair, synths, and dancefloor anthems! Can you name the New Wave artists who were behind some of the biggest hits of the '80s?
Bands are listed in alphabetical order.
Like this quiz? Check out the rest of the series here.
Quiz by
NateVoD
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Last updated: December 4, 2025
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First submittedOctober 1, 2025
Times taken94
Average score67.9%
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Song or Album
Hint
Answer
The Look of Love
Stylish UK New Romantic band led by Martin Fry, also known for "Poison Arrow."
ABC
Stand and Deliver
Known for face paint, pirate garb, and a style the band dubbed “antmusic.”
Adam and the Ants
Cruel Summer
’80s London girl group who also scored a #1 hit with their cover of Shocking Blue's "Venus."
Bananarama
White Wedding
British rocker who went solo after Generation X; known for spiky hair, sneer, and hits like Rebel Yell.
Billy Idol
Heart of Glass
NYC band fronted by Debbie Harry, famous for hits like "Rapture" — the first rap-influenced song to hit #1 in the U.S.
Blondie
Love Shack
Athens, Georgia band famous for quirky fashion, offbeat vocals, and chart-topping party hits like "Rock Lobster."
The B-52s
Just What I Needed
American band blending rock and synth with sleek ’80s hooks; hits include "Drive" and "Shake It Up."
The Cars
Karma Chameleon
Band fronted by Boy George, famous for flamboyant fashion and soulful vocals.
Culture Club
Whip It
Quirky Ohio art-punks known for robotic stage movements, satirical concepts, and spiky “Energy Dome” hats.
Devo
Hungry Like the Wolf
MTV darlings with cinematic music videos and a reputation as “the Fab Five.” "Ordinary World" was another smash hit.
Duran Duran
Pump It Up
Angry young man of new wave; sharp lyrics, Buddy Holly glasses, and backing band The Attractions.
Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Synth duo fronted by Annie Lennox, known for her striking androgynous look and instantly recognizable vocals.
Eurythmics
Relax
UK synthpop provocateurs whose risqué lyrics got this hit song banned by BBC.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
We Got the Beat
LA all-female band with punk roots polished for MTV; also known for "Our Lips Are Sealed."
The Go-Gos
Song or Album
Hint
Answer
Need You Tonight
Australian band fronted by charismatic Michael Hutchence, who tragicallly died in 1997 at the age of 37.
INXS
Don’t You Want Me
Sheffield synthpop pioneers, also known for "Human."
The Human League
Down Under
Hard hat wearing Australian band known for this song with lyrics about vegemite sandwiches.
Men at Work
If You Leave
Liverpool synth band often abbreviated as OMD; also known for "Enola Gay."
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
West End Girls
Iconic, sharp suited UK synth pop duo also known for hits "Always on My Mind" and "It's a Sin."
Pet Shop Boys
Every Breath You Take
London band fronted by Sting; had a string of hits including "Roxanne" and "Message in a Bottle."
The Police
Brass in Pocket
Band fronted by Chrissie Hynde, one of the era’s most iconic female rock singers.
Pretenders
Pretty in Pink
UK band blending post-punk grit with pop hooks and Richard Butler’s raspy vocals.
The Psychedelic Furs
Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Scottish band; iconic for this Breakfast Club soundtrack anthem.
Simple Minds
Tainted Love
Synthpop duo best known for Marc Almond’s vocals and dark, dramatic tone.
Soft Cell
True
London band known for sharp fashion and smooth blue-eyed soul ballads.
Spandau Ballet
Psycho Killer
NY band led by David Byrne, who blend art rock, funk, & world music. Also known for "Burning Down the House."
Talking Heads
Shout
English duo Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith; also known for "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
Tears for Fears
Hold Me Now
British trio whose name comes from the bumbling detectives in The Adventures of Tintin; also known for "Doctor! Doctor!"
Thompson Twins
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2 Comments
holyentity
+1
Level 40
Jan 20, 2026
No room for spelling mistakes in OMD
NateVoD
+1
Level 60
Feb 14, 2026
It allows quite a few different spelling variations, but it's such a long phrase it hasn't accounted for everything. I'll have a look when when I next update it. Cheers.
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