New Wave Music emerged in the late 1970s as a reaction against rock music of the time. It was influenced by the socioeconomic conditions of recession in both the US and UK. New Wave incorporated elements of punk rock but was more melodic and accessible. It was popularized through media and developed distinct political themes. The movement also had defining fashion styles and helped popular artists like Talking Heads, Blondie, and The Cure achieve mainstream success. New Wave had a significant influence on later genres and has seen a revival in the 21st century, though it also faced some challenges and controversies during its time.

1. Music in Context
New Wave Music
Christopher Baker
musicstudentinfo.com

2. Contents
• Introduction
• Rocks evolution & New Waves birth
• Socio-economic backdrop 70’s & early 80’s
• New Wave & Popular Media
• Political Themes
• Fashion
• The bridge to the top
• US & UK New Wave
• Entrepreneurial Ventures
• Key Artists & Albums
• Key Singles
• Influence
• 21st Century Revival
• Challenges & Controversies
• Conclusion

3. Introduction

4. Rock's Evolution & New Wave's Birth

5. Devo
Whip it Good!

6. The Socio-
Economic
Backdrop
of the Late
70s and
Early 80s

7. New
Wave &
Popular
Media

8. Political
Themes
in New
Wave

9. Fashion
and New
Wave

10. New
Wave:
The
Bridge to
Pop

11. New Wave: The Bridge to Pop

12. New Wave Across the Pond:
Differences Between the US and UK

13. Entrepreneurial Ventures & New Wave

14. Key Artists &
Albums
1 Talking Heads:
o Album: "Remain in
Light"
o Key tracks include "Once
in a Lifetime" and "Born
Under Punches."
2. Blondie:
o Album: "Parallel Lines"
o Highlights include
"Heart of Glass" and
"One Way or Another."
3. The Cure:
o Album: "Disintegration"
o Notable tracks are
"Lovesong" and
"Pictures of You."
4. Duran Duran:
o Album: "Rio"
o Key tracks are "Hungry
Like the Wolf" and "Save
a Prayer."
5. The Police:
o Album: "Synchronicity"
o Featuring hits like "Every
Breath You Take" and
"King of Pain."
6. Depeche Mode:
o Album: "Violator"
o Key tracks include
"Personal Jesus" and
"Enjoy the Silence."
7. The Go-Go's:
o Album: "Beauty and the
Beat"
o Featuring tracks like
"Our Lips Are Sealed"
and "We Got the Beat."

15. Key Singles
1. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" -
Eurythmics
2. "Don't You Want Me" - The Human League
3. "Blue Monday" - New Order
4. "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure
5. "A Forest" - The Cure
6. "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell
7. "Call Me" - Blondie
8. "Cars" - Gary Numan
9. "Take On Me" - A-ha
10. "Burning Down the House" - Talking Heads

16. Influence on Later Genres

17. 21st
Century
and the
New Wave
Revival

18. Challenges & Controversies

19. Conclusion