Synthpop is a genre where the synthesizer plays the lead role. It’s supposed to sound mechanical and electronic and almost artificial. It’s a pretty far cry from classic rock and that’s why I think younger kids will appreciate the sound. When you hear the word synthpop I’m sure most of you are thinking Depeche Mode. That’s too easy a choice, so without further ado here are the top synthpop songs to listen to with your kids.
OMD –“ If You Leave”
In 1986 Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark released “If You Leave” and it hit #4 on Billboard’s 100. The best part about playing this song for your kids is that will remind you about watching John Hughes’ (who was a huge synthpop fan) Pretty in Pink film. Hear those first few synthesizer notes when the song starts? That’s classic synthpop.
Alphaville – “Forever Young”
Every band has had a song called “Forever Young”, but not everyone has had Jay-Z sample it. The German synthpop group was originally called Forever Young but changed their name to Alphaville early on. The track is the title song off their 1984 debut album. You can hear the eerie synthesizer at the start of the song that sets the ominous (and somewhat creepy) mood.
The Human League – “Don’t You Want Me”
In 1977 The Human League formed in Sheffield, England. In 1981 they released the triple platinum album Dare which included “Don’t You Want Me,” a Billboard hot 100 chart topper. Listen to those artificial sounds at the start of the song. Kids will also dig the back and forth of the two opposing memories of a relationship. The video also has great subtle 80’s effects like staggered zooms and obvious mood lighting.
A-Ha – “Take On Me”
Why is it that synthpop was so big in Europe? A-ha was a Norwegian band formed in 1982 and they had one big hit off their debut album Hunting High and Low. One of the reasons “Take On Me” became such a hit was because of the original comic like video which kids will dig.
Buggles –“Video Killed the Radio Star”
Yes, it was the first video played on MTV, but the song actually dates back to 1979, a much earlier time for synthpop than these other songs. The song was so big it hit #1 in 16 different countries. The lyrics are rather fitting too since they talk about how kids don’t remember the past with all their new technological advances.
