đ” 1980s New Wave & Synth-Pop Wedding Songs
Discover 1980s New Wave songs to add to your background playlists and dance sets!
This is the first in a series of 1980s wedding playlists by genre! More to come!
Get ready to take a trip back to the neon-lit dance floors of the 1980s with this ultimate synth-pop wedding playlist! If youâre looking for upbeat, electrifying tunes to keep your guests moving, these iconic tracks will bring the perfect blend of nostalgia and energy to your big day.
From the irresistible beats of Take On Me to the anthemic Donât You (Forget About Me), this list is packed with synth-driven hits that defined a decade. Whether youâre crafting the perfect reception soundtrack or just love the synth-pop sound, these songs will have everyone dancing all night long!
Table of Contents
Dinner & Background Songs
Party Songs
Spotify Playlist - 47 songs!
One condition to this list. Every song must have been released in the 1980s. Nothing from the 1970s and 1990s!
1980s Synth-Pop & New Wave Wedding Songs
Of course, songs can be categorized into multiple genres. This is my list of synth-pop but I will have 80s rock and pop playlists too! Oh, and I threw in a few New Wave songs too.
Dinner & Background Songs
Africa - Toto
1982 - âAfricaâ became Totoâs only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing even âRosannaâ, which won a Grammy. The songâs unforgettable drum beat was created using a technique called a "Phased Shuffled Groove," layered from multiple takes by drummer Jeff Porcaro. Itâs one of the most instantly recognizable drum patterns in music history.
Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder
1983 - The track reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is a popular selection on one-hit wonder lists. The song had a resurgence in the 2020s as part of a viral TikTok challenge, where users would text lyrics to unsuspecting friends and see how long it took for them to catch on.
Cruel Summer - Bananarama
1983 - After being featured in the film The Karate Kid (1984), it gained massive popularity. The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. A popular cover was released in 1998 by Ace of Base.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World â Tears for Fears
1985 - The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's lyrics reflect themes of power, control, and the human desire to dominate.
(Keep Feeling) Fascination - The Human League
1983 - The song reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart and #8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It is a prime example of 80s synthpop, with its catchy hooks, electronic beats, and futuristic sound.
I Know Boys Like - The Waitresses
1980 - The song became one of their most iconic tracks, blending punk, new wave, and pop elements. The track is known for its distinctive, catchy hook and quirky lyrics that playfully describe a woman who knows how to attract attention from boys. Even though it only reached #62 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is still trending today.
Life in a Northern Town - Dream Academy
1985 - "Life in a Northern Town" became Dream Academyâs most successful single. It reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's lush instrumentation, including the use of synthesizers and a prominent 12-string guitar, gives it a distinctive and timeless feel.
Puttin' on the Ritz - Taco
1982 - The track was originally written by Irving Berlin in 1927 and became a hit in the early 20th century. The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The phrase "puttin' on the Ritz" refers to dressing in high-end fashion, especially for a fancy event or social gathering.
Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart
1984 - The song became Corey Hart's breakout hit, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been covered and parodied multiple times, including by Weird Al Yankovic and in shows like Family Guy.
The Promise - When In Rome
1988 - The song is described as a love song full of longing and vulnerability. It reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is the bandâs one-hit wonder. The song became more well-known over time through movies, TV shows, and nostalgic compilations.
Too Shy - Kajagoogoo
1983 - The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered the bandâs one-hit wonder. Limahl, the lead singer, had success with the song "Never Ending Story" after the band disbanded.
Party Songs
A Little Respect - Erasure
1988 - âA Little Respectâ became one of Erasureâs biggest hits, reaching #4 on the UK Singles Chart and #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. The song's heartfelt lyrics are about yearning for love and respect. It later became an LGBTQ+ anthem.