New Romantic Music Video Showcase
David Bowie was an obvious influence on the movement. His 1980 single "Fashion" was influenced by and was simultaneously considered to be something of an anthem for the New Romantics, as were offerings from Brian Eno and Roxy Music.
Although New Romantic never gained the popularity in the US that it enjoyed in the UK and Europe, many famous Eighties bands got their start in the movement, including Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, and Tears for Fears.
Space Age Love Song, Flock of Seagulls
Planet Earth, by Duran Duran
By 1983, as they gained popularity in the US, Duran Duran ditched the New romantic look in favor of a more toned down "New Wave" version.
duran duran - planet earth
▀▄ ► Recorded Red Bus Studios, London December 1980, writer Duran Duran & producer Colin Thurston "Planet Earth" is the debut single by the pop/rock band Duran Duran, released on 2 February 1981. The song later appeared on the band's eponymous debut album Duran Duran, released in June, 1981. The music video for the song was directed by future film director Russell Mulcahy, who would go on to direct a dozen more for the group. Fairly primitive by the band's later standards, the video features the band (dressed in frilly, floppy New Romantic fashions) playing the song on a white stage tricked out with special effects to look like a platform made of ice or crystal. Interspersed with the performance are shots of the band members alongside the four elements. The video focused closely on the band's faces. The instrumental middle section features friends of the band from the Rum Runner nightclub dancing in their outlandish outfits. At the end of the video, singer Simon Le Bon leaps from the stage, caught in a freeze frame shot above an apparently bottomless abyss. ____________ "Planet Earth" begins with a slow synthesised sweep backed with electronic rhythm, but the real rhythm section of throbbing bass and crisp drums soon kick in. Muted guitar carries the up-and-down melodic hook of the song as the singer joins in. The song was the first to explicitly acknowledge the fledgling New Romantic fashion movement, with the line "Like some New Romantic looking for the TV sound".
Runtime: 3:45
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Change- Tears for Fears
"Vienna", by Ultravox
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Did You Like the Look?
If you were around and "of a certain age" in the Eighties, did you like the New Romantic look and sound?
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Find Out More
- List of New Romantic Artists
- An A-Z catalog of bands classified as "new romantic"
- 80s Music Genres:New Romantics
- New Romantics ,Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet
- New Romantic - New Wave - Alternative/Punk - Music - www.real.com
80s Fan Feedback
ashroc wrote...
i loved the 80's, excellent music, expressive fashion and that big hair!
Posted February 13, 2009
vharodark wrote...
I love 80!
Music... and 1880 best songs:
www.uruguay80s.com.uy
Posted December 13, 2008
funcoolcollectibles wrote...
Another great 80's music lens! Excellent! 5 stars!
Posted November 12, 2008
glowchick wrote...
Love your lens and the music, I will always be a fan of Tears for Fears LOL
Posted November 09, 2008
CrypticFragments wrote...
in reply to dc64 thanks for the comments dc64 and jeffgee , I just joined blip.fm to broadcast my own 80s station!
Posted October 26, 2008
jeffgee wrote...
Love your lens! I love the eighties music and videos as well. i've bookmarked your page.
Posted October 26, 2008
dc64 wrote...
I love new wave, especially Duran Duran, Tears For Fears, and Depeche Mode...I could go on and on. Have you noticed a slight trend towards that type of music coming out? Listen to some of Metro Station!
Posted October 26, 2008
lou16 wrote...
I love the 80s, I was the biggest Spandau fan and my best friend was a huge Duranie......you can imagine our debates!
Posted October 21, 2008
totalhealth wrote...
i was born in early 80's but I just started to appreciate it because one of my friends is really fond of it.
Posted October 20, 2008
JustBon-Crochet-Designs wrote...
Great stuff! Love this music. Lensrolled to my Spandau Ballet Video Showcase and Eurythmics Video Showcase.
Posted October 19, 2008
