What is New Romantic?
The New Romantic genre is an Era that began in the United Kingdom from the 1970s to the 1980s. While this genre is considered more of a movement, the music that comes with it is a subgenre of synth-pop.
Origins:
The new romantic movement was built as an escape rom the "drabness" of punk as well as a reaction to its anti-fashion Ideals. It is most characterized by glamorous and individualistic style and It carries heavy influences of David Bowie and Roxy musics flamboyant and androgynous characters. This scene emerged from London nightclubs especially within the youth. Around 1983 the movement had slowly dissipated as many of the key aspects had reached mainstream medias which took away from the movements underground aesthetic scene.
Characteristics:
The characteristics of New romantic Music include: Heavy usage of synths, emotional songwriting, danceable rhythms, art pop flair, theatrical, and stylized glamorous visuals.
The difference from synth-pop and New romantic is that New romantic also included the futuristic and polished sounds of new wave with heavier usage of synthesizers and theatrical elements.
Artists / songs:
Duran Duran - Hungry like the wolf
poppy lavish synth melody. Their visuals were also top notch in the new romantic scene.
Dead or Alive - Absolutely nothing
Danceable rhythm and androgynes visuals.
Spandau Ballet - To cut a long story short
Has Emotive lyrics and it has a theatrical feel to it. They launched their career in the Blitz club where the new romantic era was born.
The human league - Don't you want me
Peppy synth melody with a danceable rhythm.
A Flock of seagulls - Space age love song
Emotive lyrics and melody. It also contains stylized glam fashion.
Visage - Fade to Grey
Considered the defining anthem of the new romantic movement. Known to encapsulate the artistic theatrics aspect of the new romantic genre.