Most Trending Post-Punk Songs from the Last 6 Months, updated on Nov 2,2024

Your Favorite Post-Punk on RadioVideo.Music

  • Punk rock is raw, minimalist, and often provocative, while post-punk aims to be more complex, incorporating elements of funk, reggae, dub, and more, all while retaining the energy and rebellious spirit.
  • On RadioVideo.Music, 338 songs are tagged “Post-Punk.” Among them, 3 have over one fifty million views on YouTube, and 25 have over ten millions.
  • Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are Joy Division‘s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” The B 52’s’s “Love Shack,” Talking Heads‘s “Once in a Lifetime,” New Order‘s “True Faith,” and The Psychedelic Furs‘s “Love My Way.”
  • As everyone knows, the genre is still popular today. We have ranked the 20 “Post-Punk” songs with the highest engagement growth over the last 6 months.
  • Here they are below in descending order of growth.

Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly.

1 . Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place [Naive Melody]

Characterized by a hypnotic and repetitive groove, "This Must Be the Place [Naive Melody]" by Talking Heads was released in 1983. The song features a minimalist melody based on an ostinato that lasts the entire track, hence the "Naive Melody" subtitle. The band is joined by guitarist Alex Weir, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and percussionist Steve Scales. Featured in the concert film "Stop Making Sense" by Jonathan Demme, where David Byrne dances with a lamp, reminiscent of Fred Astaire in "Royal Wedding."

The music video is directed by David Byrne.

Writer(s) : Christopher Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Martina Weymouth Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc, Wc Music Corp
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, art punk, dance rock, funk rock, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, rock, zolo

Featured on the 1983 album Speaking in Tongues

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°532 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

30.57% / 1.37%

2 . XTC - Mayor Of Simpleton

In XTC's "The Mayor of Simpleton," Andy Partridge weaves an energetic pop-rock sound with 60s influences, particularly the jangle of The Byrds. Driven by a dynamic bassline, the track contrasts its upbeat melodies with lyrics reflecting the narrator’s intellectual insecurities. Despite his self-professed simplicity, he asserts the depth and sincerity of his feelings. Staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the song strips away pretensions, revealing the purity of human emotion through an infectious, high-energy arrangement.

Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic, Pop,alternative rock, art punk, art rock, beatlesque, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, post-punk, power pop, uk post-punk, zolo

Featured on the 1989 album Oranges & Lemons

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°539 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

25.94% / 1.38%

3 . Talking Heads - Love for Sale

Produced by David Byrne, "Love for Sale" by Talking Heads critiques the commercialization of love in a consumer society, echoing the importance of media in modern culture. Notable for its parody of popular advertising tropes, the satirical message is reinforced by the music video, featured in the film "True Stories," starring Swoosie Kurtz.

The music video is directed by David Byrne & Melvin Sokolsky.

Writer(s) : David Byrne Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, art punk, dance rock, funk rock, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, rock, zolo

Featured on the 1986 album True Stories

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°595 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

19.54% / 0.41%

4 . The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Released in 1986, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths evokes the desire for romantic escapism and the yearning for transcendent love. The song has become an anthem for fans, especially for its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody. "And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die"—a line unlikely appreciated by public transit authorities. The producer, John Porter, has also worked with artists like Billy Bragg and The Alarm.

The music video is directed by Derek Jarman.

Writer(s) : Steven Patrick Morrissey, Johnny Marr Publisher(s) : Artemis Muziekuitgeverij B V, Marr Songs Ltd (Gb)
Genres : Rock,madchester, new wave, permanent wave, rock, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1986 album The Queen Is Dead

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'L'Amour Toujours' N°445 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

17.81% / 1.60%

5 . Captain Sensible - Wot

"Wot" is a 1982 single by Captain Sensible, whose real name is Raymond Burns, and who was the bassist for the British punk band The Damned, known for his red beret. The song stands out for its humor and its blend of punk and pop, highlighted by a very funky and disco bass line.

The music video is directed by Chris Gabrin.

Writer(s) : Raymond Ian Burns Publisher(s) : Rock Music Co Ltd
Genres : ,punk rock, new wave, post-punk

Featured on the 1982 album Women and Captains First

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°232 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

11.20% / 0.47%

6 . Killing Joke - America

"America" by Killing Joke, released in 1988, is a scathing critique of American culture. The British band, led by Jaz Coleman, uses a blend of post-punk and industrial metal to convey its message. The music video reinforces the anti-American message with provocative imagery.

Writer(s) : Kevin Walker, Jeremy Coleman Publisher(s) : E G Music Ltd (Gb 1)
Genres : Rock,gothic rock, industrial rock, new wave, post-punk, punk, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1988 album Outside the Gate

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°160 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

9.42% / 0.69%

7 . The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet

Famous for its catchy guitar riff and lyrics about love and/or addiction, "Another Girl, Another Planet" by The Only Ones, led by Peter Perrett, was released in 1978. The song has been featured in several films, including "That Summer!" (1979), "Different for Girls" (1996), "Me Without You" (2001), "D.E.B.S." (2004), "Paul" (2011), and "Her Smell" (2018).

Writer(s) : Peter Albert Neil Perrett Publisher(s) : Complete Music Ltd
Genres : Rock,mod revival, protopunk, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1978 album The Only Ones

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'We Are Live' N°11 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

16.36% / 1.68%

8 . New Order - World In Motion

Released in 1990 to support the England football team during the World Cup, "World in Motion" is a song by New Order. Produced by Stephen Hague, it includes vocal contributions from comedian Keith Allen and players from the national team, notably John Barnes. The track was a commercial success and remains a popular sports anthem.

The music video is directed by Philip Shotton.

Writer(s) : Peter Hook, Bernard Dickin, Stephen Paul David Morris, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Keith William Allen Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Vitalturn Co Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, dance rock, madchester, new romantic, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, synthpop, uk post-punk

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Look Ma, No Mike!' N°46 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

12.08% / -0.49%

9 . Echo & The Bunnymen - Nothing Lasts Forever

Revitalizing the band's career after a hiatus and lineup changes, "Nothing Lasts Forever," released in 1997, is a single by Echo & The Bunnymen. The song reflects themes of impermanence and the passage of time, with a melancholic yet upbeat melody.

The music video is directed by Norman Watson.

Writer(s) : Ian Stephen Mcculloch, William Sergeant, Leslie Thomas Pattinson Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, new romantic, new wave, permanent wave, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1997 album Evergreen

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°430 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

12.02% / 0.95%

10 . The House Of Love - Shine On

With lyrics evoking a sense of loneliness and a search for comfort, "Shine On" is a 1987 single by The House of Love that stands out for its shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals. The band, formed by Guy Chadwick and Terry Bickers, is often cited as a major influence on the shoegaze scene.

Writer(s) : Bengt Magnus Alexander Bard, Anders Erik Hansson Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Universal Mca Music Scand Ab, Universal Music Publishing International Ltd, Eclectic Music
Genres : Pop, Rock,britpop, c86, dream pop, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1990 album The House of Love

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'We Are Live' N°11 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

11.86% / 1.29%

11 . New Order - Blue Monday '88

"Blue Monday '88" is a reissue of the iconic New Order single originally released in 1983. This version, remixed by Quincy Jones, modernizes the sound while retaining the original's signature elements, including its innovative use of drum machines and synthesizers.

The music video is directed by Robert Breer.

Writer(s) : Bernard Dickin, Stephen Paul David Morris, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Peter Hook Publisher(s) : Vitalturn Co Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, dance rock, madchester, new romantic, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, synthpop, uk post-punk

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°99 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

11.45% / 0.42%

12 . Talking Heads - And She Was

Known for its surreal lyrics and catchy melody, "And She Was" is a 1985 single by Talking Heads, describing a hallucinogenic experience of a young woman. The music video uses a combination of animation and live-action to illustrate the song's dreamy and surreal themes.

The music video is directed by Jim Blashfield.

Writer(s) : Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Christopher Frantz, David Byrne Publisher(s) : Wb Music Corp., Index Music Inc
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, art punk, dance rock, funk rock, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, rock, zolo

Featured on the 1985 album Little Creatures

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°108 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

11.37% / 0.78%

13 . Orange Juice - Rip It Up

Known for its funky guitar riff inspired by Chic's "Good Times," "Rip It Up" by Orange Juice, released in 1983, is notable for its innovative use of a Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, which later became a staple of acid house music. Produced by Martin Hayles, the song reached the UK Top 10, marking a turning point for the band and its lead singer Edwyn Collins.

Writer(s) : Edwyn Collins Publisher(s) : Universal Island Music Limited
Genres : Rock,scottish new wave, scottish rock, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1982 album Rip It Up

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°153 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

10.62% / 0.59%

14 . Talking Heads - Blind

"Blind" by Talking Heads, released in 1988, addresses political and social issues, with lyrics by David Byrne critiquing blindness to violence, fear, and civil instability. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, who has also worked with U2 and The Rolling Stones, "Blind" combines afro-funk rhythms and alternative rock. The music video satirizes American politics, showing Americans enthusiastically electing a wrench to power, only to later overthrow it.

The music video is directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton.

Writer(s) : Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Christopher Frantz, David Byrne Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, art punk, dance rock, funk rock, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, rock, zolo

Featured on the 1988 album Naked

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°217 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

10.59% / 0.80%

15 . XTC - Senses Working Overtime

Produced by Hugh Padgham, known for his work with Genesis and The Police, "Senses Working Overtime" by XTC, released in 1982, combines rock and pop with inventive lyrics and is one of the band’s biggest hits.

The music video is directed by Brian Grant.

Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic, Pop,alternative rock, art punk, art rock, beatlesque, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, post-punk, power pop, uk post-punk, zolo

Featured on the 1982 album English Settlement

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'We Are Live' N°7 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

10.39% / 0.72%

16 . New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle

Evoking confused and intense feelings related to a complex romantic relationship, "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order, released in 1986, is a classic synth-pop track. Known for its innovative use of the Fairlight synthesizer, a cutting-edge instrument at the time, the song stands out for its catchy refrain. The iconic music video features images of people falling and has boosted the song's popularity, being featured in several films, including "Pretty in Pink" by John Hughes.

The music video is directed by Gretchen Bender, Robert Longo.

Writer(s) : Peter Hook, Bernard Dickin, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Stephen Paul David Morris Publisher(s) : Vitalturn Co Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, dance rock, madchester, new romantic, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, synthpop, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1986 album Brotherhood

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'L'Amour Toujours' N°454 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

10.37% / 0.65%

17 . Siouxsie & The Banshees - Dazzle

With poetic and surreal lyrics addressing themes of beauty and disillusionment, "Dazzle," released in 1984, is an orchestral track by Siouxsie & The Banshees, produced by Mike Hedges and the band. The song incorporates string arrangements by Martin McCarrick, adding an epic dimension to the group's characteristic post-punk sound.

The music video is directed by Tim Pope.

Writer(s) : Peter Edward Clarke, Robert James Smith, Siouxsie, Steven Severin Publisher(s) : Domino Publishing Company Limited, Fiction Songs Ltd, Dreamhouse Music (Gb)
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, dream pop, new romantic, new wave, post-punk, punk, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1984 album Hyaena

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Look Ma, No Mike!' N°45 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

10.04% / 0.86%

18 . Talking Heads - The Lady Don't Mind

Exploring themes of emotional detachment and disillusionment, "The Lady Don't Mind" is a 1985 song by Talking Heads. This pop-rock track features an infectious melody and enigmatic lyrics by David Byrne.

The music video is directed by Jim Jarmusch.

Writer(s) : David Byrne, Christopher Frantz, Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison Publisher(s) : Bleu Disque Music Co Inc
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, art punk, dance rock, funk rock, new wave, permanent wave, post-punk, rock, zolo

Featured on the 1985 album Little Creatures

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°400 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

10.00% / 0.72%

19 . Siouxsie & The Banshees - Spellbound

Produced by Nigel Gray, also known for his work with The Police, "Spellbound" by Siouxsie & The Banshees, released in 1981, is an energetic post-punk track. The song features a distinctive guitar riff that has influenced many musicians, including The Smiths and Radiohead, and Siouxsie Sioux's powerful vocals. The lyrics evoke themes of magic and mystery, contributing to the song's enchanting atmosphere.

The music video is directed by Clive Richardson.

Writer(s) : Sioux, Steven John Bailey, John Alexander Mcgeoch, Budgie Publisher(s) : Bmg Rights Management Uk Limited, Domino Publishing Company Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, dream pop, new romantic, new wave, post-punk, punk, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1981 album Juju

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' N°175 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

9.86% / 0.79%

20 . The The - Heartland

The The’s "Heartland" steps into a darker, politically charged realm. Released in 1986, the track presents a biting critique of Thatcher-era Britain, set against a backdrop of rich instrumentation blending rock, folk, and blues. The rare use of harmonica in the melody adds a layer of depth as Matt Johnson’s lyrics dissect urban decay, widening social inequalities, and political disillusionment. With lines like "This is the 51st state of the USA," the song examines the perceived Americanization of British politics, highlighting the capitalist system’s failings and its impact on the working class.

Writer(s) : Matthew William M. Johnson Publisher(s) : Complete Music Ltd
Genres : Rock,new romantic, new wave, post-punk, uk post-punk

Featured on the 1986 album Infected

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'We Are Live' N°81 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

9.22% / 1.26%

ABOUT POST-PUNK

What is Post-Punk

Post-punk emerges in the late 1970s following the punk rock movement. While punk rock is known for its raw, minimalist, and provocative style, post-punk is characterized by its experimentation and sonic complexity.

Post-punk bands incorporate elements from various musical styles, such as funk, reggae, and dub, and employed innovative production techniques, resulting in a more elaborate and atmospheric sound.

Instrumentation & Production

Post-punk is defined by its varied instrumentation that extends beyond the traditional guitar-bass-drums setup. Guitars are used texturally with effects like delay, reverb, and chorus to create rich soundscapes. The bass plays a central, melodic role, guiding tracks with distinctive lines. Drums add complex percussive elements, and synthesizers enrich the sound palette with electronic, dub, and funk influences.

Post-punk artists explore new production techniques and unconventional approaches, including ambient noises, sound collage, and studio manipulations.

Post-punk: The Songs

Post-punk offers elaborate melodies and arrangements with tempo changes, unusual time signatures, and sophisticated chords. The overall atmosphere tends to be dark, introspective, and often melancholic.

Post-punk lyrics are deeper and more reflective, addressing complex themes. Lyrics often deal with individual and social alienation, offering a critical view of modern society. Themes of urbanization and urban life, with its oppressive aspects, are common. Personal introspection and the exploration of human emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and the search for meaning, are also major subjects. These poetic and symbolic lyrics add an intellectual and emotional dimension to post-punk music.

Post-punk: Influences on Fashion and Visual Arts

Post-punk exerts a significant influence on fashion. The look is characterized by dark, often black clothing, using materials like leather and vinyl. The gothic movement, partly emerging from post-punk, develops its own distinct style, influencing both alternative and mainstream fashion.

Post-punk impacts numerous films of the 80s and 90s, often through soundtracks. Directors like David Lynch incorporate post-punk music to create dark and dreamlike atmospheres in their works.

Many post-punk music videos are avant-garde and artistic, influencing the production and direction of music videos. The use of surreal imagery and special effects paves the way for more creative and experimental video productions.

ADJACENT GENRES

  • new wave
  • alternative rock
  • new romantic
  • permanent wave
  • punk
  • madchester
  • dream pop
  • dance rock
  • art punk
  • shoegaze
  • c86
  • gothic rock
  • new wave pop
  • zolo
  • synthpop
  • industrial rock
  • noise pop

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