5 Up-and-coming Bands that Deserved More Recognition
New wave music emerged in the late ’70s with the likes of Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, and Joe Jackson before being redefined in the ’80s by artists such as the Cars, Roxy Music, Gary Numan, and Talking Heads. As the new decade unfolded, the advent of MTV brought a wave of newly crowned stars to the scene. However, much like radio, MTV had a tendency to create one-hit wonders. The emphasis on music videos led to a novelty approach, resulting in some songs and acts coming across as overly jokey or not standing the test of time.
In the rush to sign, record, and promote the next big thing on airwaves, some talented performers were left behind. This trend was reminiscent of the radio era where promising artists were overshadowed. Despite their potential, certain new wave acts failed to gain the recognition they deserved due to circumstances or lack of support.
Among these overlooked acts were Missing Persons, whose singles “Words” and “Destination Unknown” did not achieve significant success in 1982. Despite singer Dale Bozzio’s eccentric style, the band had deep musical talent and underrated tracks. Similarly, Lloyd Cole struggled to cross over in America after finding success in the UK with four top 20 albums. Siouxsie and the Banshees, emerging from the punk scene, faced challenges in defining their unique sound for American audiences. Prefab Sprout, known for their catchy and compassionate music, stayed under the radar in the US despite British popularity.
One of the most intriguing cases was Talk Talk, initially labeled as a synth-pop band after “It’s My Life.” However, their restless creativity led them to experiment with jazz and art rock, paving the way for the post-rock movement embraced by artists like Radiohead. Mark Hollis’ visionary approach marked a departure from the typical synth-pop sound, propelling Talk Talk into a realm of music that defied categorization.
While these five new wave bands fell short of mainstream success, their contributions to the genre were substantial and enduring. Despite facing challenges, they left an indelible mark on the music landscape and continue to be appreciated by dedicated fans for their innovative and influential work.