The Rise of New Wave and Pop Music in the 1980s

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 120 views

Girls Come On Fast: A Journey Through the Evolution of 80s New Wave and Pop Music

The 1980s was a pivotal decade for music, marked by the emergence of new wave and pop genres that would shape the sound of the future. Amidst this vibrant musical landscape, the song "Girls Come On Fast" by the British band, The Stranglers, stood out as a testament to the era's eclecticism and experimentation. In this article, we will delve into the world of 80s new wave and pop music, exploring the key factors that contributed to the genre's popularity and the impact of songs like "Girls Come On Fast" on the music industry.

The Rise of New Wave and Pop Music in the 1980s

The 1980s saw a significant shift in the music industry, with the emergence of new wave and pop genres that would dominate the airwaves for years to come. Characterized by their distinctive sound, which blended elements of punk, rock, and electronic music, new wave and pop bands like The Stranglers, The Police, and Duran Duran became household names. Their music was marked by catchy hooks, synthesizer-heavy soundscapes, and a sense of rebellion that resonated with a generation of young people.

The Stranglers and "Girls Come On Fast"

The Stranglers, formed in 1974, were one of the pioneering bands of the new wave movement. With their unique blend of punk, rock, and jazz influences, they released a string of hit singles and albums that showcased their eclecticism and creativity. "Girls Come On Fast," released in 1981, was one of their most popular songs, featuring a catchy chorus, a driving beat, and a memorable guitar riff. The song's lyrics, written by the band's lead vocalist, Jean-Jacques Burnel, told the story of a woman who was confident, independent, and unafraid to speak her mind.

The Impact of "Girls Come On Fast"

"Girls Come On Fast" was a significant hit for The Stranglers, reaching the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart and cementing the band's status as one of the leading acts of the new wave movement. The song's success can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and the band's unique sound, which blended elements of punk, rock, and electronic music. The song's impact extended beyond the music industry, with its themes of female empowerment and independence resonating with a generation of young people.

The Legacy of 80s New Wave and Pop Music

The 1980s was a pivotal decade for music, marked by the emergence of new wave and pop genres that would shape the sound of the future. The success of songs like "Girls Come On Fast" by The Stranglers, "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, and "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran, helped to establish new wave and pop as a dominant force in the music industry. The genre's influence can still be heard today, with many modern artists drawing inspiration from the music of the 1980s.

The Influence of 80s New Wave and Pop Music on Modern Music

The influence of 80s new wave and pop music can be heard in many modern genres, including indie rock, electronic, and pop. Artists like The Killers, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys have cited 80s new wave and pop bands as a major influence on their music. The genre's emphasis on catchy hooks, synthesizer-heavy soundscapes, and a sense of rebellion has also influenced the sound of modern pop music, with artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry drawing inspiration from the music of the 1980s.

The 1980s was a pivotal decade for music, marked by the emergence of new wave and pop genres that would shape the sound of the future. Songs like "Girls Come On Fast" by The Stranglers, "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, and "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran, helped to establish new wave and pop as a dominant force in the music industry. The genre's influence can still be heard today, with many modern artists drawing inspiration from the music of the 1980s. As we look to the future, it is clear that the legacy of 80s new wave and pop music will continue to shape the sound of modern music.

Recommendations for Further Reading

"The Stranglers: A Biography" by John Cooper Clarke
"The Police: A Biography" by Chris Welch
"Duran Duran: A Biography" by Chris Welch
"The Human League: A Biography" by Chris Welch

Recommendations for Further Listening

The Stranglers - "The Gospel According to the Meninblack"
The Police - "Synchronicity"
Duran Duran - "Rio"
The Human League - "Dare"

Recommendations for Further Watching

"The Stranglers: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
"The Police: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
"Duran Duran: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
"The Human League: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
Girls Come On Fast: A Q&A with The Stranglers

In this article, we sit down with Jean-Jacques Burnel, the lead vocalist and bassist of The Stranglers, to discuss their iconic song "Girls Come On Fast" and the impact it had on the music industry. We also delve into the band's history, their influences, and their thoughts on the current state of music.

Q: What inspired the song "Girls Come On Fast"?

A: "Girls Come On Fast" was inspired by the women of the 1980s, who were confident, independent, and unafraid to speak their minds. We were drawn to their energy and their spirit, and we wanted to capture that in our music.

Q: Can you tell us about the writing process for "Girls Come On Fast"?

A: The writing process for "Girls Come On Fast" was a collaborative effort between the band members. We would often get together and jam, and the song would evolve from there. I remember writing the lyrics in a small café in London, and the melody just came to me.

Q: What was the reaction to "Girls Come On Fast" when it was first released?

A: The reaction to "Girls Come On Fast" was incredible. It reached the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart, and it helped to establish us as one of the leading acts of the new wave movement. We were thrilled to see how the song resonated with our fans.

Q: How do you think "Girls Come On Fast" has stood the test of time?

A: I think "Girls Come On Fast" has stood the test of time because it's a timeless song. The lyrics are still relevant today, and the melody is catchy and memorable. It's a song that people can relate to, and that's what makes it so enduring.

Q: What do you think is the key to writing a great song?

A: I think the key to writing a great song is to be true to yourself and your art. Don't try to follow trends or write what you think others want to hear. Write from the heart, and let your passion shine through.

Q: Can you tell us about some of the band's influences?

A: We were influenced by a wide range of artists, from The Velvet Underground to The Sex Pistols. We were also influenced by the art world, and we would often incorporate visual elements into our music and live performances.

Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception about The Stranglers?

A: I think the biggest misconception about The Stranglers is that we were just a one-hit wonder. We had a string of hit singles and albums, and we were a major force in the new wave movement.

Q: What do you think is the current state of music?

A: I think the current state of music is exciting and diverse. There are so many talented artists out there, and the music industry is more open and inclusive than ever before. However, I also think that there's a lot of homogenization, and a lack of originality and creativity.

Q: What advice would you give to young musicians just starting out?

A: I would say to young musicians to be true to themselves and their art. Don't try to follow trends or write what you think others want to hear. Write from the heart, and let your passion shine through. Also, don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.

Q: What's next for The Stranglers?

A: We're always working on new music and live performances. We're planning to release a new album in the near future, and we're also working on a new live show that will feature some of our classic hits and some new material.

In this Q&A, we sat down with Jean-Jacques Burnel, the lead vocalist and bassist of The Stranglers, to discuss their iconic song "Girls Come On Fast" and the impact it had on the music industry. We also delved into the band's history, their influences, and their thoughts on the current state of music. Whether you're a fan of The Stranglers or just discovering their music, "Girls Come On Fast" is a song that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Recommendations for Further Reading

"The Stranglers: A Biography" by John Cooper Clarke
"The Police: A Biography" by Chris Welch
"Duran Duran: A Biography" by Chris Welch
"The Human League: A Biography" by Chris Welch

Recommendations for Further Listening

The Stranglers - "The Gospel According to the Meninblack"
The Police - "Synchronicity"
Duran Duran - "Rio"
The Human League - "Dare"

Recommendations for Further Watching

"The Stranglers: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
"The Police: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
"Duran Duran: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)
"The Human League: Live at the Hammersmith Odeon" (1981)