Cue the neon lights and crank up that boombox—because the legends of the 80’s alternative and New Wave scene like Depeche Mode are still serving up fresh tunes and nostalgic vibes! Last article we discussed albums of new material from our 80’s artists. This time we’ll delve into singles, live albums and cover albums.
Depeche Mode: Still the Kings of Synth
When Depeche Mode drops new music, it’s like the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics—an event you don’t want to miss. In October, they released “In the End”, featured in their film Depeche Mode: M and later included on the live album Memento Mori: Mexico City.
This album is a treasure chest spanning D-Mode’s 40+ year career:
- 24 live tracks
- 4 unreleased gems, including the haunting “Survive” which I really like
Verdict? Totally awesome. Put it on your playlist—stat! I saw Depeche Mode in Dallas on the Memento Mori tour. Of course, they were great as always.
The The: Matt Johnson Goes Cinematic
So is it “thuh thuh” or “thee thee” or “thee thuh”? Well whatever, Matt Johnson, the mastermind behind The The, dropped two singles—“Unrequited” and “Live and Let Live”—as a teaser for his upcoming soundtrack to Odyssey. Indeed, Johnson has become a film-score wizard over the years, kind of like a mini Danny Elfman (minus the Oingo Boingo theatrics).
Haircut 100: Oh Yeah, They’re Back!
Remember 1982 when Haircut 100 burst on the scene like the Kool-Aid Man running through a kitchen wall with “Love Plus One”? OH YEAH! After 40 years, they’re back with a new album coming soon in 2026. It’s kind of like finding your favourite shirts after 40 years.
Their new single “Dynamite” is pure New Wave magic:
- Catchy hooks
- Horns galore
- And yes, “it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it” (thanks, American Bandstand).
Personal Note: I used to tell folks at my Texas winery that I was Haircut 100’s touring xylophone player in the late 80’s and 90’s. Totally bogus, but hey—it made for a great story. They’ve toured with Howard Jones the last few years. Hopefully, they come to Dallas on tour in 2026.
JoBoxers: Lucky Again
Jo Boxers returned with “A Thorn in My Side”, sounding like it time-traveled straight from 1983. They are another band who had nearly a 40-year hiatus. Speaking of JoBoxers, I just got lucky and I scored their debut album Like Gangbusters in a bargain bin at County Line Records. Furthermore, my son won an Eric Church box set that day and sprinted to the counter like a contestant on The Price Is Right. Certainly, Bob Barker would’ve been proud.
Heaven 17: Funky and Fresh
After a nine-year break (not 40 like our last few artists), Heaven 17 dropped “There’s Something About You”, packed with their signature electronic drums and funky grooves. They’re touring the UK with OMD this summer—fingers crossed they bring that synth party stateside. If so, I won’t be able to resist the temptation to ask my wife if she’ll let me go (let me go)!
Punk’s Not Dead: Buzzcocks & The Damned
For the punk purists. Get what’s left of that hair spiked up and see if that leather jacket still fits:
- Buzzcocks released “The Queen of the Scene”, teasing their upcoming album.
- The Damned dropped “There’s a Ghost in My House”, featuring drummer Rat Scabies (YIKES!!)—recording with the band for the first time in 40 years! This one’s from an upcoming covers album. Neat neat neat.
Cover Queens: Susanna, Belinda & Chrissie
- Susanna Hoffs (yes, the Bangles crush of every 80’s teen) covered “Happy Together” and “Love Hurts”. Both are way better than her movie The Allnighter—trust me. Should have just bought the movie poster with her in a bikini instead of wasting the money on a movie ticket.
- Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go’s released Once Upon a Time in California, inspired by AM radio classics. Highlights: “Never My Love” and “Get Together”.
- Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders dropped Duets Special, pairing up with legends like Dave Gahan and Debbie Harry. In other words, pure 80’s gold. Pure 80’s gold.
- One of the songs on this album is a cover of “First of the Gang to Die” by Morrissey which seems fitting as he recorded a great version of “Back on The Chain Gang” on his album Low in High School. All these gangs just bring back images of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” music video which was the biggest gang-fight-dance-off of all time. “You ain’t bad, you ain’t nothing. You ain’t nothing!”
Personal Note: I once saw Belinda Carlisle at a George H.W. Bush rally in 1988 alongside Chuck Norris and Charlton Heston. Talk about a random 80’s fever dream. That was the year of George Bush for me. He came to my high school in the spring and one of the presidential debates was at my university (UCLA) that fall.
The More You Know
That’s a wrap on 2025’s releases from our beloved 80’s icons. Got a favorite track or album from this year? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the conversation as lively as a John Hughes soundtrack. I’m still pushing for SiriusXM to have a station (Next Wave) or a show with songs from our favorite 80’s New Wave artists that they’ve released over the last 30+ years. Lots of great stuff there.
