1979… The Rise of New Wave!  

As the 1970s were ending, the music scene was on the brink of a significant transformation. The raw energy of punk rock had disrupted the status quo, and disco was enjoying its final moments of mainstream dominance. Amidst this evolving landscape, a new genre emerged, blending elements of punk, pop, and electronic music to create a sound that was fresh, innovative, and undeniably catchy. This genre was new wave, and 1979 was a pivotal year for its breakthrough. This article explores some of the defining new wave tracks of that year, examining how they helped shape the sound of the 1980s and beyond. 

 

Blondie: “Heart of Glass” 

Few bands encapsulate the essence of new wave as perfectly as Blondie. Fronted by the charismatic Debbie Harry, Blondie had already made a name for themselves with hits like “Denis” and “One Way or Another.” However, it was their 1979 single “Heart of Glass” that truly propelled them into the stratosphere. 

“Heart of Glass” was a radical departure from Blondie’s earlier punk-infused sound. Incorporating elements of disco, rock, and electronic music, the track featured a pulsating beat, shimmering synths, and Harry’s sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics, which deal with themes of heartbreak and disillusionment, resonated with a wide audience, while its innovative production techniques set it apart from anything else on the charts at the time. 

Produced by Mike Chapman, “Heart of Glass” was initially met with skepticism by some of Blondie’s punk purist fans. However, its infectious melody and danceable rhythm quickly won over listeners, reaching number one in both the US and UK charts. The song’s success marked a turning point for Blondie and established them as pioneers of the new wave movement. 

 

The Knack: “My Sharona” 

If any song can be credited with bringing new wave to mainstream America, it’s “My Sharona” by The Knack. Released in June 1979, the track became an instant sensation, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and becoming the best-selling single of the year in the US. 

“My Sharona” is driven by a catchy, staccato guitar riff played by lead guitarist Berton Averre, which is immediately recognizable from the first few notes. Doug Fieger’s energetic vocals and the song’s infectious chorus made it a radio staple. The track’s lyrics, inspired by Fieger’s real-life girlfriend Sharona Alperin, added a personal touch that resonated with listeners. 

The Knack’s combination of power pop melodies and punk-influenced energy encapsulated the new wave ethos. “My Sharona” was not just a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the transition from the 1970s to the 1980s. Its influence can still be heard in the power pop and rock music that followed. 

 

Gary Numan: “Cars” 

One of the most distinctive and enduring tracks of the new wave era is “Cars” by Gary Numan. Released in August 1979, “Cars” was a groundbreaking song that showcased the potential of electronic music in a rock context. It became a major hit, reaching number one in the UK and number nine in the US. 

“Cars” features a minimalist, futuristic sound characterized by its use of synthesizers and drum machines. Numan’s detached, robotic vocals add to the track’s otherworldly atmosphere, while the driving bassline and repetitive melody create a sense of urgency and tension. The song’s lyrics, which reflect themes of isolation and technology, were a stark contrast to the more conventional rock lyrics of the time. 

Gary Numan’s innovative approach to music production and his use of synthesizers were highly influential, paving the way for the synth-pop movement of the 1980s. “Cars” remains a touchstone of new wave music, and its impact can be seen in the work of countless electronic and pop artists who followed. 

 

Talking Heads: “Life During Wartime” 

Talking Heads, led by the enigmatic David Byrne, were one of the most influential bands of the new wave era. Their 1979 album Fear of Music included the standout track “Life During Wartime,” which encapsulated the band’s unique blend of art rock, punk, and funk. 

“Life During Wartime” features a driving, syncopated rhythm and Byrne’s distinctive, jittery vocals. The song’s lyrics, filled with dystopian imagery and a sense of paranoia, reflect the tense political climate of the late 1970s. Lines like “This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around” became iconic, capturing the disillusionment and uncertainty of the era. 

The innovative use of rhythm and texture in “Life During Wartime” set Talking Heads apart from their contemporaries. The song’s fusion of different musical styles exemplified the experimental spirit of new wave, and its influence can be seen in the work of later bands like R.E.M. and Radiohead. 

 

The B-52’s: “Rock Lobster” 

The B-52’s brought a sense of fun and irreverence to the new wave movement with their quirky, offbeat style. Their 1979 single “Rock Lobster” became an underground hit, capturing the imagination of listeners with its surreal lyrics and infectious energy. 

“Rock Lobster” features a jangly guitar riff, danceable beat, and the playful vocal interplay between Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. The song’s whimsical lyrics, filled with bizarre imagery of underwater parties and dancing crustaceans, exemplify the B-52’s’ unique approach to music. 

Despite its unconventional sound, “Rock Lobster” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of college radio. The song’s success helped to establish The B-52’s as one of the most distinctive bands of the new wave era and demonstrated that there was a place for humor and eccentricity in popular music. 

 

The Police: “Message in a Bottle” 

The Police, fronted by the charismatic Sting, were one of the most commercially successful bands of the new wave era. Their 1979 single “Message in a Bottle” showcased their distinctive blend of rock, punk, and reggae influences, becoming one of their signature songs. 

“Message in a Bottle” features a driving, reggae-influenced rhythm, intricate guitar work by Andy Summers, and Sting’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a castaway’s message of desperation and eventual hope, resonated with listeners and showcased Sting’s talent for storytelling. 

The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and breaking into the top 40 in the US. Its enduring popularity has made it a staple of The Police’s live performances and a classic of the new wave genre. The band’s innovative fusion of different musical styles helped to expand the boundaries of rock music and influenced countless artists in the decades that followed. 

 

The Cure: “Boys Don’t Cry” 

The Cure, led by the enigmatic Robert Smith, emerged as one of the most influential bands of the new wave and post-punk movements. Their 1979 single “Boys Don’t Cry” is a seminal track that encapsulates their early sound and lyrical themes. 

“Boys Don’t Cry” features jangly guitars, a catchy melody, and Smith’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics, which deal with themes of emotional repression and vulnerability, struck a chord with listeners and helped to establish The Cure’s reputation for introspective and emotive songwriting. 

Although “Boys Don’t Cry” was not an immediate commercial success, it has since become one of The Cure’s most beloved songs and a defining track of the new wave era. Its influence can be seen in the work of later alternative and indie bands, cementing The Cure’s legacy as pioneers of the genre. 

 

Joy Division: “Transmission” 

Joy Division, led by the enigmatic Ian Curtis, were one of the most influential bands of the post-punk and new wave movements. Their 1979 single “Transmission” is a seminal track that encapsulates their dark, atmospheric sound and lyrical depth. 

“Transmission” features a driving bassline, angular guitar riffs, and Curtis’s haunting vocals. The song’s lyrics, which reflect themes of alienation and despair, resonated with listeners and showcased Joy Division’s unique approach to songwriting. 

 

While “Transmission” did not achieve significant commercial success at the time of its release, it has since become one of Joy Division’s most iconic songs. The band’s influence on the post-punk and new wave genres is profound, and their music continues to inspire artists and fans around the world. 

 

Elvis Costello: “Oliver’s Army” 

Elvis Costello emerged as one of the most prolific and critically acclaimed songwriters of the new wave era. His 1979 single “Oliver’s Army,” from the album Armed Forces, is a politically charged track that showcases his sharp wit and incisive lyrics. 

“Oliver’s Army” features a catchy, piano-driven melody and Costello’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics, which address the issue of British military involvement in Northern Ireland, are both poignant and provocative. The line “And I would rather be anywhere else but here today” captures the sense of disillusionment and frustration that was prevalent at the time. 

The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the UK charts and becoming one of Costello’s most enduring hits. Its blend of pop sensibility and political commentary exemplifies the new wave ethos and highlights Costello’s talent for crafting thought-provoking music. 

 

The Legacy of 1979’s New Wave Hits 

The new wave tracks of 1979 represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music. Artists like Blondie, The Knack, Gary Numan, and Talking Heads pushed the boundaries of rock and pop, blending elements of punk, electronic, and experimental music to create a sound that was both innovative and accessible. These songs not only defined the sound of the late 1970s but also laid the groundwork for the music of the 1980s and beyond. These breakthrough tracks continue to inspire and captivate listeners, proving that great music transcends time and remains relevant across generations. The legacy of 1979’s new wave hits is a testament to the enduring power of music to innovate, challenge, and connect.