Y
1981
1981 in British Music
MTV launches, synths dominate, and new romantic excess defines the look.
Key Events
- •The Human League's Dare released — 'Don't You Want Me' becomes synthpop anthem
- •Duran Duran's debut — new romantic style conquers teen bedrooms worldwide
- •Adam and the Ants' 'Stand and Deliver' and 'Prince Charming' define a uniquely British pop moment
Dominant Genres
SynthpopNew RomanticNew WaveHeavy Metal
Notable Trends
- →Video killed the radio star — image becomes as important as sound
- →British synth duos (Soft Cell, Yazoo, OMD) reshape pop
- →The 'second British invasion' of US charts begins