4 Rare 80s Albums [part 121] Aor, New Wave Today

The 1980s were a goldmine for "one-and-done" acts and regional bands that combined high-gloss production with the raw energy of the synthesizer revolution. In this 121st installment of our deep dive into forgotten gems, we look at four albums that bridge the gap between polished and the moody textures of New Wave . 1. Alliance – Alliance (1982)

Should we dive deeper into the of the S.D.I. album, or 4 Rare 80s Albums [Part 121] AOR, New Wave

Before they achieved minor mainstream success later in the decade, Figures on a Beach released Swimming , an album that perfectly encapsulates the "Detroit New Wave" scene. It is darker and more experimental than your standard radio fare. There’s a distinct post-punk grit beneath the melodic synth lines, making it feel more urgent and "street" than the polished AOR coming out of Los Angeles at the time. It’s atmospheric, slightly paranoid, and brilliantly composed. The 1980s were a goldmine for "one-and-done" acts