The new romantics were the narcissistic children of glam rock. Musically and visually influenced by David Bowie (from the Station to Station and Low era) and Roxy Music, they created a sleek, sexy, synthesized dance pop designed to be fashionably transparent. More than any other post-punk genre, the new romantics relied on style and glamour above all else; they often flaunted an image of the ostentatious '80s via heavy make-up, supermodel girlfriends, over-the-top music videos, and clothing that could best be surmised as excessive. While there were an infinite number of new romantic bands, none of them reached the astronomical popularity of Duran Duran. By 1984, however, the scene had almost entirely burned out.

Notable artists: A Flock of Seagulls, the Human League, Soft Cell, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark