Alphaville Essentials

Taking their name from French cinema’s La Nouvelle Vague, German synth pop group Alphaville rode the crest of music’s New Wave in the '80s with indelible hits like “Big in Japan” and “Forever Young”. Lush arrangements and romantic futurism — added to Marian Gold’s full-hearted vocals — belie cutting lyrics (‘Are you gonna drop the bomb or not?’) that reflect the reality of a world divided. Since the walls came down, Alphaville have continued to explore a brave new world — adding guitar shred (“Romeos”) and, lately, modern funk (“Heartbreak City”) to their irresistibly danceable sound.