Permanent Wave

Permanent Wave, a genre that emerged in the late 1970s and flourished in the 1980s, is characterized by its blend of post-punk's introspection, new wave's artiness, and classic rock's anthemic grandeur. Defined by soaring vocal melodies, driving rhythms, and textured guitar work, Permanent Wave music often explores themes of social disillusionment, personal struggle, and romantic angst. The genre's heyday coincided with the rise of MTV and the commercialization of alternative rock, allowing its introspective and emotionally charged sound to resonate with a wide audience. Permanent Wave's cultural significance lies in its ability to capture the mood of a generation, speaking to the anxieties and aspirations of post-punk youth. While drawing from punk's energy and new wave's eclecticism, Permanent Wave's distinctive sound is marked by its use of atmospheric keyboards, sweeping guitar arpeggios, and a willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures. This fusion of influences and sensibilities has influenced a broad range of subsequent genres, from Britpop to indie rock.

Latest Permanent Wave Release
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Time Flies... 1994-2009 (Remastered)
Album - 26 Tracks - Released June 13, 2025
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Coldplay
Oasis
Green Day
The Smiths
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Top Playlists
WYEP's Weekly Mix 17 Permanent Wave artists
Echoes of the Ages: A Melodic Voyage Through Time 16 Permanent Wave artists
80s HITS - 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s 15 Permanent Wave artists
80s HITS | TOP 100 SONGS 15 Permanent Wave artists
Garbage Top Radio 15 Permanent Wave artists
Weird music for weirdos 15 Permanent Wave artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 89 Permanent Wave artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 3,549 releases .

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  1. June 13, 2025
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