The Debate Over the Most Influential Synth Pop/New Wave Song: Cars or Superstition?

Is Cars by Gary Numan truly the most iconic and influential synth pop/new wave song of all time? This question has sparked a debate among music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Will it be Cars, or will Superstition by Stevie Wonder challenge this title? Read on to find out why different proponents of these songs have diverging opinions.

Support for "Cars" by Gary Numan

Many argue that Cars paved a whole new highway for popular music and set the stage for synth pop/new wave tracks that would come after it. Numan's unique sound, particularly with the synths, resonated with many, even at a young age.

"I remember that song from when I was 12-13 years old when it was released. I found it quite unique and impressive with the synthesizers. Nowadays I will bring it up to play on YouTube still enjoy the song today."

Counterarguments to "Cars"

Others argue that the influence of Cars is overestimated, citing the significant influence of Kraftwerk. According to these critics, the roots of synth pop/new wave can be traced back to Kraftwerk's sound concept and styling, particularly their album "Man Machine."

"It's hard to find any more influential group on modern popular music than Kraftwerk."

Kraftwerk is often credited as the source for several modern music genres, including hip-hop, electro, and techno. They set the groundwork that Gary Numan and other later artists built upon.

Alternative Choices: "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

A more balanced opinion comes from those who propose that Superstition by Stevie Wonder should be considered the most influential. While Cars did influence a new era, proponents of this song argue that it introduced the use of synths as a lead instrument and set the stage for future tracks.

"It is true to say that Cars was pretty much the start of the synthpop/new wave era of music. That song definitely set the stage for the songs that would come after it when you consider songs by the Human League and Thompson Twins." - Some Perspective

Fans and critics often overlook Stevie Wonder's Superstition, a track that laid the foundation for the genre with its innovative use of the Synclavier synth. It is a seminal track that paved the way for future synth pop/new wave artists.

Additional Influences and Roots

Some even believe that the roots of synth pop can be traced back to jazz and new age music. In particular, tracks like Tubular Bells from The Exorcist and Oxygen by Michael Jarre played a significant role in popularizing the use of synthesizers in music.

"At the end of the day yes "Cars" was an influential track. When you think of it you are like yea this set the stage for quite a bit of 80’s pop. Those are the type of songs where you do associate with the 80’s. Yes it was very influential but I see other things that also played a role earlier."

Furthermore, Pink Floyd's use of sequencers on "Dark Side of the Moon" also contributed to the widespread acceptance of synths in popular music.

Conclusion

The debate over which song is the most influential in synth pop/new wave is complex and multifaceted. While Cars by Gary Numan is widely recognized for its role in popularizing this genre, Superstition by Stevie Wonder and other tracks from influential artists offer a broader perspective on the origins and evolution of synth pop/new wave.

It is clear that a combination of factors, including individual songs and broader musical trends, collectively shaped the sound of the 80s and beyond. In the end, it is the collective influence that truly defines the iconic and influential nature of synth pop/new wave.