08.18.06
The top 19 synthtastic synth riffs of all time!
I have to admit - I’m a shameless sucker for all things synthesized. My favorite synth tracks are the ones where the synthesized melodies are as important (if not moreso) as the vocals. I chose these 19 tracks because I think they’re some of the best examples of how synth can be the musical glue that holds a song together. Some of them are cheesy, some of them are epic, and some of them are just a little bit overdramatic, but I have a soft spot for all of them, and thanks to the magic of the Internet, you can listen to them while you read my obnoxious comments! 
Did I leave any of your favorites off the list? Please feel free to leave your favorite picks in the comments!
Eurythmics - Here Comes the Rain Again
Back in the good old days, when Annie Lennox still looked like a gender-bending dominatrix, the Eurythmics gave us this disco-influenced synth treasure.
Madonna - Into the Groove
Before Evita, before “Sex”, before children and a faux British accent, Madonna was gyrating to synthesized tracks like this. The opening riff is instantly recognizable.
Steve Winwood - Valerie
You know that your song is an under-the-radar electronic hit when it becomes the basis for a club hit by Eric Prydz almost 20 years later. There was clearly something magical that we missed in this song the first time around.
Cyndi Lauper - She Bop
One of the only masturbation anthems in existence, this track has an infectious bass line, and whistling. Need I say more?
Europe - The Final Countdown
DRAMA! This song makes the list because it’s so ridiculously over the top and epic.
Corey Hart - Sunglasses at Night
Fashion faux pas or synth classic? You decide.
New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle
Memorable high-pitched arpeggios and computerized vocals make this New Order track really stand out.
Erasure - Oh L’amour
Even before the French hated our freedom, Erasure’s Vince Clarke wasn’t afraid to pen a happy love song.
Depeche Mode - Just Can’t Get Enough
Another Vince Clarke pre-Erasure composition, this track really shines for its use of warm and distinctive analogue synths.
Pet Shop Boys - It’s a Sin
Never did something so sinful and dramatic feel so right.
a-ha - Take On Me
Most remembered for its cartoon meets real life music video, this song is also a synth gem.
Yaz - Situation
The intro to this track is amazing — listen to how the two synth lines play back and forth between the right and left channels.
Postal Service - Such Great Heights
The most modern example in this line-up, this indie electro favorite has become the basis for several television and radio commercials because of its standout intro.
Nu Shooz - I Can’t Wait
The chorus is so easy to sing with! Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah, ah ah ah ah ah ah. The synthesized vocal “ahs” are clearly more important than any other part of the song.
Van Halen - Jump
Gotta get the rock genre represented here! Just because they’ve got big hair and guitars doesn’t mean that they can’t play with the electronic big boys!
Stevie Nicks - Stand Back
Another famous synth line sampled by Linus Loves on his new album, Stage Invader.
Donna Summer - I Feel Love
Madonna loved the driving bass line to this track so much that she used it as the basis for the opening song of her latest tour.
Animotion - Obsession
Who do you want me to be to make you sleep with me? Preferably, someone who can play they keyboards.
Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Yes, the music video was horrible, but there’s no way that anyone can ignore the great electronic parts of this song.
David said,
October 15, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Hi, just to say I really liked your articles on your site, I hope you do some more, I’m from Dublin, my blog address is above,
David.
jessica said,
December 29, 2006 at 12:36 pm
and you haven’t even updated this one since august!
journey is my ringtone.