The Most Iconic SYNTH Riffs of the 80s

The nineteen eighties were a turning point in music history.
It was the decade when the synthesizer stopped being a background instrument and moved to the center of the song. What once felt experimental became iconic. Cold tones, melodic hooks, and hypnotic patterns reshaped rock, pop, and everything in between.

In this video, we explore the most iconic synth riffs of the 80s—the sounds that defined an era and left a permanent mark on music history. These riffs didn’t just introduce songs; they became the songs. With just a few notes, they captured emotions, created atmospheres, and changed the way popular music was written and produced.

From new wave and synth-pop to rock anthems that dared to embrace electronics, the nineteen eighties proved that the synthesizer could be powerful, emotional, and unforgettable. Some of these riffs were subtle and hypnotic, others bold and immediate—but all of them helped shape a decade that still resonates today.

This is not just a countdown.
It’s a journey through ten defining moments where melody, technology, and creativity came together to create timeless music.

If you’re passionate about classic rock, pop history, and the stories behind legendary songs, Rock Vault is your place. Here, we preserve and explore the sounds that built modern music—one riff, one song, one era at a time.

TOP – The Most Iconic Synth Riffs of the 80s

Ten. "Just Can’t Get Enough" by Depeche Mode
Nine. "Save a Prayer" by Duran Duran
Eight. "Don’t You Want Me" by The Human League
Seven. "Big in Japan" by Alphaville
Six. "Jump" by Van Halen
Five. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics
Four. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears
Three. "The Final Countdown" by Europe
Two. "Take On Me" by a-ha
One. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson

Why the Synthesizer Defined the 80s

The rise of affordable synthesizers allowed artists to experiment with new textures and structures. What began as a futuristic sound quickly became the heartbeat of an entire generation. These riffs crossed genres, broke expectations, and proved that technology could enhance emotion rather than replace it.

Decades later, these synth lines remain instantly recognizable. They continue to influence modern music, film soundtracks, and pop culture—proof that great ideas never fade.

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This video is made for educational, documentary, and commentary purposes only. All audio excerpts, images, and music clips remain the property of their respective copyright owners. No copyright infringement is intended. The use of copyrighted material is believed to fall under fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.