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The stories behind 13 synth-pop classics, from New Order to Kraftwerk

Synthesisers have played a key role in the story of pop — and in the songs covered in our Life of a Song series

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Blue Monday — New Order’s track was a watershed moment in British pop
Are ‘Friends’ Electric? — Gary Numan’s 1979 hit was driven by synths and sci-fi
Reflecting its writer’s sense of isolation, the Tubeway Army track went on to have a fruitful afterlife
Tainted Love defined synth-pop — but started as a 1960s soul B-side
Marc Almond heard Gloria Jones’s version by chance — and Soft Cell’s 1981 multimillion-seller was born
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) — how a drum machine helped create Eurythmics’ biggest hit
The duo were experimenting with electronica when they came up with the 1983 track’s distinctive rhythm and synth riff
Popcorn — Gershon Kingsley’s 1969 tune was a Moog breakthrough
The songwriter used the new synthesiser as a showcase for a track that still resonates today
It’s a Sin — pure pop provocation from the Pet Shop Boys
The duo’s singer Neil Tennant says the aim of their 1987 hit was to go ‘mega-Catholic’

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