The Best Post-punk Bands
Emerging following the punk rock explosion, post punk-bands were a response to that initial movement. Known as a bit more experimental and an artistic brand of punk rock, post-punk mixes classic punk with an assortment of other genres to create a sound that is still memorable today. The best American post-punk bands emerged in the late 1970s and early '80s, and many of these post-punk groups still retain a strong following and remain popular today. In fact, this wave of post-punk is considered the fore-bearer and influencer of genres like alternative music, goth rock and industrial music.
That being said, who are the best post-punk musicians of all time? Any list of post-punk artists must include the names New Order, The Cure, Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Siouxsie & The Banshees.
This list answers the questions "who are the best post-punk bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest post-punk musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music (albums and songs) instead of just voting for the most popular post-punk bands or famous acts that you might've heard of.
Joy Division stands tall as one of the most influential post-punk bands of all time, with their dark, melancholic sound setting the stage for many artists to follow. Hauntingly beautiful tracks like "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Atmosphere" showcase Ian Curtis's somber, introspective lyrics and distinctive, plaintive voice. Their tragically brief tenure was punctuated by the untimely death of lead singer Curtis, but Joy Division's profound impact on the genre and wider music scene is undeniable.
The Cure are an unmistakable icon of the post-punk movement, easily recognized by Robert Smith's signature teased hair and smudged makeup. The band's expansive catalog spans a variety of musical styles and includes timeless classics such as "Just Like Heaven" and "Boys Don't Cry". The Cure's beautifully introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes make them an enduring favorite among fans of the post-punk genre, solidifying their place in music history.
Led by the captivating Siouxsie Sioux, Siouxsie & the Banshees both defined and defied the post-punk aesthetic with their unique blend of artsy experimentation, punk energy, and goth-tinged atmospherics. Songs like "Spellbound" and "Hong Kong Garden" showcase the band's knack for crafting catchy hooks amidst swirling, dark musical landscapes. As trailblazers for women in the post-punk scene, Siouxsie & the Banshees continue to inspire generations of musicians to this day.
Born from the ashes of Joy Division, New Order took the post-punk blueprint and infused it with an innovative dose of electronic dance elements. With iconic tracks like "Blue Monday" and "Bizarre Love Triangle", the band captivated listeners with their irresistible fusion of affecting lyrics and dancefloor-friendly beats. New Order's indelible influence on the post-punk genre and the broader music scene cannot be overstated.
Killing Joke forged a unique path in the post-punk landscape, blending elements of punk, metal, and industrial to create a thunderingly intense sound. Songs like "Love Like Blood" highlight the band's penchant for powerful riffs and compelling, politically charged lyrics. Killing Joke's influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, earning them a well-deserved place among post-punk royalty.
Public Image Ltd (PiL) saw John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten of Sex Pistols fame, transition from punk provocateur to post-punk pioneer. Groundbreaking tracks like "Rise" and "Public Image" demonstrated Lydon's ability to evolve as a musician, melding his biting lyrical wit with experimental sounds and innovative arrangements. Public Image Ltd remains a vital touchstone for the post-punk pantheon.
