Men Without Hats: Pioneers of Synth-Pop

Men Without Hats is a 1980s New Wave band best known for their hit single The Safety Dance. Although the group has been criticized for producing cheesy and campy music, they still deserve recognition for paving the way in the genre of synth-pop. Today, Men Without Hats are considered pioneers of modern-day electro-pop music and have influenced generations of artists since. Their iconic sound continues to inspire listeners around the world, making them one of the most beloved bands from this decade. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some history on Men Without Hats and discuss both why people criticize them as well as why they should be universally respected as one of synthesizer's earliest innovators.

If you were around in the 1980s, you've likely heard of Men Without Hats. They were the New Wave band behind the catchy and quirky hit single, The Safety Dance. But while some may dismiss them as cheesy, Men Without Hats were actually pioneers of synth-pop - a genre that continues to influence music today. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of the band, explore why they've been criticized, and make the case for why they should be recognized as musical innovators.

Men Without Hats formed in Montreal, Canada in the late 1970s. The band started as a punk outfit before transitioning to New Wave and ultimately finding success with the electro-pop sound that became their signature. Their breakout hit The Safety Dance topped charts in multiple countries, including the US and the UK. The song's infectious melody and offbeat lyrics made it an instant classic.

But not everyone was a fan of Men Without Hats. The band was often criticized for their quirky image and cheesy lyrics. Songs like Pop Goes the World and Where Do The Boys Go? never gained the critical respect of other New Wave classics. However, looking back, it's clear that Men Without Hats influenced a generation of electronic and pop artists. Their experimentation with synthesizers and drum machines helped pave the way for modern-day electro-pop. Artists like MGMT, The Postal Service, and Chvrches have all cited Men Without Hats as an influence.

Another element of Men Without Hats' music that should be recognized is their use of political and social themes in their lyrics. The Safety Dance was actually a commentary on the restrictions of dance floors in the era of the mosh pit. And songs like Living in China and The Great Ones Remember tackled issues like censorship and the suppression of artistic expression.

Men Without Hats' influence can also be seen in the visual elements of their music. The band's iconic red hats and quirky outfits have been emulated by countless performers in the decades since. Their use of music videos was also ahead of its time - a fact that's often overlooked. Videos like Pop Goes The World and the surreal Moonbeam showcased the band's creativity and sense of humor.

In today's musical landscape, it's easy to overlook the importance of Men Without Hats. But their contributions to synth-pop and electronic music cannot be ignored. While some may consider their music cheesy or campy, it's important to remember the context in which they emerged. Men Without Hats were innovators in their time - experimenting with synthesizers, drum machines, and political themes. Their infectious melodies and offbeat lyrics continue to inspire artists today. So the next time you put on The Safety Dance, remember that Men Without Hats were pioneers of synth-pop and should be respected as such. Without them, modern-day pop music would likely sound very different.