New pop

[2] New Music acts were characterized by danceable rhythms, an androgynous aesthetic, heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, and lyrical themes exploring the darker side of romance.

These acts were predominantly British and drew inspiration from rockabilly, Motown, ska, and reggae, incorporating African rhythms to create what was described as a "fertile, stylistic cross-pollination.

[11] In the wake of the punk rock explosion of the late 1970s, the new wave and post-punk genres emerged, driven by a desire for experimentation, creativity, and forward momentum.

[12] Unlike in Great Britain, early attempts to introduce new wave and music videos to American audiences had achieved mixed results.

In response to New Music's rising popularity, album-oriented rock (AOR) radio stations increased their rotation of new acts, and the "Hot Hits" format emerged.

[8][16] In a 1983 interview with CBS News about the Second British Invasion of New Pop acts in America, singer Martin Fry of ABC described the phenomenon as "an explosion that came out after punk rock swung through Britain – a whole generation that was kind of interested in making music that was more polished.

Similarly, the 1985 Dire Straits song "Money for Nothing", which reached number one in the United States, included the line "The little faggot with the earring and the make-up" and used the term multiple times.

[18] According to lead singer Mark Knopfler, the lyrics were inspired by the language of a New York appliance store worker he overheard while watching MTV.

[21] Richard Blade, a disc jockey at Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM, reflected on this period, stating, "You felt there was a winding-down of music.