10 Perfect New Wave Albums With No Bad Songs

10. The Age Of Consent - Bronski Beat (1984)

Scottish band, Bronski Beat, formed in 1983 and quickly proved they had an ability for writing catchy synth-pop melodies, that weren't afraid to tackle social and political issues.

The Age Of Consent is an album that explores the UK's troubling attitude towards sexuality. During the '80s homosexuality was still very much frowned upon - although in the late '60s it was decriminalised - many laws still made it difficult to have open relationships. The album's title made reference to a Scottish law maintaining that the age of consent for homosexual intercourse was 21, until 1981. Tracks like Small Town Boy became the 'coming out' anthem for many who had been oppressed by the archaic laws.

The album utilised synthesisers and electronic drum machines, to create a driving disco beat - that served as the perfect vehicle for singer, Jimmy Somerville to deliver his countertenor vocals. His voice cut a distinctive resonance through the often derivative sound of disco-inspired music of the era. Tracks like, No More War and Junk, blended an atmospheric and sinister ambience into the synth-pop sound - giving Bronski Beat an edge over their slightly less ambitious contemporaries.

This is an album that delivered an important message - during a time when speaking about such issues would garner scorn and threats of violence - but, it also contained some absolute bangers.