i just found this top 5 on about.com

The New Romantics were the most stylistic subgenre of New Wave. They drew their musical and visual influences from artists such as David Bowie and Roxy Music and created slick, danceable synthesized music. Aside from their supremely distinct sound, they relied heavily on stylish and glamourous clothing, hairstyles and makeup-wearing. These are five of the most important New Romantic bands of the early 80s, whose sound and style became synonymous with the genre.

1.) Japan
Starting as a Glam Rock band in the late 70s, Japan developed a sound that was so stylish and succinct that it was literally borrowed by other mainstream New Romantic artists of the time. Singer David Sylvian's vocals were the most distinct of all the New Romantic singers and often compared to Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music.

2.) Human League
The first international "superstars" of Synthpop, Human League's song "Don't You Want Me" catapulted them into mainstream consciousness.

3.) Duran Duran
The consummate mainstream New Wave band, Duran Duran opened many doors for fledgling bands and helped define the modern promotional video shown on MTV. Without their emphasis on style and slick production, Duran Duran helped make New Wave a household term.

4.) ABC
Campy, theatrical and ultimately sublime, ABC mixed cold synthesized beats with warmer, Motown influenced sounds and vocals t create a unique sound. They scored a number of hits including, "Poison Arrow," "Look of Love," and "Be Near Me."

5.) Spandau Ballet
Scoring numbers of hits in the UK and the US, Spandau Ballet drew heavily on Bryan Ferry's image and sound and presented themselves as a stylish, white soul, crooner act.

good list of bands except the Human League should be #1 and i have NEVER heard of the group Japan! i'm assuming if i like the bands #2 to #5 i would really like this band...how could i have missed them??

1. a band that ripped off david bowie's look
2. a band that ripped off roxy music's look
3. a band that ripped off david bowie's sound
4. a band that ripped off roxy music's sound
5. culture club.

[i] i never did find new romantic a very unique style of music..its a basic-glam rock with synth revival thang..
[Edited 11/18/05 22:44pm]

weepingwall said:

Culture Club was too soulful to be new romantic. "Miss Me Blind" was even a top 10 R&B song.

sextonseven said:

you obvious lack of sarcasm..

Visions Of CHINA Dave SYLVAIN was in THE TEARDROP EXPLODES..... There also was ADAM AND THE ANTS.....BOW WOW WOW.....VISAGE, UTRAVOX and It was ALL FRILLY SHIRTS TIGHT PANTS and MAKEUP and GREAT HAIRSTYLES..... It was 80's not 70's also I would Classify A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS with the Makeup and Clothes and HAIR...
[Edited 11/18/05 22:50pm]

weepingwall said:

Sarcasm would have been Kraftwerk. Nothing romantic about them at all.

Prince and the Revolution!

The Stylistics. Their not a band their a group, but their damn Romantic.

By 'New Romantic', I thought you were going to talk about bands with pirate shirts. I was all set to rave about Bow Wow Wow, one hell of a group of kids

1. OMD
2. Human League
3. A flock of Seagulls
4. Visage
5. Seona Dancing (Yep Ricky Gervais!)