The Soft Boys were a pivotal band in the psychedelic rock and post-punk scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their unique blend of jangly guitars, surreal lyrics, and catchy melodies has influenced many artists across various genres. If you enjoy The Soft Boys, here are 17 other bands and artists you might like:
1. Robyn Hitchcock
Robyn Hitchcock, the frontman of The Soft Boys, continued to explore quirky and psychedelic sounds in his solo career. Albums like I Often Dream of Trains and Fegmania! showcase his talent for blending absurdist lyrics with catchy melodies.
2. Television
Television was a seminal band in the New York punk scene, known for their intricate guitar work and poetic lyrics. Their album Marquee Moon is considered a classic and features the standout track “See No Evil.”
3. R.E.M.
R.E.M. combined jangly guitars with cryptic lyrics, much like The Soft Boys. Their early albums, Murmur and Reckoning, are filled with catchy, introspective songs that helped define the college rock sound of the 1980s.
4. XTC
XTC’s quirky pop sensibilities and clever songwriting make them a great match for fans of The Soft Boys. Albums like Drums and Wires and Skylarking are filled with inventive, melodic tracks.
5. The Byrds
The Byrds were pioneers of the folk-rock and psychedelic rock genres, influencing countless bands with their jangly 12-string guitar sound. Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn! Turn! Turn! are essential listens.
6. The Feelies
The Feelies combined post-punk energy with jangly guitars and a touch of psychedelia. Their debut album, Crazy Rhythms, is a cult classic that has influenced many alternative rock bands.
7. Echo & The Bunnymen
Echo & The Bunnymen’s dark, atmospheric sound and poetic lyrics make them a compelling listen for fans of The Soft Boys. Albums like Ocean Rain and Crocodiles feature standout tracks like “The Killing Moon” and “Rescue.”
8. The Church
The Church’s blend of jangly guitars and dreamy, introspective lyrics is similar to The Soft Boys’ style. Their album Starfish includes the hit single “Under the Milky Way,” a staple of 1980s alternative rock.
9. The Psychedelic Furs
The Psychedelic Furs’ mix of post-punk and new wave, combined with their distinctive vocal style, makes them a great fit for fans of The Soft Boys. Their self-titled debut and Talk Talk Talk are packed with memorable tracks.
10. The Rain Parade
The Rain Parade were part of the 1980s Paisley Underground scene, which revived 1960s psychedelic rock. Their album Emergency Third Rail Power Trip is a must-listen for its lush, atmospheric sound.
11. The Dream Syndicate
The Dream Syndicate’s blend of psychedelic rock and post-punk is reminiscent of The Soft Boys. Their album The Days of Wine and Roses features the standout track “Tell Me When It’s Over.”
12. The Go-Betweens
The Go-Betweens’ jangly guitars and literate lyrics make them a perfect match for fans of The Soft Boys. Albums like 16 Lovers Lane and Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express are filled with beautifully crafted songs.
13. The Chills
The Chills, hailing from New Zealand, combine jangly guitars with a touch of psychedelia and post-punk. Their album Kaleidoscope World includes the hit single “Pink Frost.”
14. The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses’ blend of jangly guitars, danceable rhythms, and psychedelic influences make them a compelling listen. Their self-titled debut album features iconic tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “She Bangs the Drums.”
15. The Smiths
The Smiths’ jangly guitar work and melancholic lyrics have made them one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Albums like The Queen Is Dead and Meat Is Murder are filled with timeless tracks.
16. The House of Love
The House of Love’s blend of jangly guitars and dreamy, introspective lyrics is similar to The Soft Boys’ style. Their self-titled debut album includes the hit single “Shine On.”
17. The La’s
The La’s are best known for their hit single “There She Goes,” but their self-titled debut album is filled with jangly, melodic tracks that will appeal to fans of The Soft Boys. Their music combines elements of folk, rock, and psychedelia.
