The Vapors: New Wave's One-Hit Wonders from the UK

The Vapors are an English new wave and power pop band, best known for their 1980 single "Turning Japanese." Hailing from Guildford, Surrey, the band achieved significant international chart success with that single, which became a defining track of the post-punk and new wave era, despite being their only major hit.

Early Career

The Vapors formed in 1978, emerging from the same vibrant UK punk and new wave scene that produced bands like The Jam. The original lineup consisted of David Fenton (vocals, guitar), Edward Bazalgette (guitar), Steve Smith (bass), and Howard Smith (drums). Their early sound blended the energy of punk with the melodic hooks of power pop, catching the attention of The Jam's bassist Bruce Foxton, who became their manager and helped them secure a record deal with United Artists in 1979.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough came in early 1980 with the release of "Turning Japanese" as a single from their debut album, "New Clear Days." The song, with its infectious guitar riff and controversial, widely misinterpreted lyrics, became a massive global hit. It reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart and became a top 40 hit in several other countries, including the United States, propelling "New Clear Days" into the UK album charts and defining the band's career.

Key Tracks

Turning Japanese - The band's signature hit, this single's success catapulted The Vapors to international fame and remains a staple of 1980s new wave compilations.

News at Ten - Another single from "New Clear Days," this track showcased the band's sharper, more socially observant songwriting and received considerable airplay.

Jimmie Jones - A driving, politically-charged track from their debut album that demonstrated a darker edge to their power pop sound.

Spiders - A track from their second album, "Magnets," highlighting the band's continued development and more complex musical arrangements after their initial success.

Following the rapid success of "Turning Japanese," The Vapors released their second album, "Magnets," in 1981. Despite positive critical reception, it failed to match the commercial impact of their debut. Facing shifting musical trends and internal pressures, the band decided to disband in 1982. However, the enduring popularity of "Turning Japanese" led to several reunions in subsequent decades, with David Fenton reviving The Vapors for live performances and occasional new recordings, cementing their cult status within the new wave genre.

Fans of The Vapors' brand of catchy, guitar-driven new wave may also enjoy other artists from the same era and scene, such as The Jam, who shared a similar punk-pop energy and sharp songwriting. The Knack also pursued a power pop direction with massive single success. For the mod-inspired style, listen to Secret Affair. The melodic punk sound can be found in Buzzcocks.