The Motels

Out of Berkeley, California in the mid-1970s, The Motels carved out a distinctive space in the American new wave landscape that set them apart from both their British counterparts and their SoCal peers. The band went through several lineup changes before settling around the magnetic Martha Davis, whose smoky, world-weary vocals became their defining signature. After relocating to Los Angeles, they built a cult following on the Sunset Strip club circuit before landing a deal with Capitol Records.

Their self-titled debut arrived in 1979, but it was 1982's All Four One that broke them commercially, fueled by the haunting single Only the Lonely, which climbed into the Top 10 and became one of the era's most recognizable new wave anthems. Little Robbers followed in 1983 and kept the momentum going with Suddenly Last Summer, another brooding, atmospheric gem that showcased Davis's gift for emotionally charged songwriting. Their sound blended post-punk edge with sophisticated pop sensibilities and a cool, slightly noir aesthetic.

Though The Motels never quite achieved the sustained mainstream dominance their talent deserved, their influence has proven remarkably durable. Davis kept the band's name alive through various reunions over the decades, and their catalog has found fresh audiences through film and TV placements. For fans who dig the darker, more introspective side of 80s rock and pop, The Motels remain essential listening.