The 70s and 80s were a profound time in the history of audio synthesis.  Suddenly, everyone was using synthesizers.  Bands like Pink Floyd and The Who took their Blues influences and translated them into sounds only synthesizers could make.  New technologies such as pre-patching, integrated circuits, and smaller printed circuit boards allowed for cheaper, simpler, and more accessible synthesizers.

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Perhaps the two most used synthesizers of the 70s were the Moog Minimoog Model D and the Arp 2600.  The Moog Minimoog Model D was unique because of its user friendly design and its ability to transport easily to concerts.  Donna Summer used a Minimoog in her song "I Feel Love."  Even disco was taking advantage of the rich and unique tones that the Model D produced.

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The Arp 2600 was another easy to move synth used widely in the 70s and 80s because of its versatility.  It was one of the first portable modular synths.  Artists like David Bowie, the Commodores, Joy Division, and Kraftwerk were all prolific Arp 2600 users.

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In 1978, the Roland CR-78, a computer sequenced drum synthesizer was introduced.  It was quickly and widely embraced by artists like Phil Collins, Hall and Oats, Blondie, and Peter Gabriel.  One of the first popular songs to make this drum machine a success was the Hall and Oats song "Kiss On My List." 

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Thomas Dolby was notorious for his use of synthesizers such as the Sequential Prophet-5, Oberheim OB-Xa, Minimoog, and the Moog Prodigy.  He used these synths to create sweeping soundscapes and catchy dance tunes.  Everyone will recognize the synth heavy bass line of "She Blinded Me With Science."

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Another largely popular and recognizable synth rock song from the 80s was "Mr. Roboto."  Written and produced by progressive rock legend, Styx, it is just one example of innovation with synthesizers.  Frontman Dennis DeYoung used various synths such as the Korg Monopoly, an Oberheim OB-Xa, and a PPG Wave synthesizers in this song alone.  The result was robotic yet organic spacey sounding synth opera.  

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The 90s brought digital technology to the scene as genres Acid House and EDM evolved.  Acid House, with its strong beats and heavy synth use (Particularly the Roland TB-303), made people want to dance.  Modern EDM, especially Dubstep, originated from synth heavy music.  A-ha's "Take On Me" is largely considered the first EDM song.

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Underground bands such as Portishead used vintage Minimoog Model Ds and Theremins in their music.

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Originally a hardcore punk band, the Beastie Boys found themselves more a hip hop/rap band with a touch of punk, and they loved their synthesizers.  They used everything from a Hammond B3 organ to a Roland TR-808 drum machine in songs such as "Brass Monkey," "Intergalactic," and "Sabotage."  

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