Boys Don't Cry - Wasted Youth (2025) [Hi-Res]

Wasted Youth serves as a definitive archival collection by the British New Wave band Boys Don’t Cry, led by frontman Nick Richards. While the band is globally recognized for their 1986 smash hit "I Wanna Be a Cowboy," this album highlights their broader discography and evolution.
Timeline & Key Facts
The 1980s (Creation): Most of the tracks were conceptualized and recorded during the band's commercial peak. These recordings capture the quintessential 1980s fusion of synth-pop and guitar-driven rock.
The Archival Gap: For decades, many of these recordings remained unreleased or circulated only as rare bootlegs among collectors.
May 1, 2025 (Official Release): The album was officially released in an Expanded Digital Format via the HEADGAMES label. This release was part of a larger project by Nick Richards to digitize and remaster the band’s entire legacy.
Notable Tracks
The "Expanded" nature of the 2025 release includes 14 tracks (totaling 63 minutes), featuring:
"Wasted Youth" (Demo): The raw, original vision for the title track.
"Love Wars": A high-energy example of their signature New Wave sound.
"She's on the Rampage": A fan-favorite that highlights the band's pop sensibilities.
"Quake" (Demo): An experimental look into their studio process.
Cultural Context
This album is often distinguished from the band's self-titled 1986 debut. While the 1986 record focused on a "Wild West" pop gim