CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 1980s was the era of big: Bigger movies, bigger hair, bigger sounds. And when an album hit. It had the chance to take over the world.
The 1980s produced a total 96 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart during the decade. Some of them spent months in that spot during what may very well have been the greatest era of pop music.
Artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen became megastars. The blueprints for teen pop and boybands were laid down. A few hits singles and videos on MTV could give you a multi-platinum seller.
Like any decade, some of the No. 1 albums of the ‘80s don’t hold up after 40 years. But that’s part of the fun - remembering the sounds you couldn’t escape, even if you wanted to.
96 | USA for Africa - “We Are the World”
Date: April 27, 1985
Weeks on top: 3
“We Are the World” -- both the single and album project that featured the biggest artists in the world – was a musical event. There was no way it wasn’t going to be a success for its time. However, as years have gone on, “We Are the World” hasn’t aged well at all, especially the title track which feels like an overly sentimental song that no one wants to listen to anymore. Some of the album cuts are actually better, including contributions from Tina Turner and, especially, Prince, whose “4 the Tears in Your Eyes” is probably the closest thing the project has to an enduring song.
95 | Various Artists - “Flashdance”
Date: June 25, 1982
Weeks on top: 2
Both the Giorgio Moroder produced theme “Flashdance... What a Feeling” and Michael Sembello’s thrilling “Maniac” are dancefloor sensations. But everything, including the boring “Lady, Lady, Lady” and the Blondie- “Call Me” wannabe “Manhunt,” are clunkers.
94 | Billy Joel - “Storm Front”
Date: Dec. 16, 1989
Weeks on top: 1
Billy Joel closed out the 1980s with what may very well be his worst album. On “Storm Front,” Joel falls into the trap of trying too hard. The album goes for a hard rock meets new wave (think Peter Gabriel), vibe but comes off as labored. The only thing that truly works is the hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” But even that hasn’t aged all that well.
93 | Tiffany | “Tiffany”
Date: Jan. 23, 1988
Weeks on top: 2
The album that turned malls across the world into party stations. In 1988, Tiffany, 16, became the youngest female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Her self-titled album benefitted from its two big singles: The ballad “Could’ve Been” and the massive teen anthem “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Unfortunately, come back-to-back at the end of the album. And it’s no easy task getting there. The rest is mostly filler or, at least, not the anything close to the enticing dance pop that put Tiffany on the map.
92 | Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - “Against the Wind”
Date: May 3, 1980
Weeks on top: 6
Rolling Stone’s Dave Marsh called Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind” the worst album Seger ever made. That may have been a bit of an overstatement, but not by much. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more cringe-worthy album opener from a great artist than “Horizontal Bop.” Seger and his band were clearly in quirky 1980s mode. Just about every upbeat rock song on “Against the Wind” feels second-rate, at least for Seeger. The ballads are the album’s saving grace, most notably “Fire Lake” and the iconic title track.
91 | Milli Vanilli - “Girl You Know It’s True”
Date: Sept. 23, 1989
Weeks on top: 7
The story of Milli Vanilli will always start with the fact the guys on the cover of the duo’s massively popular debut album didn’t actually sing those songs. “Girl You Know It’s True” was a repackaged version of Milli Vanilli’s Europe-only album “All or Nothing.” American audiences gravitated towards the dance-pop vibes and the added oomph of the single “Blame It on the Rain.” It’s hard to assess the actual quality of Milli Vanilli’s debut without the image of the group becoming the butt of endless jokes for years to come. The songs are catchy and corny like many things in the 1980s, leaning more towards the latter especially when you get away from the hits.
90 | AC/DC - “For Those About to Rock We Salute You”
Date: Dec. 26, 1981
Weeks on top: 3
“For Those About to Rock We Salute You” starts strong. The opening title track is a ballsy record aimed at making your speakers explode. Unfortunately, the album peaks there. “For Those About to Rock...” lacks the energy of “Back in Black” while being far more generic. The elements of a great AC/DC album are in there somewhere. They’re just too hard to find.
89 | Huey Lewis and the News - “Fore!”
Date: Oct. 8, 1986
Weeks on top: 1
Huey Lewis and the News had the unenviable task of trying to follow their near-perfect pop-rock album “Sports.” Not surprisingly, the follow-up “Fore!” is subpar. Some of the songs are catchy. But everything sounds a bit forced. Huey Lewis wasn’t trying to craft thought-provoking anthems. But where “Sports” felt like light-hearted fun, “Fore!” just seems like a bunch of uncool dudes getting overly corny.
88 | U2 - “Rattle and Hum”
Weeks on top: 6
Date: Nov. 12, 1988
“The Joshua Tree” was U2′s felt like the beginning of an amazing run for U2. Instead, it was the end of an era. The follow-up “Rattle and Hum” was part live album and part soundtrack to a pretty awful rockumentary. More importantly, it wasn’t anything close to “The Joshua Tree.” The live songs lack the passion of U2′s best performances and Bono comes across as self-important, even for Bono. “Rattle and Hum” proved U2 needed a reset, which would come three years later on “Achtung Baby.” But that’s a ranking for the 1990s.
87 | Boston - “Third Stage”
Date: Nov. 1, 1986
Weeks on top: 4
Fans waited eight years for Boston’s third studio album. And by the time it arrived, the band’s signature sound was dated. “Third Stage” starts off in promising fashion with the No. 1 ballad “Amanda.” But nothing else comes close to that song’s quality. “Third Stage” is a conceptual story about aging. Yet, it’s anything but graceful and pales in comparison to Boston’s first two albums.
86 | Steve Winwood - “Roll with It”
Date: Aug. 20, 1988
Weeks on top: 1
It was clear, from his time in the Spencer Davis Group to his successful solo career, Steve Winwood longed to be a great R&B singer. His best shot at that was 1986′s “Back in the High Life” and its lead singer “Higher Love.” But 1988′s “Roll with It” is less exciting. The production is slick and Winwood is fully capable of writing a big pop hook. But his brand of blue-eyed soul never reaches the heights of contemporaries like Phil Collins or George Michael, who established their own unique style.
MCA
85 | Patti LaBelle - “Winner in You”
Date: July 19, 1986
Weeks on top: 1
Patti LaBelle was one of the signature, female vocalists of the 1970s. But she didn’t experience the solo stardom that long seemed destined for her until 1986. That’s when “Winner in You,” buoyed by the chart-topping Michael McDonald duet “On My Own,” gave LaBelle her biggest success. “Winner in You” isn’t a groundbreaking R&B album. But it’s also more than just one hit. Songs like “Oh, People” and “Kiss Away the Pain” (with George Howard) are dynamic, making you look past the album’s other forgettable tunes.
84 | Pat Benatar - “Precious Time”
Date: Aug. 15, 1981
Weeks on top: 1
Pat Benatar’s previous two albums -- “In the Heat of the Night” and “Crimes of Passion” -- were better than her third effort “Precious Time.” But they didn’t go to No. 1. “Precious Time” accomplished the feat on the strength of its two powerhouse singles, “Promises in the Dark” and “Fire and Ice,” as well as Neil Giraldo’s influence as a co-producer. Still, Benatar and Giraldo seemed ready to move onto more pop-oriented sounds, which she did to a greater effect with 1982′s “Get Nervous.”
83 | Vangelis - “Chariots of Fire”
Date: April 7, 1982
Weeks on top: 4
Movie soundtracks were all the rage in the 1980s. And yet, Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire” score conquering the charts in 1982 still feels like an anomaly. The title theme remains the composer’s most ubiquitous work. But there isn’t much else memorable from “Chariots of Fire.” Vangelis crafts beautiful soundscapes that feel far more generic than the title track. His best work was ahead, both in his soundtrack work (“Blade Runner,” “Antarctica”) and a studio album.
82 | John Mellencamp - “American Fool”
Date: Sept. 11, 1982
Weeks on top: 9
With four forgettable albums behind him, things weren’t getting easier for John Mellencamp. The recording sessions for “American Fool” were tumultuous, with Mellencamp going through the motions and his record label (which insisted on him going by John Cougar) wanting to fire him. It’s a good thing they didn’t. The one-two punch of “Hurt So Good” and “Jack and Diane” catapulted Mellencamp to the stratosphere. “American Fool” is an album defined by its big singles. But Mellencamp was improving as a songwriter with a band that was only getting tighter, suggesting his biggest and best work lied ahead.
81 | John Lennon and Yoko Ono - “Double Fantasy”
Date: Dec. 27, 1980
Weeks on top: 8
“Double Fantasy” didn’t make waves upon its release in November 1981. However, after John Lennon’s murder three weeks later, the album reached the top of the charts as the final one released in his lifetime. “Double Fantasy” was Lennon’s comeback album after a five-year hiatus. Now a family man, Lennon returned in sentimental form, welcoming listeners into his happiness. The other focus is Yoko Ono’s edgy rock and pop. The contrast between Lennon’s warmth and Ono’s experimentalism is compelling but also jarring. That makes “Double Fantasy” as lesser Lennon solo album, but one whose themes of joy were a fitting testament to his life.
80 | The Rolling Stones - “Emotional Rescue”
Date: July 26, 1980
Weeks on top: 7
It’s hard to blame anyone who dismisses “Emotional Rescue” as the Stones merely discovering disco way later than the rest of the world. The closing part of the opener “Dance, Pt. 1″ all but confirms that. But “Emotional Rescue” is also a continuation of the attitude and new wave/punk influenced “Some Girls.” The Rolling Stones were reinvigorated by their recent and quality, which led to the loosest album of the band’s career. At times, that feeling goes a bit too far (If you can listen to “Send It to Me” without hitting skip, good for you). But the album’s title track and Keith Richard’s emotionally charged closer “All About You” show the Stones still had some brilliance left after “Some Girls.”
79 | Mister Mr. - “Welcome to the Real World”
Date: March 1, 1986
Weeks on top: 1
Mr. Mister’s “Welcome to the Real World” gets overshadowed by its two No. 1 singles, and for good reason. “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie” are boisterous 1980s anthems. Nothing else on “Welcome to the Real World” quite measures up. But at least the album gave Mister Mr.’s one big moment before falling off the just two years later with “Go On...”
78 | Van Halen - “OU812″
Date: June 25, 1988
Weeks on top: 4
With Sammy Hagar as lead singer, Van Halen became one of the biggest bands in the world and kept delivering over-the-top rock songs to prove it. Much like 1986′s “5150,” “OU812″ goes for a massive pop-rock sound that Hagar’s voice drills into your ears. It’s hard to argue against the result – yet another No. 1 album.
77 | Styx - “Paradise Theatre”
Date: April 4, 1981
Weeks on top: 3
With progressive rock’s glory era fading away, leader Dennis DeYoung had the right idea (in theory) with Styx’s 1979 album “Cornerstone.” But the album’s big single “Babe” was so off-putting, it felt like Styx’s run as a very likable prog-rock band would come to an end. Fortunately, the band rebounded with “Paradise Theatre,” an album that moved Styx into the album-oriented rock of the 1980s in solid fashion. A few years later, differing opinions on the direction of Styx would bring the band’s classic lineup to an end. But its peak commercial moment had been solidified.
76 | The Moody Blues - “Long Distance Voyager”
Date: July 25, 1981
Weeks on top: 3
Of all the major progressive rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s, The Moody Blues should have had the hardest time transitioning into the 1980s (especially without co-founder Mike Pinder). But that didn’t happen. The band released one of its stronger albums, “Long Distance Voyager,” embracing the synth-pop of the decade with a level of sophistication that fans latched onto.
75 | Lionel Richie - “Dancing on the Ceiling”
Date: Sept. 27, 1986
Weeks on top: 2
Lionel Richie was at his peak when he recorded “Dancing on the Ceiling.” And that massive superstar status may have hurt him a bit. Several songs walk the fine line between endearing and corny, especially lyrically. But Richie still could put together a catchy melody in his sleep, which is “Dancing on the Ceiling’s” saving grace. These songs make you swoon or dance even when you don’t want to.
74 | Quiet Riot - “Metal Health”
Date: Nov. 26, 1983
Weeks on top: 1
No one could have predicted Quiet Riot’s rise to the top of the metal heap. The band’s first two albums didn’t make any mainstream noise. But 1982′s “Metal Health” came with a slicker sound, stomping anthems and confidence that was hard to ignore. It also produced two undeniable hits in the form of the thunderous title track and a cover of Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize.” The rest of the album is more mindless fun. Nothing more. Nothing less.
73 | Jackson Browne - “Hold Out”
Date: Sept. 13, 1980
Weeks on top: 1
Jackson Browne’s sixth album doesn’t come close to the lyrical heights of his previous 1970s efforts. But that wasn’t the point. Browne and co-producer Greg Ladanyi were aiming for a richer, more radio-friendly sound on “Hold Out.” The result was Browne’s only No. 1 album. Some might chalk that up to him dumbing things down, which has some truth. But the more straightforward nature of “Hold Out” makes for some of the most relatable songs of Browne’s career.
72 | Various Artists - “Top Gun”
Date: July 26, 1986
Weeks on top: 5
The 1980s were all about big movies and soundtracks. And perhaps nothing was bigger (in both regards) than “Top Gun.” The film knew how to score its key moments, such as the opening sequence featuring the awesomeness that is Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” or the love scene backed by the Berlin smash “Take My Breath Away.” Future reissues would include the non-original songs from the film (such as “Great Balls of Fire” and “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’”). But the original release that went No. 1 was all about a handful of instant classics (including the fantastic theme).
71 | Asia - “Asia”
Date: May 15, 1982
Weeks on top: 9
Asia was progressive rock’s ultimate supergroup, featuring John Wetton of King Crimson, Steve Howe of Yes, Geoff Downes of Yes and the Buggles, and drummer Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The band’s self-titled debut album wastes no time exploding with power. “Heat of the Moment” is a monster pop rock track that sets the stage for a larger-than-life album meant to fill stadiums. At times, things approach cheesiness (especially lyrically). But “Asia” is an album that packs an oomph time and time again. Does it sound stuck in the 1980s? Sure. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Not really.
Atlantic Records
70 | Debbie Gibson - “Electric Youth”
Date: March 11, 1989
Weeks on top: 6
Debbie Gibson, who had become a huge teen-pop star, grew up a bit on “Electric Youth.” The album’s production is more fine-tuned. Gibson’s voice, which was still developing, doesn’t always live up to the standards of the album’s expansive sound. But “Electric Youth” has an enticing pop sound that feels a lot more at home in a current pop landscape where artists like Carly Rae Jepsen are riding its blueprint.
69 | Various Artists - “Footloose”
Date: April 21, 1984
Weeks on top: 10
If your entire movie is about dancing and rebellion, you better have one heck of a soundtrack. “Footloose” understood this, offering up something for everyone musically, including three big hits – the title track, “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Almost Paradise” -- along with four other singles. The soundtrack also deserves major credit finally knocking Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” out of the top of the charts as well.
68 | Kenny Rogers - “Kenny Rogers’ Greatest Hits”
Date: Dec. 13, 1980
Weeks on top: 2
Kenny Rogers’ second compilation album was a cash grab for Liberty Records. It arrived on the heels of Rogers’ No. 1 hit “Lady” (written by Lionel Richie) and contained three popular singles never released on Rogers’ studio albums. At just 12 songs, the set was missing a few gems from Rogers’ career up until that point. But that didn’t stop it from becoming the biggest country music compilation of all time.
67 | John Fogerty - “Centerfield”
Date: March 23, 1985
Weeks on top: 1
John Fogerty left the music business for nearly 10 years before returning with 1985′s “Centerfield.” It might seem like a surprising chart-topper amongst the massive pop albums of 1985. But with the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp taking off, Fogerty was able to reassert his influence on heartland rock. “Centerfield” is a well-produced album and nostalgia trip that finds Fogerty embracing the sounds of the ‘80s while staying true to the solid rock foundation he created with Creedence Clearwater Revival.
66 | Various Artists - “Beverly Hills Cop”
Date: June 22, 1985
Weeks on top: 2
“Beverly Hills Cop” earned $300-plus million at the box office. And its soundtrack was nearly as big with equally flashy, high-energy tunes befitting the fun, playful energy of the film. A few different versions of the soundtrack have been issued. But the core is always the same: Patti LaBelle’s “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up,” Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On,” and, of course, German composer Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F.” Even the songs that aren’t mainstays in the film have a similar infectious vibe.
65 | REO Speedwagon - “Hi Infidelity”
Date: Feb. 21, 1981
Weeks on top: 15
REO Speedwagon was always a solid live band. But in the early 1980s, the band finally delivered an album that captured its energy and music for what it was – unapologetically manufactured rock tailored to the mainstream. “Hi Infidelity” was so popular that it was bound to draw backlash. But crafting catchy hook after catchy hook and establishing a standard for arena rock deserves some respect.
64 | Fine Young Cannibals - “The Raw & the Cooked”
Date: June 3, 1989
Weeks on top: 7
The arrival of Fine Young Cannibals and the group’s mix of new wave, dance rock and soul felt refreshing. That peaked with 1989′s “The Raw & the Cooked,” which spent seven weeks atop the charts while yielding six singles in the U.S. The album has maintained most of its appeal save for some of the dated themes and singer Roland Gift’s voice which can be grating at times.
63 | Tone Loc - “Lōc-ed After Dark”
Date: April 15, 1989
Weeks on top: 1
Tone Loc doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Riding the success of early singles “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” Loc became just the second hip-hop act to top the charts after the Beastie Boys. His debut “Loc-ed After Dark” helped put West Coast hip-hop on the map with a lot of sounds and themes that 1990s rappers would embrace.
62 | Richard Marx - “Repeat Offender”
Date: Sept. 2, 1989
Weeks on top: 1
There was no denying the power of Richard Marx in the late 1980s. His self-titled debut was a huge success, featuring four top-five singles. Marx upped the ante for the follow-up, “Repeat Offender,” which delivered five singles that landed in the top 15, including the No. 1 hits “Satisfied” and “Right Here Waiting.” When half your album’s tracks are all over the radio, you’re surely satisfied.
61 | Paul McCartney - “Tug of War”
Date: May 29, 1982
Weeks on top: 3
You either love or hate “Tug of War.” At the time of its release, it was beloved, especially by Beatles fans looking for some bit of comfort following the death of John Lennon. But time hasn’t been as kind to Paul McCartney’s third solo album. It isn’t on the level of McCartney’s best solo work (or his top material with Wings). But it’s from from a bad. There’s a certain twinkle to the best songs -- “Take It Away,” “Here Today” and the title track – that stays with you. That almost makes up for album the closing Stevie Wonder duet “Ebony and Ivory.” A regrettable moment for two of the greatest artists of all time.
60 | Kim Carnes - “Mistaken Identity”
Date: June 27, 1981
Weeks on top: 4
Kim Carnes’ “Mistaken Identity” was the case of an album surging to No. 1 on the strength of a massively popular lead single. “Bette Davis Eyes” was such a big hit, it wound up overshadowing an album that serves as a showcase of raw talent. Carnes’ rasp painted her as a female Rod Stewart and she knew how to own it. At times, “Mistaken Identity” lives up to its name as a struggle to find a consistent style that suits Carnes. But her voice makes up for damn near every misstep production-wise.
59 | Billy Joel - “Glass Houses”
Date: June 14, 1980
Weeks on top: 6
Give Billy Joel credit. He could have coasted on the softer pop-rock of “The Stranger,” the album that made him a huge star in 1977. But Joel was willing to evolve. The most daring departure from his signature sound may be “Glass Houses,” an album that saw him embracing the emerging new wave and punk sounds of the era. And it works right from the start of “You May Be Right.” Some of Joe’s best and most stylish songs -- “Sleeping With the Television On,” “I Don’t Want to Be Alone” and, of course, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” -- can be found here.
58 | The J. Geils Band - “Freeze Frame”
Date: Feb. 6, 1982
Weeks on top: 4
The term “bar band” might seem like an insult. But for The J. Geils Band, it was an enthralling way of life. But it wasn’t until the group incorporated new wave synths into the mix that things took off. On “Freeze Frame,” keyboardist Seth Justman’s writing and arrangements wrap The J. Geils Band in a commercially viable, slick sound. Not everything is as memorable as “Centerfold.” But this still feels like the music The J. Geils Band was destined to make: Funky, fun and as catchy as hell.
57 | Various Artists - “Dirty Dancing”
Date: Nov. 14, 1987
Weeks on top: 18
It’s easy to see why the soundtrack to “Dirty Dancing” stands as one of the best-selling albums of all time. The movie’s standing as one of the most popular romantic films =has never waned. The soundtrack also features a handful of memorable original songs you’ll still hear on the radio, as well as classics from the film’s setting of the early 1960s. That mix makes for one heck of a playlist that requires very few skips, if any.
56 | Bee Gees - “Greatest”
Date: Jan. 12, 1980
Weeks on top: 1
It says a lot about how successful the Bee Gees were that the group’s 1980s’ “Greatest” compilation is just four years of hits on a double LP. Of course, Bee Gees buffs will scoff at the exclusion of the band’s 1960s/early 1970s hits – most notably “To Love Somebody,” “I Started a Joke” and “How Can You Mend a Broken.” There’s merit to that argument given how seminal those songs are. But “Greatest” accomplishes its goal of showing how dominant the Bee Gees were.
55 | Los Lobos and Various Artists - “La Bamba”
Date: Sept. 12, 1987
Weeks on top: 2
Even if people were familiar with Richie Valens’ 1958 hit “La Bamba,” it wasn’t enough to keep Chicano rock on the mainstream map. But Los Lobos arrived nearly 30 years later, driving the soundtrack to the film about Valens’ life to the top of the charts. The group’s masterful cover of “La Bamba” is the centerpiece. But the album as a whole is just fantastic rock music, highlighted by Los Lobos’ eight songs.
54 | Huey Lewis and the News - “Sports”
Date: June 30, 1984
Weeks on top: 1
Huey Lewis and the News’ third album was oddly sandwiched on the charts between the biggest albums of 1984, arguably, the greatest year in pop music history. It shows you how far simply being likable can carry you. It also shows just how focused Huey Lewis and the News became on delivering sophisticated, yet fun pop-rock featuring big hook after big hook. Consider that “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” “Heart and Soul,” “I Want a New Drug,” “Walking on a Thin Line” and “If This Is It” were all mainstays on the radio in 1984. Of course, all but one of those songs appears in the album’s first half, leaving the “Sports” to fade out a bit at the end. Still, it’s a tight record that rarely lets anyone looking for a catchy tune down.
53 | Barbra Streisand - “Guilty”
Date: Oct. 25, 1980
Weeks on top: 3
For 1980′s “Guilty,” Barbra Streisand teamed up with Barry Gibb. The result was the biggest album of her career. “Guilty” is certainly of its era. Gibb and his production team craft songs that sound like the Bee Gees’ melodic, early ‘80s soft rock work only with Streisand’s powerful voice at the forefront. For many, that was a dream scenario, considering the album sold 12 million copies.
52 | Queen - “The Game”
Date: Sept. 20, 1980
Weeks on top: 5
“The Game” ushered in a new era for Queen. But for some fans, it marked the end of what they loved about the band. “The Game” is the sound of Queen making a conventional pop album – a hybrid of disco and rock -- that fit with the times. The grandiose, orchestral sounds of the band’s previous work are replaced with straightforward rockers. When it works, the songs rank among Queen’s finest statements, including big hits “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” as well as underrated album cuts like “Dragon Attack” and “Play the Game.” Queen may have sounded a little more ordinary. But they were still great.
51 | Van Halen - “5150″
Date: April 26, 1986
Weeks on top: 3
So began the new chapter of Van Halen. David Lee Roth was out and Sammy Hagar was in for “5150,” leading to a glossier glam-metal sound. The guitars on the opener “Good Enough” sound a lot like “Panama.” But Hagar’s voice is a juggernaut that’s every bit as formidable as Eddie Van Halen’s blistering guitar work. Where you place “5150″ in Van Halen’s catalog probably depends on whether you’re a David or Sammy person. Critics certainly found Hagar’s massive roar less appealing than Roth’s charisma. But it was Hagar who gave Van Halen its first No. 1 album.
A&M Records
50 | Bryan Adams - “Reckless”
Date: Aug. 10
Weeks on top: 2
With 1983′s “Cuts Like a Knife,” Bryan Adams broke into the mainstream. But no one anticipated how big things would get on his next album. “Reckless” is “Cuts Like a Knife” on steroids, with bigger showcases of melodic hard rock that you still hear on classic rock radio today. Adams found the perfect middle ground between edgy rock and pop that made the collection of songs on “Reckless” -- six of which were hit singles – impossible to get enough of.
49 | Heart - “Heart”
Date: Dec. 21, 1985
Weeks on top: 1
Heart arrived in the mid-1970s like the female version to Led Zeppelin. How things changed in the 1980s. The band began a move into mainstream rock territory that peaked on its 1985 self-titled album. Heart was all about embracing its pop savvy and Ann Wilson’s big vocals that could rival any singer on the charts. Wilson’s voice takes center stage on big hits, as “What About Love,” “Nothing,” “These Dreams” and “Nothin’ at All” all reached the top 10 and remain appealing today even if they’re overly sentimental.
48 | Donna Summer - “On the Radio: Greatest Hits Vol. I & II”
Date: Jan. 5, 1980
Weeks on top: 1
“On the Radio: Greatest Hits, Vols. 1-2″ first popped up in 1979 as a double vinyl set summing up most of Donna Summer’s thrilling run during the 1970s. When it arrived on other formats in 1980, disco was on its way out. Regardless, “On the Radio: Greatest Hits Vol. I & II” is a fun DJ set of Summer’s best songs. There’s some stuff missing, including gems like “Love’s Unkind” and “Could It Be Magic.” “On the Radio: Greatest Hits Vol. I & II” also sadly opts for the shorter version of “I Feel Love,” leaving the game-changing synths of Giorgio Moroder from the extended edition on the cutting room floor. But if you want to dance the night away like it’s 1975, you’re all set.
47 | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - “Live/1975–85″
Date: Nov. 29, 1986
Weeks on top: 7
Considering Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was hailed as a stellar live act long before they became superstars, their eventual live album (which fans had been begging for) was hotly anticipated. The timing couldn’t have been better with Springsteen at his apex. In terms of offering up an expansive collection, “Live/1975-1985″ delivers...maybe a little too much. Ten sides and more than three and a half hours of music are a bit much. “Live/1975-1985″ is a compilation rather than a live album, which isn’t exactly a bad thing.
46 | Whitney Houston - “Whitney”
Date: June 27, 1987
Weeks on top: 11
If forced to choose between Whitney Houston’s first two iconic albums, most would probably lean toward her self-titled debut. Its follow-up, 1987′s “Whitney,” replaces any of the raw soulfulness of Whitney’s debut with super glossy production. Of course, that was the point. Arista saw the chance for mega-stardom and wanted the pop anthems to get Houston there. Some of the production may be heavy-handed. But when “Whitney” hits the mark, it’s life-changing. The opener “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” was enough to sell more than 10 million copies. And listening to the soaring ballad “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” bleed into the irresistible dance-pop of “So Emotional” makes you wonder if any other pop star could pull something like that off. Probably not.
45 | Phil Collins - “...But Seriously”
Date: Dec. 30
Weeks on top: 4
One could argue Phil Collins closed out his impressive 1980s solo run with his best album – 1989′s “...But Seriously.” It’s certainly Collins’ most musically rich effort with less focus on heavy drums and more attention to diverse instrumentation. Like the title suggests, “...But Seriously” tackles heavier subject matter. The result is something less upbeat than his four other great albums from the decase, but, perhaps, more impactful.
44 | Bon Jovi - “New Jersey”
Date: Oct. 15, 2022
Weeks on top: 4
“New Jersey” didn’t prove to be quite as successful as “Slippery When Wet” (though, it came close). Still, you could argue Bon Jovi’s fourth studio album was not only better but, arguably, the full realization of the pop-metal sound. “New Jersey” takes the biggest moments from its predecessors and turns them up a notch. Even the ballads, led by “I’ll Be There for You,” play like the best slow jams you’d hear from more straightforward pop music at the time.
43 | Various Artists - “Miami Vice”
Date: Nov. 2, 1985
Weeks on top: 11
“Miami Vice” was a unique kind of show that was both inspired by the decade it debuted in, but also wound up defining it. The show’s soundtrack played a huge part in that. The theme is the soundtrack’s masterpiece. But every song showcases the flashy guitars and big drum sounds that were mainstays on the radio and album charts. Driven by excellent John Hammer’s score work, the soundtrack gets the added benefit of two slick Glenn Frey tunes and “In the Air Tonight,” the Phil Collins tune that forever changed the way music would be used in TV.
42 | New Kids on the Block - “Hangin’ Tough”
Date: Sept. 9, 1989
Weeks on top: 2
The world had seen boybands before. But nothing quite like this. Slightly older with a bit of edge (authentic or not), New Kids on the Block emerged with a second album loaded built on hits. To say teenage fans ate it up would be an understatement. The album’s five singles – kickstarted by the ballad “Please Don’t Go Girl” -- all hit the top 10, making NKOTB one of the biggest acts in the world and establishing “Hangin’ Tough” as the musical blueprint for every boyband that would follow for the next 20 years.
41 | Wham! - “Make It Big”
Date: March 2, 1985
Weeks on top: 3
The title of Wham!’s second album was quite a bold statement even for the 1980s. It was also all the motivation George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley needed. They were calling their shot and hit a home run. All four singles from the album were huge with the duo’s two biggest songs -- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper” -- bookending the festivities. “Make It Big” was the last album for Wham!, setting the stage for Michael’s excellent solo career.
40 | Paula Abdul - “Forever Your Girl”
Virgin Records
Date: Oct. 7, 1989
Weeks on top: 1
If it weren’t for Bobby Brown, Paula Abdul would have had the most impactful debut of 1989. “Forever Your Girl” took Abdul out of the background (literally – she had been a dancer and choreographer) and into the spotlight with a collection of dance-pop songs that took the blueprint Janet Jackson (an artist Abdul choreographed for) and ran with it. Abdul’s third single “Straight Up” hit No. 1, setting off a stretch of four chart-toppers that would make Abdul a superstar.
39 | Lionel Richie - “Can’t Slow Down”
Date: Dec. 3, 1983
Weeks on top: 3
It’s easy to forget how big of a pop star Lionel Richie was in the 1980s. Not only did his sophomore solo album go on to sell 20 million copies. It won the Grammy for Album of the Year, beating out Michael Jackson, Prince, Cindy Lauper and Tina Turner. On the surface, Richie wasn’t as cool as any of those artists. But he could craft great pop music with the best of them. “Can’t Slow Down” is his most consistent album, following the lead of artists like Jackson in embracing dance-pop while holding to R&B influences.
38 | Prince - “Batman”
Date: July 22, 1989
Weeks on top: 6
You can imagine Prince’s “Batman” may have been puzzling to some upon its release. But it’s also not surprising to see how people still hold it in such high regard. Prince was fully committed to creating a soundtrack to Tim Burton’s film, developing each of the songs around a character. But “Batman” is also a Prince album, flipping the idea of a soundtrack into a star vehicle. He experiments with everything from rock and pop to funk and dance music. The only thing that keeps “Batman” from top-tier Prince territory are ballads that tempt you to press skip. But when the sounds are upbeat, Prince rarely misses.
37 | The Rolling Stones - “Tattoo You”
Date: Sept. 19, 1981
Weeks on top: 9
Even into the 1980s, The Rolling Stones just wouldn’t give up the title of the biggest band in the world. To be fair, 1981′s “Tattoo You” had the lead track to back it up in “Start Me Up,” still one of the Stones’ most iconic guitar riffs. As a whole, “Tattoo You” is a stellar effort considered by many fans to be the last great album the Stones ever released. The band sounds more invigorated than on “Emotional Rescue” and the result is a heck of a side one. The second half of “Tattoo You” lags a bit. Thankfully things close out with the awesomeness that is “Waiting on a Friend.”
36 | Fleetwood Mac - “Mirage”
Weeks on top: 5
Date: Aug. 7
“Mirage” is probably the least great of Fleetwood Mac’s classic-era lineup albums. And yet – to give you a sense of how much the group was clicking musically while falling apart personally -- it is still pretty darn good. The best songs, including the fantastic singles “Gypsy,” “Love in Store,” and “Hold Me,” rank among Fleetwood Mac’s top moments. And the return to more straightforward pop songs makes “Mirage” an enduring listen.
35 | Barbara Streisand - “The Broadway Album”
Date: Jan. 25, 1986
Weeks on top: 3
Barbara Streisand spent the 1960s as a star on Broadway, singing musical standards on record. But she abandoned that from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s. To say her return to the format was welcome would be an understatement. “The Broadway Album” was the best-selling album of 1986 and eventually went multiplatinum. Its appeal was simple: A great vocalist in her true element. Streisand was always a great interpreter of songs and her time in pop music allowed her to breathe new life into “The Broadway Album’s” wisely chosen collection of standards, including several Stephen Sondheim and Oscar Hammerstein III classics.
34 | Motley Crue - “Dr. Feelgood”
Date: Oct. 14, 1989
Weeks on top: 2
It’s sort of a wonder the world ever got “Dr. Feelgood.” Between touring and drug use, Motley Crue should have burned out. But some time off and rehab set the band straight physically and mentally, while producer Bob Rock gave them a thrilling sonic template. Motley Crue’s fifth album arrived at a time when alternative rock was shoving glam metal out of the mainstream. But “Dr. Feelgood’s” fierce tunes were strong enough to overcome anything.
33 | Anita Baker - “Giving You the Best That I Got”
Date: Dec. 24, 1988
Weeks on top: 2
Anita Baker’s third album wasn’t the best she had. But it was close. After helping pioneer the quiet-storm sound on 1986′s “Rapture,” Baker built a huge fanbase, hence “Giving You the Best That I Got’s” chart success. The album isn’t as much of a game-changer as “Rapture.” But it’s still excellent, recreating much of the fantastic elements that drove “Rapture” with an even more jazz-leaning feel.
32 | Men at Work - “Business as Usual”
Date: Nov. 13, 1982
Weeks on top: 15
If you could put together a couple of big singles in the 1980s, your album was going to sell. And Men at Work had two of the biggest in “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under.” That made the band’s debut album “Business as Usual” a blockbuster that spent nearly four months at the top of the charts. It was more than just two songs. however. Singer Colin Hay sounded just like Sting and Men at Work felt like The Police if you stripped away the complexities. That’s a winning formula Men at Work would milk on “Business as Usual,” where even several of the album cuts sound like top-tier new wave gems.
31 | Foreigner - “4″
Date: Aug. 22, 1981
Weeks on top: 10
This could have been it for Foreigner. By all standards, 1979′s “Head Games” was a disappointment, something the bandmembers surely knew. Foreigner spent 10 months in the studio working on “4,” looking for the right mix of fiery rock and pop appeal. They found it. “4″ is a an album that mixes dramatic ballads -- “Waiting for a Girl Like You” still melts -- with hard-hitting rockers like “Jukebox Hero,” which didn’t sound like anything else in rock at the time. “4″ is a clear example of a very talented rock band reaching for the stars and grabbing a whole bunch of them.
30 | Madonna - “Like a Virgin”
Sire
Date: Feb. 9, 1985
Weeks on top: 3
Iconic. It’s one (and the most appropriate) way to describe Madonna’s sophomore album “Like a Virgin.” Her 1983′s self-titled debut album stands as a brilliant peak. But “Like a Virgin” is where it all came together from a star-making standpoint. The bright pop songs helmed by Nile Rogers were perfect alongside Madonna’s image. And she took full advantage of MTV’s growing influence. Going through the songs individually doesn’t do “Like a Virgin” justice. Sure, the big singles remain indelible. But Rodgers creates a dance-pop soundscape throughout the album that sums up the greatest aspects of 1980s pop.
29 | Journey - “Escape”
Date: Sept. 12, 1981
Weeks on top: 1
Driven by Neil Schon’s ambition and guitar playing, Journey had big potential from the very beginning. But it wasn’t until the band added Steve Perry for 1978′s “Infinity” that things took off. Perry’s first three albums with the band -- “Infinity,” “Evolution” and “Departure” -- were all monster records. But 1981′s “Escape” was next level. Perry is the album’s MVP, his voice proving to be a force of nature. It’s easy to focus on the hit singles. But even the album cuts on “Escape” are top-notch arena rock.
28 | Dire Straits - “Brothers in Arms”
Date: Aug. 31, 1985
Weeks on top: 9
More straightforward rock still had its place in the 1980s, especially if it could infuse some pop melodies. Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler’s band that had previously focused more on artsier prog-rock, hit the sweet spot on “Brothers in Arms,” an album that’s went on to sell more than 30 million copies worldwide. Lead single and album opener “So Far Away” plays into the heartland rock trend that was picking up at the time, while “Money for Nothing” serves as the timely criticism of mindless MTV-destined tunes that became a mainstay on the channel itself. Top to bottom, “Brothers in Arms” is just a great rock album that finds Knopfler embracing his inner hitmaker without comprising the artistry he’d been showcasing for years.
27 | Phil Collins - “No Jacket Required”
Date: March 30, 1985
Weeks on top: 7
Between his first two albums -- “Face Value” and “Hello, I Must Be Going” -- and Genesis reaching its pop peak, Phil Collins was on quite the winning streak heading into 1985. And he wasn’t slowing down. Collins’ third album “No Jacket Required” would become his biggest album, fueled by bubbly pop, synths and massive drums. Collins was in full ‘80s mode, mimicking the sounds of the decade’s biggest artists in fantastic ways while forging his own influence.
26 | Bobby Brown - “Don’t Be Cruel”
Date: Jan 21, 1989
Weeks on top: 11
Bobby Brown’s departure from New Edition painted him as the bad boy of R&B. Where his 1986 solo debut, “King of the Stage,” tried to establish Brown more as the boy next door, its follow-up, “Don’t Be Cruel,” leaned into his edgier image. The result was the best-selling album of 1989. The first half of “Don’t Be Cruel” plays like a greatest hits record, featuring all five hit singles from the album. The production work of L.A. Reid and Babyface, along with Teddy Riley on two tracks (including “My Prerogative”) put Brown at the forefront of new jack swing. Brown’s charisma did the rest, making him one of the biggest pop stars in the world and leaving New Edition in the dust.
25 | Bon Jovi - “Slippery When Wet”
When: Oct. 25, 1986
Weeks on top: 8
If it wasn’t for “Slippery When Wet,” hair metal may have never taken off. You can hate Bon Jovi for that. But it’s damn hard to do so when the hard rock sounds this sweet. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were clicking on all cylinders, crafting songs -- “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Let It Rock,” “Never Say Goodbye” -- you couldn’t help but hit repeat on. And the biggest and best tunes such as “You Give Love a Bad Man,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “I’d Die for You” reap the benefits of co-writer Desmond Child. “Slippery When Wet” is stadium rock anthem after stadium rock anthem. Get your lighters up.
24 | Madonna - “True Blue”
Date: Aug. 16, 1986
Weeks on top: 5
If “Like a Virgin” proved Madonna was a star, “True Blue” cemented the fact she was a pop genius. Madonna wasn’t trying to hide her provocative nature, generating tabloid-esque drama right from the start of the album with the controversial “Papa Don’t Preach.” But if you assumed Madonna was just looking for attention, you weren’t digging deep enough. “True Blue” ranks as one of her most eclectic albums, one where her songwriting and performance show signs of maturing on songs like the title track, “Open Your Heart” and the stunning “Live to Tell.” “True Blue” continued Madonna’s mastery of dance-pop in new and exciting ways.
23 | Prince and the Revolution - “Around the World in a Day”
Date: June 1, 1985
Weeks on top: 3
After reaching the top of the pop music mountain with “Purple Rain,” Prince took a right turn to psychedelic pop on 1985′s “Around the World in a Day.” It baffled critics and some fans, earning mixed reviews upon its release. But “Around the World in a Day” sits well in Prince’s astonishing 1980s output. It’s an album with lavish sounds that turns away from the mainstream appeal of its predecessor but doesn’t abandon it entirely. Prince was tapping into more symbolism and strange imagery. But it works as a complex experimental project that features jolts of radio-friendly brilliance like “Pop Life” and “Raspberry Beret.” There was no question after “Around the World in a Day” that Prince could do whatever the heck he wanted.
22 | The Go-Go’s - “Beauty and the Beat”
Date: March 6, 1982
Weeks on top: 6
The Go-Go’s “Beauty and the Beat” was groundbreaking. The group became the first all-female band to top the Billboard 200 while writing their own material and playing their own instruments. But the Go-Go’s debut is more than just a historical achievement. There’s punk energy to the Go-Go’s songs. But the band also draws just as much on the pop appeal of 1960s girl groups. The result is a vibrant collection of songs, each with a brilliant hook that would take new wave to massive heights in the United States.
21 | Bruce Springsteen - “The River”
Date: Nov. 8, 1980
Weeks on top: 4
“The River” may be all over the place as an album experience, but that’s part of its appeal. The Boss’ sprawling double album contains everything he and the E Street Band are great at, even more so than “Born to Run,” propelled them to superstardom. There’s something for everyone to latch onto, from the relatable moodiness of “Drive All Night,” “Stolen Car” or the iconic title track to the bombastic catchiness of “Hungry Heart.” You want more of all it. “The River” might be proof you can’t have too much of a great thing when it comes to Springsteen.
20 | The Police - “Synchronicity”
A&M Records
Date: July 23
Weeks on top: 17
Believe it or not, The Police only had one No. 1 album. Whether “Synchronicity” is the band’s best effort can be debated. But the singles make one heck of a case. They’re all classics, ranging from the bouncy Billy Joel-sounding “Synchronicity II” and the seductive new wave of “Wrapped Around Your Finger” to the thought-provoking “King of Pain” and the mega-popular “Every Breath You Take,” a stalker anthem only The Police could get away with. Not everything reaches such heights. But “Synchronicity” earns even more points for its experimentalism and Sting’s amazing songwriting that would lead him to go solo.
19 | Stevie Nicks - “Bella Donna”
Date: Sept. 5, 1981
Weeks on top: 1
It didn’t take a genius to see the potential in Stevie Nicks as a solo act. Several of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring songs were hers. Nicks wrote the songs for her debut solo album on the piano before handing them off to producer Jimmy Iovine, who put together an exceptional team of collaborators (including Tom Petty and Don Henley). It was such a dazzling lineup of session musicians, that Nicks could have gotten lost in the shuffle. That’s not the case. Iovine wisely keeps things simple with roots rock and country music as the album’s backbone, adding sonic flourishes (see “Edge of Seventeen”) at just the right time. “Bella Donna” is an album that often gets overshadowed by its big singles. But the album cuts are just as good on one of the best debut albums of the 1980s.
18 | Pink Floyd - “The Wall”
Date: Jan. 19, 1980
Weeks on top: 15
Too long? Probably. Indulgent? Hell yes. Labored? Oh boy. Still iconic? Yep. Arriving at the end of the 1970s, Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” is unlike any album on this list. It was Roger Waters’ most grandiose statement, so ambitious it was enough to bring Pink Floyd as we knew them down. Opinions on “The Wall” can vary. Waters’ story on the rise and fall of a rock star (based on himself and Syd Barrett) is certainly over-the-top, almost to the point of pretentiousness. “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here” or maybe even “Animals,” this isn’t. But Waters was reaching for something more ubiquitous for its time. The fact he and Pink Floyd were able to accomplish that with a project so complex is quite astonishing.
17 | Beastie Boys - “Licensed to Ill”
Date: March 7, 1987
Weeks on top: 7
The themes of misogyny and homophobia certainly haven’t aged well. But the sonic ambition of the Beastie Boys’ debut album remains stunning. Rick Rubin’s early aesthetic was aimed at making hip-hop artists as big as rock stars. And no act (save for LL Cool J) gave him a better vehicle than the Beastie Boys. The group’s slapstick humor and charisma were perfect for Rubin’s impactful production. And the Beastie Boys knew how to write a hook. The album’s middle run of “Girls,” “Fight for Your Right,” “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” and “Paul Revere” is about as good as it gets. “Licensed to Ill” didn’t invent rap-rock. But it certainly stands as the album that first made it something impactful.
16 | Whitney Houston - “Whitney Houston”
Date: March 8, 1986
Weeks on top: 14
If Whitney Houston had stopped making music after her debut album, she would still be regarded as, arguably, the greatest vocalist in pop music history. Not only was her self-titled effort a huge success – becoming the biggest album of 1986 – but it was also a showcase for a young woman who would become the signature voice of pop music well into the 1990s. That starts with the opener “You Give Good Love” and the massive note Houston hits nearly three minutes in. It’s the star-is-born moment record executive Clive Davis saw coming when he discovered Houston. Things would reach even greater heights with “Saving All My Love for You.” Once that towering ballad hit No. 1, there was no stopping Houston who would deliver a streak of seven consecutive No. 1′s on the Billboard Hot 100. Houston’s debut is a master class in how you introduce one of the greatest voices of all time.
15 | Michael Jackson - “Bad”
Date: Sept. 26, 1987
Weeks on top: 6
Anything that came after “Thriller” would exist in the shadow of Michael Jackson’s monster of an album. But it’s still laughable to think anyone considers “Bad.” It was the best-selling album worldwide in 1987 and 1988, and was the first project to have five straight songs peak at No. 1. “Bad” is Jackson’s “rock” album, a tight collection of 10 songs that each feels larger than life. Was it as good as “Thriller?” No. But what is? “Bad” was after its own legacy, painting MJ as an edgy rock star who took no prisoners. For anyone else, it would have been a career milestone.
14 | Sade - “Promise”
Date: Feb. 15, 1986
Weeks on top: 2
Given the sensual nature of Sade, it’s no surprise the band’s sophomore album reached its peak on the charts the week of Valentine’s Day. “Promise” follows the blueprint of 1984′s “Diamond Life,” but ups the ante by merging jazz, soul and pop underneath lead singer Sade Adu’s laid back, alluring vocals. Every Sade album put together feels like one divine playlist, mostly become they’re all exceptional. But “Promise” feels like the centerpiece because of the sophisticated production. These love songs (including the hit “The Sweetest Taboo”) melt your heart and your speakers. Light a candle and fill the bathtub with bubbles.
13 | Def Leppard - “Hysteria”
Date: June 23, 1988
Weeks on top: 6
“Pyromania” set a new standard for glam metal thanks to the glossy production of Mutt Lange. Its follow-up, “Hysteria,” takes things even further, becoming a hard-rock version of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” where the hits never stopped and the sales never wavered. Mission accomplished. “Hysteria” is the sound of Def Leppard reaching the peak of pop-metal, crafting songs that were precise in their production and catchy from front to back. Anyone who’s been to a Def Leppard live show knows “Hysteria” reads like a greatest hits album (“Rocket,” “Animal,” “Love Bites,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Armageddon It,” etc.), especially on its loaded first half. It would be impossible for Def Leppard (or anyone) to top “Hysteria,” but the band didn’t have to. They were set for life.
12 | Janet Jackson - “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814″
Date: Oct. 28
Weeks on top: 4
After establishing herself as a solo star with “Control,” Janet Jackson got more ambitious. “Rhythm Nation 1814″ was a concept album centered on social issues that became a groundbreaking moment for R&B. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were still at the helm with Jackson, which meant massive pop hits. The album’s string of singles stretched into the first few years of the 1990s. Not only is “Rhythm Nation 1814″ the only album to have seven singles land in the top five. It was also the first album to produce a No. 1 hit on the charts in three separate calendar years. Jackson’s fourth album had it all from both a creative and commercial standpoint. It also made her as big as any pop star on the planet.
11 | Bruce Springsteen - “Tunnel of Love”
Date: Nov. 7, 1987
Weeks on top: 1
Springsteen spent much of the 1980s going against what was expected. He followed up “The River” with his most stripped-down album “Nebraska.” Likewise, he followed “Born in the U.S.A.,” the biggest album of his career, with “Tunnel of Love.” Springsteen’s album about romance wasn’t as dialed back as “Nebraska.” But it was just as intimate and, quite possibly, the most personal album of Springsteen’s career up until that point. It wasn’t what people still listening to the songs from “Born in the U.S.A.” expected. Though, some might argue that “Tunnel of Love” was better.
10 | George Michael - “Faith”
Columbia Records
Date: Jan. 16, 1988
Weeks on top: 12
Upon ditching the bubblegum pop of Wham!, George Michael embarked on something edgier and more intimate for his solo debut. “Faith” defies classification as a hybrid of pop, rock, old-school soul and dance music. Michael conquers every genre he delves into. It helps when you’re armed with one of the great voices in music history. But Michael also deserves credit for taking on production duties himself. “Faith” is a well-orchestrated album that felt as big as just about anything of its time.
9 | Tears for Fears - “Songs from the Big Chair”
Date: July 13, 1985
Weeks on top: 6
“Songs from the Big Chair” is, as much as any album on this list, the sound of 1980s pop music in all its glory. Tears for Fears’ previous album “The Hurting” focused on simplistic new wave and synth-pop. “Songs from the Big Chair” delivers a similar aesthetic while sounding more mature. The sophisticated productions and massive choruses carried tremendous emotional weight. And as moody as it can seem, “Songs from the Big Chair” is an album about healing and understanding. If you want to explain to someone pop music in the 1980s, or maybe the decade as a whole, play them “Songs from the Big Chair.” They’ll thank you for it.
8 | Madonna - “Like a Prayer”
Date: April 22, 1989
Weeks on top: 6
Right or wrong (mostly wrong) by 1989, cynics had been demanding a more mature album from Madonna. So, she gave them what they wanted in the way only Madonna knew how. “Like a Prayer” is an album about family, spirituality, and the loss of innocence, starting with the opening combo of the title track and “Express Yourself.” Those two big hits anchor an album that finds Madonna showing off her song craft through an array of genres that includes pop, funk, R&B and gospel. The hits are there, as is the mature woman who still liked to toy with critics. “Like a Prayer” is seriously great.
7 | Tracy Chapman - “Tracy Chapman”
Date: Aug. 27, 1988
Weeks on top: 1
Tracy Chapman’s debut album was proof that no matter what era you’re in and what trends are dominant, great music always has a shot at reaching the top. Chapman came out of nowhere in 1988. But her arrival just as Ronald Reagan was leaving office and George Bush was going came at the right time. Chapman’s music painted a picture of American society that was struggling through harsh political and economic times. She was a descendant of the golden age of singer-songwriters and crafted one of the great albums in that genre that’s ever been put fort. Her self-titled debut also foreshadowed a lot of music that would become more prominent in the 1990s. The 11 songs on “Tracy Chapman” remain timeless with themes more prevalent today than they, perhaps, were, perhaps 35 years ago.
6 | Bruce Springsteen - “Born in the U.S.A.”
Date: July 7, 1984
Weeks on top: 7
Everything about Bruce Springsteen seemed to change with “Born in the U.S.A.” including The Boss’ look. The cover of “Born in the U.S.A.” famously features Springsteen’s toned posterior in jeans on the cover. Appropriately, his music was more muscular as well. “Born in the U.S.A.” is the album where Springsteen reached his full mainstream potential while also showing off just how universally appealing he could be as a songwriter. The Boss is less in his feelings than on “Nebraska” and “The River,” but he’s more in the pocket on a collection of powerful anthems that includes his sexiest song (“I’m on Fire”), his most boisterous anthem (“Born in the U.S.A.”) and his finest pop achievement (“Dancing in the Dark”). It’s cooler to like other 1980s Springsteen albums. But objective listening showcases “Born in the U.S.A.” as Springsteen’s crowning achievement from the decade in more ways than one.
5 | U2 - “The Joshua Tree”
Date: April 25, 1987
Weeks on top: 9
“The Unforgettable Fire” suggested U2 was working towards something special. “The Joshua Tree” proved it to be true. The songs on U2′s landmark album felt more intimate while bringing in the anthemic nature of the tunes on “War.” The combination of the two created the musical equivalent of religious experience. “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” may be the best two-song opening to any album ever, while “With or Without You” became U2′s signature love song even if it was more about one’s heart being torn. It’s easy to make the case that “The Joshua Tree” is top-heavy with its most memorable songs being on the first side. But that’s more about the exceptional nature of side one than the quality of side two, which is excellent as well.
4 | Janet Jackson - “Control”
Date: July 6, 1986
Weeks on top: 2
“This is a story about control, my control. Control of what I say. Control of what I do. And this time, I’m gonna do it my way...” Janet Jackson’s third studio album was a statement of freedom, expression and outstanding pop music -- all killer, with no filler throughout nine tracks (seven of which were singles). You can argue all day about what Jackson’s best album is. She and the production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis would certainly go on to create more expansive projects with a broader scope. But nothing rates as highly in terms of being tight, cohesive and impactful. “Control” put Janet on the map.
3 | Guns N’ Roses - “Appetite for Destruction”
Date: Aug. 6, 1988
Weeks on top: 4
“Appetite Destruction” wasn’t the last great hard rock album. But it kind of feels like it was because of the standard it set. Right as hair metal was reaching its peak, Guns N’ Roses arrived on the scene with plenty of hair but a grittier attitude. They looked (and lived) the part of sex, drugs and rock and roll with the music to back it up. “Appetite for Destruction” opener “Welcome to the Jungle” is as much a warning as it is a mission statement. From there is blistering hard rock that blows your hair back with two timeless, pop-savvy anthems -- “Paradise City” and “Sweet Child of Mine” -- mixed in. “Appetite for Destruction” is a perfect rock album and one of the great debut statements in music history.
2 | Prince and the Revolution - “Purple Rain”
Date: Aug. 4
Weeks on top: 24
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life...” If it’s not the greatest opening to an album, it’s certainly the most appropriate. Even detached from the movie of the same name, “Purple Rain” feels like a spiritual event. Prince had already released masterful albums. But “Purple Rain” was next level, a titanic sonic achievement that expanded on his Minneapolis sound to include rock, pop, R&B and dance-pop perfection. It was also the sound of Prince ruling the world. “Purple Rain” spent 24 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200. Each of the nine songs feels epic, from the frenetic rock of “Let’s go Crazy” and the vocal perfection of “The Beautiful Ones” to the earth-shattering guitar sound of “When Doves Cry” and the grand finale that is the title track.
1 | Michael Jackson - “Thriller”
Epic
Date: Feb. 26, 1983
Weeks on top: 37
1983 began with Men at Work’s “Business as Usual” in the middle of an unprecedented 15-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, threatening to be the biggest record of the decade. Then Michael Jackson released “Thriller,” making everything that came before and after it seem small by comparison. “Thriller” was a groundbreaking blockbuster for the music world in the same way Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” transformed the film industry. No one envisioned pop music reaching such heights until “Thriller.” The numbers are staggering: 37 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1, all seven singles reached the top 10 on the charts and 32 million copies were sold worldwide in 1983 alone. In fact, “Thriller” was so big it was also the top-selling album for all of 1984.
It’s an album where Jackson and producer Quincy Jones mastered everything from pop and rock to funk and R&B, on landmark recording after landmark recording. Even consider “The Lady in My Life,” an album track, has been covered or sampled well over 80 times. Or that the one song that could qualify as not-so-great – the somewhat corny Paul McCartney duet “The Girl Is Mine” -- was “Thriller’s” lead single and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael Jackson set out to conquer the music world. Not only did he do, he made it look easy.