Top Ten Lists of Eighties Albums

What are your top ten favorite albums from the 80s?

This page currently edited by: stingr22. Past editor: Junior

By: Poncho
  • 10. Disintegration by The Cure
  • 9. Best of Smiths by The Smiths
  • 8. Rattle and Hum by U2
  • 7. Hunting High and Low by A-HA
  • 6. New Jersey by Bon Jovi
  • 5. The Joshua Tree by U2
  • 4. Duran Duran by Decade
  • 3. Synchronicity by The Police
  • 2. Hysteria by Def Leppard
  • 1. Out Of Time by REM
By: Dennis Shen
  • 10. Love at First Sting by Scorpions
    "Rock you like a hurricane" is quite possibly the greatest rock anthem ever written. everything else on this album is also great w/ Meine's voice and Schenker's guitar
  • 9. D.R.F.S.R by Warrant
    Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinkin' Rich was an album made when Warrant was truely part of "Heaven" in many fans eyes - added on to "Down Boys", it was another great hair band album
  • 8. Whitesnake by Whitesnake
    8 million copies sold on an album by a band that is otherwise unknown. I love this band in that really, they are the typical "hair band" - they took hair spray to a new level w/ Coverdale and Vandenberg. And yea, Tawny Kitaen is really hot.
  • 7. Pump by Aerosmith
    "Janie's Got a Gun", "Love in an Elevator" - a great step in the anthology of Aerosmith
  • 6. Look What The Cat Dragged In by Poison
    this album makes me smile every time I hear it- simply a great work of art in such songs as "Every Rose has its Rose" and the rock anthem "Talk dirty to me"
  • 5. Back in Black by AC/DC
    wat is it now, the number 4 top selling album of all-time, well anyway, thats why I went out and bought this album and its awesome. Though Im still not really a great fan of AC/DC, I absolutely love the title track.
  • 4. 1984 by Van Halen
    this album is probably the single album that symbolizes the 80s for hard rock bands- raw energy. Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher are absolutely guitar, guitar, guitar and not to mention Diamond Dave was actually decent still.
  • 3. Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
    wow, Bon Jovi was awesome in the 80s, now well... they're a bit different. 12 million copies sold, Livin' on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive
  • 2. Hysteria by Def Leppard
    Great album, never been a huge Def Leppard fan until I actually heard this album - Love Bites, Pour Some Sugar, Armaggedon it, and Title Track are awesome.
  • 1. Appettite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses
    Best album ever, best band ever, no doubt about it in my mind, 15 million copies sold- enough said, besides, it has "Sweet Child o' Mine," "Paradise City," and "Welcome to the Jungle." I wish I could put the "Use Your Illusions" on here but well, they were early 1991 i think.
"Thriller" would be on here were not for the fact that the above is pure hard rock. "G'n'R Lies" too would be on here but I already paid tribute to my fav. band enough. Other notables: "The Final Countdown" by Europe, "Permanent Vacation" by Aerosmith, "New Jersey" by Bon Jovi
By: Alanna Evans
  • 10. Hungry for a Game by Skagarack
    Why didn't these guys find their way to stardom?? Many people have wondered this, but it could simply be because it never made it to our shores in the spotlight it should have been held in. Imagine "Somewhere in France" given a shot back during the disc's initial release of 1988... it would have been a smash for sure. Everything about the cd screams quality... from the vocals, to the melodies and back again.
  • 9. Holy Diver by Dio
    This really should be further up the list... its Ronnie James Dio for goodness sake! The songs are catchy, the lyrics are pure fantastical magic, and the metallic edge is sharpened for the attack. There's never enough praise for this album, its a metal lover's dream come true.
  • 8. Kings of Metal by Manowar
    A quick prayer to Odin and then its off to battles and brutality, bloodshed and rape, all just another day in the music of Manowar. Those that look beyond the potentinally gruesome imagery will also find rays of hope, honor, pride, and honesty... all things that are missing in today's gap of society. With Manowar, living the life of a warrior is a glorious thing indeed.
  • 7. Age of Consent by Virgin Steele
    An obscure band until the 90s, this one was the 'lost' disc of their catalogue, not making it onto cd until the late 90s. Cassette tapes of this thing floated around and sparked undying love for ten years prior to its disc debut. David DeFeis' classical background and knack for blending that into songs that stretch the boundaries of the imagination through fantasy, space, time and love come together in the perfect marriage between the hip "pop metal" sound of the time and the more metallic edge that surged earlier in the decade. A true treasure.
  • 6. Night of the Crime by Icon
    Queensryche was often highly regarded simply for making the concept album a 'cool thing' to do, but little do most know, Icon did it years before the prog kings "Operation: Mindcrime" hit the airwaves. Its AOR and there's a murder out there and the story is a bit disjointed but somehow the pieces fall together in the end making it a satisfying and sing-along worthy journey worth taking over and over.
  • 5. Odyssey by Yngwie Malmsteen
    Swedish axeslinger extraordinaire also finds his pop side, abandoning some of the heavier viking-esque metal themes for a bit of chart aiming magic. The songs all had that special Malmsteen touch but having Joe Lynn Turner on board was just the added bonus the cd needed to boost it to classic status.
  • 4. Straight Between the Eyes by Rainbow
    Many thought Ritchie Blackmore lost it when he left Deep Purple but in my opinion, he was just finding himself. As the multi coloured named band aged through the 70s and into the 80s they became more "pop like" as vocalists came and went, but Joe Lynn Turner stepped up to the plate for this one and made pure magic. "Stone Cold" is perhaps the greatest song EVER. Its emotional impact has to be heard to be believed.
  • 3. Strength of Heart by Gary Hughes
    He later became the leader of Ten but it was this solo debut from 89 that piled on the love and lush 80s keys. Magnificent piece of work, and one worth searching out for AOR fans.
  • 2. Wings of Tomorrow by Europe
    The lost child of the 80s. 1986's "The Final Countdown" got all the attention but it was their second album from 1984 that deserved it the most. Joey Tempest's voice was raw and youthful while John Norum's guitars simply explode into the songs. Straight up metal in classics like "Scream of Anger" and "Stormwind", while the original "Open Your Heart" is an energetic plea of love. Those that think Europe was just 'wimps' should give this a look. A diamond in the rough for sure.
  • 1. Hysteria by Def Leppard
    One of the finest discs ever created. The overall sound was a giant leap forward. The amount of textures layered under those catchy melodies made quite an impact on the charts and has stayed in the hearts that love their metal with a lighter touch without going all out glam (ie: Poison).
There are so many other bands that were over looked and never got their fair chance, such as Malice, Angel Dust, Banshee, Treat, Fifth Angel, Tarot, White Wolf, Shy, Arcara, Apollo-Ra... do dig beneath the surface and discover for yourself these wonderous bands that you might be missing. There was so much more to 80s metal/hard rock music than Ozzy, Bon Jovi, Metallica, and Iron Maiden... sure that was what the radio let you hear, but they buried so much of the rest...
By: Karl von Bahnhof
By: Chris
  • 10. Kill Em All by Metallica
    Debut album. Nothing else could compare or would even atempt.
  • 9. Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
    Just cuz the chicks dig it... otherwise they wouldn't have done much.
  • 8. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    Not a fan, but got to give credit where credit is due.
  • 7. Ride The Lightning by Metallica
    SOOO FUCKIN SWEET... Metallica doing what they do best
  • 6. GNR Lies by Guns N Rose
    Another Great ablum from these Guys!!!
  • 5. Back IN Black by AC/DC
    Good album, not a huge fan but this was still a good one.
  • 4. Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue
    Nice Album.
  • 3. Hysteria by Def Lepard
    Great Album.
  • 2. Master Of Puppets by Metallica
    No Air Play at all, but a huge success no the less. Blew Everything before and most since out of the water.
  • 1. Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
    By Far the Best. Highest Debut album of all time! No one was even close to the status this band had.
I cant remember most bands so i just added some i thought should get credit, so its not actually my Favorite List of ablums in the 80's
By: Chico Mendez
  • 10. Hysteria by Def Leppard
    Their best effort and possibly the closet they came to a consumate rock album. Followed Bon Jovi's "Slippery......" as the biggest selling album of '88
  • 9. Once Upon A Time by Simple Minds
    The release that took Simple Minds to the top of the rock tree worldwide. After playing Live Aid, this album dominated the airwaves of not only every radio station on the globe, but also every jukebox that played on my school bus !
  • 8. Only Child by Only Child
    An undiscovered gem. AOR at it's best this basically went un-noticed which was criminal as it was as good as anything else of the time.
  • 7. Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    Still in the Guinness book of records for advance orders, this was the first "Album" I was ever really into.Xmas 1984. Just listen to the bass line in Two Tribes and you can see what a tight outfit they were.Outstanding pomp at it's best
  • 6. Live Under A Blood Red Sky by U2
    Many people would go for The Joshua Tree as their favourite, but this was, and still is mine.Capturing the raw power and energy of the band in their youth, before the megalomania set in, it broke the band in the US and remained in the British chart for over two years.
  • 5. New Jersey by Bon Jovi
    A masterful follow up to their breakthrough album. Sold shedloads and it's easy to see why. Spawning 5 hit singles, including to US No 1's, it was their first album to top the UK chart in 1988.
  • 4. Caught In The Game by Survivor
    Not the most well known of their catalogue, but the last to feature the original vocalist and had "Jackie Don't Go" which I tried to find for 12 years. Brilliant !
  • 3. 1984 by Van Halen
    Jump. Need I say more ?.........ok then, Hot For Teacher, Panama......etc..... feel good guitar driven rock that really started the ball rolling.
  • 2. Raised On Radio by Journey
    The last truly great album from the classic Journey line up was my favourite. Be Good to Yourself blaring from your car stereo in the middle of a long summer night, is a joy that everyone should experience
  • 1. Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
    The record that changed me from a pop fan to a rock fan. It opened so many doors which, to this day I'm still finding. Every one a pop/rock classic and was the biggest selling album, worldwide, in 1987.
Big Country & The Police have to be mentioned, as they also had a massive influence over me musically with BC being my first ever gig in '86. Also, a young British AOR band called After Hours had a great album called " Take Off ". If anyone can tell me how to get a hold of a copy, I'll gladly wipe their arse for a year !
By: Mr. Media
  • 10. Be Yourself Tonight by The Eurythmics
    Dave Stewart's only purpose in the band was to make Annie Lennox look and sound better. But as they would only do again on "Revenge", they become an actual band and not a sparring couple. Their romantic relationship broke down as well as their physical health (Annie had vocal cysts), but they channeled the energy into the album. Duets with Elvis Costello and Aretha Franklin are only the tip of the iceberg on an album of blue-eyed soul that would be the last big event in the Eurythmics career.
  • 9. A Walk Across the Rooftops by The Blue Nile
    When people praise the Blue Nile for their creative work, they really mean this, their lone masterpiece. Its awesome stature gave this already fragile band a mass of complexes and label trouble that still haunts them to this day. Nevertheless, the record has unique melodies that sparkle because of their restraint. They could have gone and done many more songs and at a faster tempo, but they didn't because they felt it would insult themselves and their potential audience. If only they had remembered that on their following releases. Besides it was a pattern-setter for the rest of the 80's synth-pop.
  • 8. The Lion and the Cobra by Sinead O'Connor
    She was going to be the biggest thing in rock until she stupidly decided to rip up the pope's image. Before she lost her marbles, she challenged the conventional role of women in rock as well as her Catholic upbringing on this sharp debut album that pits the gaudiness of mainstream 1980's culture against the horrors that it tried to hide.
  • 7. The Dreaming by Kate Bush
    Kate is at a crossroads on this album. She is trying to sabotage her previously commercial sound, and hasn't yet become sophisticated enough to give us "Hounds of Love " and "The Sensual World". So she has to use every trick imaginable to broaden her sound. She makes it succeed and tackles heady issues that lesser acts like Tori Amosin the 90's would ride to the bank while she would spend the rest of the same period in seclusion, forgotten by the scene she helped foster.
  • 6. Synchronicity by The Police
    I like this one because most every other album by this band and its members' solo work suck rocks. Here the band go out in a blaze of glory as they stick to the music and leave Sting's psychobabble and Copeland's lame wit behind. The result: Every Breath You Take. Need I say more?
  • 5. BUY by James White and the Contortions
    They fell off the face of the earth in 1982 after their bassist died, but they cranked out some interesting music. Another of Sonic Youth's major influences, it shows in groove-laden numbers that blend funk and acid jazz. It gets kudos in my books for the cover, which places the title right under the arm of a very sexy, scantily-clad woman.
  • 4. Passion by Peter Gabriel
    Besides prefiguring the goofiness that has become world music today, Gabriel introduces us to Youssou N'dour and Nusret Fateh Ali-Khan and the trademark wildness of Arabic music. Essential
  • 3. Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise? by The Art of Noise
    They were one of the most challenging bands of the 1980's: four anonymous musicians banging on keyboards and unleashing waves of noise. This record reflects that as tight rhythms bounce of cascades of sounds. Side One is incredibly rhythmic and terse, Side Two features smooth melodies and ambient sounds. The dance album that the last two decades have been trying to produce.
  • 2. Remain in Light by Talking Heads
    As much as they were proficient musicians, the Talking Heads were really satirists of Rock and Roll, like Frank Zappa. That satire is laced with trippy lyrics about colonialism in Africa and the blandness of suburban life and Brian Eno's wizardry with tape and looping. For all of its danceable fun, the album and its track "Once in a Lifetime" were only minor hits. The Talking Heads never had a major commercial success until "Burning Down the House" came out and they released the 1984 live album "Stop Making Sense". But by that time they were past their prime.
  • 1. A Taste of DNA by DNA
    Though it was supposed to have been an LP, it came out an EP. But what the hey, the band still manage to squeeze out these pulsing complicated bursts of music in ten minutes (they specialized in one-minute masterpieces). Besides that, the fact that this band is responsible for Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and John Zorn makes it indispensible.
Just wanted to give a shout to the most unique record of the 1980's : "The Mars EP". The basic premise of this band was an all feedback sound. So melodies built on feedback from two guitars and a bass swirl around a drummer who sounds like a train (literally). Radiohead can't hold a candle to the daring of this 45.
By: Justin Baxter
  • 10. Greatest Hits by Meatloaf
    One of the greatest singers of all time brings forward his greatest collection including Bat out of Hell, Two out of Three Aint Bad and Heaven Can wait. A true classic album.
  • 9. Greatest Hits 2 by Queen
    The best group of all time, forget the Beatles, Freddie could sing, Bryan was a great gurtarist, John was another and John great Drummer. This album brings forward the best of the 80s including Hammer to fall, A kind of magic, Radio Ga Ga and The Show must go on, a true classic.
  • 8. Light Years by Electric Light Orchestra
    The most under-rated group of all time. All the songs on this 42 massive collection are worth listening to my favourites include Telephone Line, Mr Blue Sky, Xanadu etc.
  • 7. History by Michael Jackson
    Another great album from the king of POP, first disc includes Thriller, Billie Jean and Beat It amongst others. While the second disc includes Earth Song, Scream and my personal favourite Little Sussie.
  • 6. Immaculate Collection by Madonna
    Far better than Immaculate collection two, includes classics such as Like a Virgin, Papa don't preach and Like a prayer. My only complaint is that True Blue was not included on this album and is not included on immaculate two collection.
  • 5. Time after Time by Cyndi Lauper
    Perhaps the best woman singer of the 1980s this is a real favourite includes classics such as girls just want to have fun, true colours, I drove all night and Time after Time.
  • 4. Pop by Erasure
    One of my all time albums, perhaps one of the greatest albums of all time. Includes songs songs such as sometimes, blue savanaha, who needs love like that etc.
  • 3. Greatest by Duran Duran
    Another compilation album i'm affraid but another excellent album includes Rio amongst others, fantastic album.
  • 2. The best of by The Bangles
    I am a big follower of 80's music and it does not get much better than this with massive hits such as Manic Monday, Eternal Flame, Walk Like an Egyption and Hazy Shade of Winter.
  • 1. Headlines and Deadlines by A-ha
    An excellent album from this Norwegian Group, includes such 80's favourites as Take on me, The Sun Always Shines on TV and Hunting High and Low, usually listen to this album every week. Fantastic to lay back and listen to.
The 80's was great by far the best decade for music.
By: *Krystal*
  • 10. Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
    This album kicks ass. I love almost every song on it. Eyes Without A Face, Flesh For Fantasy, Catch My Fall, and Rebel Yell of course! It doesn't get much better than this!
  • 9. 1984 by Van Halen
    What a great title for an album for 2 reasons: 1. 1984 was an awesome year, and 2. I was born in 1984. Eddie Van Halen is a guitar genius and David Lee Roth worked his magic on this one. Panama is my favorite song on this album.
  • 8. Hysteria by Def Leppard
    This definitely has to be on my list too. This album rocks. A wonderful follow up to Pyromania.
  • 7. Pyromania by Def Leppard
    Pyromania is Def Leppard's finest album in my book. They had Photograph, Rock Of Ages, and Foolin'. It's music to my ears.
  • 6. Whitesnake by Whitesnake
    Wow, did these boys kick some a**! When I hear Still Of The Night, or Here I Go Again, my stereo gets cranked full blast. This is an awesome album.
  • 5. Lap of Luxury by Cheap Trick
    I LOVE Cheap Trick. They rocked it with this album with hits such as Don't Be Cruel, Ghost Town, and The Flame.
  • 4. Control by Janet Jackson
    Janet is one of the first singers I ever when I was a little kid, so I had to put her on here. Control is a pretty self-explanitory album, and Janet announced SHE was in full control of her life. When I Think Of You is my all-time favorite Janet song. Excellent album.
  • 3. True Blue by Madonna
    I remember seeing Madonna on MTV when I was 5, and I loved her videos. I love the songs Papa Don't Preach, Live To Tell, and Open My Heart. I like this album better than any of the other albums Madonna had out in the 80's. It was more cheerful and much less controversial.
  • 2. Thriller by Michael Jackson
    Oh wow man, this was Michael at his finest. There's Beat It , Billie Jean, PYT, Human Nature, and Thriller. No wonder Michael was so cool in the 80's. He was hip with the sequened glove and the moonwalk. If only he'd straighten up now!
  • 1. Don Henley by Building Of The Perfect Beast
    This is Don's best work here. All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Not Enough Love In The World, The Boys Of Summer, and Sunset Grill are just kick ass songs. Sunset Grill is my favorite song by Don Henley. Crank this song up full blast. It's awesome.
Other excellent albums I have to put on here are: Bruce Springsteen-Born In The U.S.A., Tina Turner-What's Love Got To Do With It?, Guns-n-Roses-Appetite For Destruction, Prince-Purple Rain, Bon Jovi-New Jersey, Motley Crue-Dr.Feel Good, ACDC-Back In Black, and Skid Row's self titled album. Most of the best albums come from the 1980's!
By: Fill
  • 10. Speak English Or Die by S.O.D. (Storm Troopers Of Death)
    One of the many infleuntial mid 80's Trash/Death bands that came out (comprised of Anthrax). This is just as good as the ones I didn't list (sorry dudes), but it has a bitchin sense of humor, so I put this one in.
  • 9. Black Metal by Venom
    The title says it all. This album started the genre and most bands say its the most important albums of their life. This one pushed the boundries of metal and is still raw and amazing as it was back in the day.
  • 8. Restless And Wild by Accept
    One of the most infleuntial albums of all time. Its so underated and deserves more respect. Its a pefect album!!! Topnotch instrumentals and (arguably) has the first Trash metal song make this a must own.
  • 7. Ace Of Spades by Motorhead
    Kick ass album. A raw and fun attack by Lemmy and Co. Probably their best.
  • 6. Screaming For Vengeance by Judas Priest
    The second side may lack but who gives a shit!!!! This made Priest more known and amazingly its one of the best metal albums ever!!! Great guitar playing and awesome vocals make this album a classic.
  • 5. Ride The Lightning by Metallica
    In my opinion this is thier best album since its a mix of the more polished Master Of Puppets/...Justice For All, and the raw and menacing Kill em All. Awesome solos, great riffs and atmosphere, a fun and heavy album by the masters of thrash metal. Get this shit!!!!
  • 4. Diary Of A Madman by Ozzy
    I cant describe Randy Rhoads guitar playing. Its absolutly incredible and it will kick your ass. The music here is heavy, melodic and powerful at the same time. Ozzy sings well and writes very good lyrics which show that he is a madman. Perfect album and everone should get it at least for the greatest guitarist who ever lived RANDY RHOADS!!!! RIP: Randy Rhoads!!!!!!
  • 3. The Blues Brothers by The Blues Brothers
    This "movie band" actually got me into music so ofcourse I have to put this shit on the list. Other than that its one of the best soundtracks of all time. John Belushi can song well and Dan Aykroyd is an awesome harmonica player. Add the awesome band and cameos of legends and you have one of the best soundtracks of all time. RIP: John Belushi!!!!
  • 2. Back In Black by AC/DC
    Bitchin album! Infleunced about every metal band that came after. No one matched the simple riffs and jams of this album so its a masterpiece. Angus and Brians attack will tear you up.
  • 1. Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
    An absolutly perfect metal album. Iron Maiden showcase their huge talent and it will kick your ass. Very infleuntial and and took metal to the next level. 666 THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST!!!!!!!
I know, I know, I'm missing a lot on this list, but the 80's had much to offer so we cant put everything.

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