First off, let me set the record straight. I am not a big fan of the "jam band" genre, although I do like some of the music that has led to and come out of it. I will admit that at one time I was a total Phish feak. Had I discovered them later in their career, I might have felt differently (as I do now), but as it was, I discovered them in 1992 when bootlegs were still relatively rare, and Phish studio albums were getting heavy rotation on Shakedown Street. The most popular selection (and rightly so) was Junta, their 1988 debut (for ease of operation we will not discuss the "white tape"). This album still sounds fresh today, but for the late 80s it was a landmark. Progressive, jazzy, funky, complex, bizarre, it's sort of like Zappa but without the condescension and forced sarcasm (although when Zappa did work he was amazing). Looking back, I feel silly for having been so taken by a band that nowadays seems driven by gimmicks and profit. Back in the day, though, they were a pretty impressive unit, and Junta is a groundbreaking work.

I tend to cringe upon hearing the name "Metallica," which inevitably invokes disturbing echoes of "Turn the Page" and " Die Napster." Still, there is no denying how good this band was in the 80s. MOP is probably their best.

Another essential transitionary album that saw out the 80s by re-inventing the 70s. This is not, however, just a footnote to P-Funk. The B Boys (and really, the Dust Brothers) greatly influenced the evoultion of hip hop. It is true that they shamelessly gank entire passages from other artists, but they use them to create their own wicked funk grooves that often work surprisingly well with their quirky lyrics. Surely a crucial landmark at the twilight of the 80s.

This album doesn't capture the intensity of a live Jane's experience, but it is still an essential turning point in the evolution of "college rock" music. And the fact that it happened in 1988 makes it all the more incredible. Don't let the album's title fool you.

Basically a compilation of everything they released in the 80s. Yes, TMBG was often horrifically nerdy, but they were undeniably clever both musically and lyrically. Just to qualify, I did sense a major decline coming right after Apollo 18, and stopped following them thereafter, lest I should have to witness the slow death of something once so great. But that's of no concern here since this is a site about the 80s :-)

Poetically severe lyrics and deliciously weird music. I only wish they'd left off "La La Love You..." - it really isn't anywhere nearly as funny as they must've thought it was.

Robert Smith had a knack for consistently turning out quality songs while simultaneously breaking ground through endlessly understated tones.

Dreamy, sad, soothing, terrifying, atmospheric, poignant, beautiful...

The "lost" live album that predates Stop Making Sense. I picked this over SMS because it covers more ground (late 70s through early 80s).

The second album of the trilogy that includes Swordfishtrombones and Franks Wild Years, Rain Dogs is Waits' best overall effort. Just incredible music...

What can i say....Guns N' Roses is the best band....They are Amazing.

A suprisingly good album

If you can put up with John Lyndons vocals this album has some great guitar from Stevie Vie

Warning - do not listen to when depressed.

I have the live version of "Stay Hungry" and it is fantastic

It's cool to like Abba

I always wish that the guitar could go on an extra few minutes on "Sharp Dressed Man" he's just getting into his stride!

If "Youth" had gone then it's definately along way away now.

Amazing what you can do with three chords

Plenty of really good songs. "Higher Love" and the title track got airplay. My personal favorite is "Split Decision", which Joe Walsh of the Eagles plays on (and I believe helped write).

Bryan Adams at his best.

Some of the best Rush has done (certainly some of the most popular). "Tom Sawyer", "Red Barchetta", "Limelight". Need I say more?

In my mind, this is the only meaningful work put out by this band, but what a piece of work! The guitar track in the title song is just awesome, as it is in many other songs on this album.

Just Def Leppard at their very best!

This album represents the only meaningful work put out by Tears for Fears. I think they shot their creative wad on this one. After this album, I think they got just a little too spacey.

How many awesome songs came off of this one? I saw them in concert (1982?) in Miami with Aerosmith, Sammy Hagar, and Bryan Adams. Journey was the headliner. Best show I ever saw!

This album doesn't seem to get the recognition I think it deserves. "Magic Power" is an uplifting song, whereas "Fight the Good Fight" is powerful inspiration in times of strife. These guys also put on a heck of a show.

Sammy at his Red Rockin' best. Awesome guitar solos. "Heavy Metal" was a particularly good speaker-blower. Saw him in concert (see Journey, #4 below). He was awesome, swinging from the speaker towers!

This is without doubt Yes' best work. 3 or 4 songs got airplay on prog. rock stations. Also saw them on this concert tour. They had no opening act, played for 3+ hours. One of the best I've ever seen.

Not their best album, but their best one in the 80's. The beginning of techno.

For better or worse, these guys are arguably responsible for a lot of techno and sparked the beginning of rave culture. You know you danced to this at the local cool-aid club in high school.

Her best album. Stop pretending that you don't like her.

There was a point, where it seemed like this album was playing at every college party I went to.

This is really what it was like being drunk in the Midwest.

Although "Kill 'em All" is a fine album, it lacks the depth and musical complexity that this album exhibits. To think, that this album was released the same year as Poison's "Look What the Cat Dragged In".

The best example of American Hardcore.

The best Rap/Hip-Hop record ever. Period.

A lot of people think that "Zen Arcade" is their best, and it is an awesome record, but I've never been too much of a fan of "concept" type albums. This ones a little more staight foward. "Grundge" never would have happened if it wasn't for this band.

A perfect blend of punk, New York noise, with a Neil Young feel to it, this album is my sentimental favorite.

Lots of excellent tracks that I never get tired of listening to. Good stuff!

The chicks loved this guy. Great pop inspired songs with excellent guitar work.

Not a bad song on this album - ground breaking at the time. Excellent and complete work.

Bon Scott's last album - tons of fun. Lots of catchy tunes and excellent riffs.

A little lighter - tons of excellent songs. Love the lead in to Drop Dead Legs.

Dickenson's screeching vocals and Harris' thrumming bass play makes this album truely rock!

Their last truely awesome work - back when their songs were referred to as pieces. The best of the heavy!

Tons of classic tunes - nice tight musicianship. Excellent work!

Vastly underrated second side - check out Knock Em Dead Kid, 10 Seconds To Love and Red Hot.

Crisp, pure metal - absolutely awesome!

The last one of the decade, and a pure one!

None of the songs never really made the cut of big hits, but to me, it's golden!

A very good one! One of the most famous!

A nicely done one, hot cover and huge-hit songs!

A huge success of hits creates this!

Not so popular, but in my eyes, gold!

A nice way to start your solo career, with some huge hits!

One of the best, including three great hits!

The last one with David Lee Roth, one of the very bests!

A nice one!