ESSENTIAL ALBUMS OF THE 1980s
A lot of people view the 1980s as a musical wasteland. Especially nowadays, the 80s brings forth images of hair metal bands, Madonna, synths, and terrible ballads. However, there are a lot of overlooked albums from that decade, including many that any music fan should own. The 80s weren't as musically rich as, say, the 60s, but a lot of good stuff was made. A primer of the best of the best, in no particular order.
Thriller-Michael Jackson (1982)
Say what you will about the man now, but he had a great voice. Listening to this record, it's easy to forgot his crazy antics. It is catchy pop with great vocals and great dancing if you can track down the music videos. A must-own only for the title track, a mix of B-movie horror, gang warfare and catchy licks. The whole album beats with such an energy that you can't help but smile and dance.
Rain Dogs-Tom Waits (1985)
Tom Waits is an American treasure. His voice, unlike anything else out there, is a mix of whisky, gravel and Americana. Anyone who has ever heard Tom Waits is a fan. The problem is that not enough people have heard his songs. This album should cure that. A perfect slice of Waits haunting voice with almost minimalistic instrumentation, this is an album to open a bottle of whisky to. Sit down, relax, and take in the sounds and sight that this amazing storytelling musician has to offer.
Born In the USA-Bruce Springsteen (1984)
They don't call him 'The Boss' for nothing. This macho, guitar-wielding legend will take your earbuds by storm. Millions heard him play at this year's Superbowl Half-Time Show. If that performance made you curious as to what more Springsteen has to offer, then pick up this album. The title track alone is so good that Reagen chose it as a campaign song, even though it contradicted his core values.
Remain In Light-Talking Heads (1980)
Talking Heads is not a band many people listen to anymore, which is a shame, because they are bona-fide musical geniuses. You may have heard this album's most famous track, "Once In A Lifetime", on the trailer for the movie "W." The whole album is a curious mix of techno, pop, rock that is impossible to describe with words. Talking Heads always said that the body understands music before the mind. You will see for yourself that this is true, as your foot will be tapping along to this revolutionary album before your mind really understands what you're listening to.
The Joshua Tree-U2 (1987)
U2's magnum opus, every track on this album is essential. Although I am not usually a big U2 fan, even I am moved by the power of the lyrics, especially in the way that Bono delivers them. This, coupled with The Edge's edgy riffs, make the album unforgettable. No matter what your politics are, you can't help but admire the craftsmanship that went into this album.