Back in the 80s, my collection of albums, well most cassettes, was a precious commodity to me. I love my music collection. There were some records that were even more special to me. Here is my list of my Top 10 Favorite Albums of the 80s. (After I wrote this, I realized I wrote a similar article a couple years ago but that is okay)
10) Prince and the Revolution- Purple Rain
For a long time, Purple Rain was the best selling soundtracks of all time. It was a unique film but an extraordinary soundtrack. I loved Prince’s 1999 album (almost made the list) but Purple Rain was incredible. Songs like When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, Darling Nikki, and of course Purple Rain.
9) Michael Jackson- Thriller
This was the biggest album during the 80s. Every 80s teen had a copy of this album at one time. Michael Jackson was the hottest artist on the planet. This album had great songs like Beat It, Billie Jean, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, The Girl Is Mine, Thriller, and many more.
8) U2- The Joshua Tree
This is the album that got me into U2. The songs were so haunting and amazing. If I needed to chill, The Joshua Tree was what I went for. It had great songs like Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven’t Found What I Was Looking For, One Tree Hill, With Or Without You, and many others.
7) Top Gun Soundtrack
Top Gun is such a memorable movie. From the cool flight scenes to the volleyball match, it is an amazing movie. One of the best parts of the movie is the tremendous sound track. There is Top Gun Anthem by Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens, Playing With the Boys by Kenny Loggins, Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick, Hot Summer Nights by The Miami Sound Machine, and the love anthem Take My Breath Away by Berlin. We can’t forget the song that makes me drive fast every time I hear it, Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins.
6) Joan Jett & the Blackhearts- I Love Rock’n Roll
Here is the album that took Joan from being a member of that teen girl rock band, the Runaways, to putting her on the map as an artist. With incredible songs like (I’m Gonna) Run Away, Love Is Pain, Nag, Bits and Pieces, the dramatic Crimson and Clover, and one of rock’s biggest anthems with I Love Rock and Roll. The cover with Joan was so cool.
5) Van Halen- 1984
I bought an album cover t-shirt because I loved this album so much. I came to find out that High Schools in the 80s frowned on you wearing shirts that showed baby angels smoking. Who knew? I got sent home from school because of it. This album was amazing and was in introduction to Van Halen and the amazing guitar of Eddie and the voice of David Lee Roth. It had songs amazing songs like Panama, Drop Dead Legs, ‘ll Wait, Hot for Teacher, and of course Jump.
4) AC/DC- Back in Black
AC/DC could have called it quits. Their lead singer Bon Scott tragically died as they were starting to prepare for this album. They brought in Brian Johnson to be their lead singer and he slid right in. His vocals are different than Bon’s but I cannot imagine any other voice on this tribute album to Bon. The well written lyrics and music, Johnson’s vocals along with Angus and Malcolm on guitars make this album one of the greatest of all time. There isn’t a bad song on this album. You have songs like Hells Bells, Shoot to Thrill, What Do You Do for Money, Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution, the iconic intro with Back in Black, and my favorite, You Shook Me All Night Long.
3) The Cars- Greatest Hits
I received this album as a gift for my birthday. I don’t normally add greatest hits albums but this one was important to me. I realized how much I loved The Cars and their new wave sound. This opened me up to a ton of other new wave music. This album got me through late night drives home from work at Sonic during High School. It also has such a cool cover. This album has hit like Just What I Needed, Since You’re Gone, Good Times Roll, You Might Think, Touch and Go, Drive, Tonight She Comes, My Best Friend’s Girl, and more.
2) Def Leppard- Pyromania
Pyromania was the first hard rock album I ever bought. In fact, I remember buying it from a friend’s older sister who was selling records to raise money for her Senior Trip. I wasn’t sure what I bought but I feel in love with Def Leppard. The drummer, Rick Allen was incredible. The guitar of Phil Collen is incredible on this album. I love Joe Elliot’s voice. Again, this album has no bad songs. It has great songs like Rock, Rock, Till You Drop, Photograph, Too Late For Love, Foolin, Action Not Words, and the iconic Rock of Ages. Gunter glieben glauten globen!
1) Madonna- Like A Virgin
If you know me, this is no surprise. As much of a rocker that I am, I have a passionate love for Madonna and her music. Yes, I was one of her want-to-be girls in the 80s. Many of us in the 80s dressed like our music idols. I knew girls that dressed up like Pat Benatar and that was cool but I tried dress like Madonna up until the cone bra then I was out. Heehehe.
This cassette was constantly in my Walk-Man. I played it constantly. I love Madonna voice especially when she drops down. This album was catch and fun and was a little naughty. All things that made Linda love it even more. It had amazing songs like Material Girl, Dress You Up, Angel, Over and Over, Pretender, Love Don’t Live Here No More, and of course, Like a Virgin.
It is my favorite album of all time.
The Ginger Neko