Top 55 Music Albums of the 1980s by 
Repo 
- Chart updated: 03/24/2025 23:45
- (Created: 04/22/2017 02:03).
- Chart size: 55 albums.
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'80:10 This Is The Way. Step Inside.
[Martin] made it sound like somebody strangling a cat, and to my mind, absolutely killed the song. I was so annoyed with him and went in and gave him a piece of my mind but he just turned around and told me to fuck off. – Peter Hook, bassist for Joy Division on Martin Hammet’s production on "Atrocity Exhibition"
The Setting: Unfathomable pain. Ian was dead. Hung in his kitchen on the eve of their American tour. Bernard, Peter & Stephan are left bereft wondering how they could have missed the signs. Searching for answers that would never arrive. Two months later the album Closer is released.
The Listen: And somehow it was captured. All that inner pain. I do not know how it was captured. Like some kind of ghost. But it was. The Beatles may have a sang a great tune about weeping guitars, but, by God, Bernard’s guitar wept and wailed to the high heavens. Like a strangled cat. Like barbwire. The drums haunt & stalk. Circling around the procession like a slow brooding tempest threatening rain. Meanwhile Ian had no more tears to shed. His tears and blood had long since drained away. Pooled at his feet and reflecting back at him until he saw no way forward.
The Verdict. More a crypt than an album, Ian continues to live in its epically darkened grooves. Providing comfort that he also knows and shares our pain. Forever.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 06/05/2021]
[Martin] made it sound like somebody strangling a cat, and to my mind, absolutely killed the song. I was so annoyed with him and went in and gave him a piece of my mind but he just turned around and told me to fuck off. – Peter Hook, bassist for Joy Division on Martin Hammet’s production on "Atrocity Exhibition"
The Setting: Unfathomable pain. Ian was dead. Hung in his kitchen on the eve of their American tour. Bernard, Peter & Stephan are left bereft wondering how they could have missed the signs. Searching for answers that would never arrive. Two months later the album Closer is released.
The Listen: And somehow it was captured. All that inner pain. I do not know how it was captured. Like some kind of ghost. But it was. The Beatles may have a sang a great tune about weeping guitars, but, by God, Bernard’s guitar wept and wailed to the high heavens. Like a strangled cat. Like barbwire. The drums haunt & stalk. Circling around the procession like a slow brooding tempest threatening rain. Meanwhile Ian had no more tears to shed. His tears and blood had long since drained away. Pooled at his feet and reflecting back at him until he saw no way forward.
The Verdict. More a crypt than an album, Ian continues to live in its epically darkened grooves. Providing comfort that he also knows and shares our pain. Forever.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 06/05/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
15,893
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
125
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'80:1 I’m Running to What’s Nothing!
Again & Again & AGAIN! (What’s wrong with me! Brick wall Laughing )
Setting: There was no way to expect this. Not in 1980. Three Imaginary Boys was a brilliant and massively creative album in the realm of punk. Not only that, but clearly they could write songs. Boys Don’t Cry, Killing an Arab and 10:15 Saturday Night are all massive punk singles. So if you were paying attention, you knew they had the potential to be players. Robert Smith had other ideas. And ripped up yesterday and started anew. He conjured an atmosphere that at the time was only rivaled by Joy Division (who just may get a shout out here soon. What do you think? Think )
The Listen: This album still blows my mind this many years later. The minor keys. The world building. One of those albums that brings me to literal tears because it's so brilliant. The Cure would make other great albums. But, this was the initial unveiling of Robert Smith's Extended Universe. And I'd say it's better than Iron Man! Twisted Evil
Verdict: There is no way in hell that this isn't making the cut! A no brainer.
Grade: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil (Stealing this from Mercury! Because I like it! That's how art works, people! lol) [First added to this chart: 05/03/2021]
Again & Again & AGAIN! (What’s wrong with me! Brick wall Laughing )
Setting: There was no way to expect this. Not in 1980. Three Imaginary Boys was a brilliant and massively creative album in the realm of punk. Not only that, but clearly they could write songs. Boys Don’t Cry, Killing an Arab and 10:15 Saturday Night are all massive punk singles. So if you were paying attention, you knew they had the potential to be players. Robert Smith had other ideas. And ripped up yesterday and started anew. He conjured an atmosphere that at the time was only rivaled by Joy Division (who just may get a shout out here soon. What do you think? Think )
The Listen: This album still blows my mind this many years later. The minor keys. The world building. One of those albums that brings me to literal tears because it's so brilliant. The Cure would make other great albums. But, this was the initial unveiling of Robert Smith's Extended Universe. And I'd say it's better than Iron Man! Twisted Evil
Verdict: There is no way in hell that this isn't making the cut! A no brainer.
Grade: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil (Stealing this from Mercury! Because I like it! That's how art works, people! lol) [First added to this chart: 05/03/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,727
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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’80:2 Tears For Remembrance. Tears for Joy.
Setting: It didn’t take very long. Maiden were just that much better than everybody else. And it was bloody obvious right from the beginning, my friends. 1980 was the year that the New Wave Of British Metal (NWOBHM) took the metal world by storm. It boasted seminal releases from Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Saxon (x2!), Judas Priest and Motorhead. (That's a shitload of important albums! I almost feel that one of these SIX ( Twisted Evil ) albums just has to make the list too. Don’t you?! Think ) But the best of them all, even at this stage, was Maiden with this almost unbelievably confident and assured debut.
The Listen: Again, the most startling aspect on hearing this again is their maturity and confidence. Almost impossible to believe that this is their debut. Like The Cure, they create an atmosphere that is unrivaled. “Remember Tomorrow” and “Strange World” being the most obvious examples.
Verdict: This is bloody simple ain’t it! Throw it on the pyre, boys and be down with it. We got ourselves another keeper!
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 05/03/2021]
Setting: It didn’t take very long. Maiden were just that much better than everybody else. And it was bloody obvious right from the beginning, my friends. 1980 was the year that the New Wave Of British Metal (NWOBHM) took the metal world by storm. It boasted seminal releases from Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Saxon (x2!), Judas Priest and Motorhead. (That's a shitload of important albums! I almost feel that one of these SIX ( Twisted Evil ) albums just has to make the list too. Don’t you?! Think ) But the best of them all, even at this stage, was Maiden with this almost unbelievably confident and assured debut.
The Listen: Again, the most startling aspect on hearing this again is their maturity and confidence. Almost impossible to believe that this is their debut. Like The Cure, they create an atmosphere that is unrivaled. “Remember Tomorrow” and “Strange World” being the most obvious examples.
Verdict: This is bloody simple ain’t it! Throw it on the pyre, boys and be down with it. We got ourselves another keeper!
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 05/03/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,829
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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'80:15 The FUN Factor
The Setting: The Specials were THE definitive band of the second wave of ska. Their debut could almost be considered a greatest hits album for the Two Tone scene. So this is just More of the same, right? Probably just a weak collection of B-sides rushed to market to capitalize on the ska revival, right?
The Listen: I know what you’re thinking. THIS can’t be the FIVE star Specials album. That’s the debut. EVERYONE knows that. That’s what I always assumed too, guys. So I was pretty surprised to see Purplepash pick this. BUT, you know what? It actually works far better as an ALBUM than the debut. The debut feels like a collection of singles whereas this feels cohesive & remarkedly varied. And there’s even MORE genre mashing. The Specials ability to mash up multiple different genres from years past and make it fresh & new & that's right - FUN - is pretty much unparalleled.
The Verdict: A remarkable diversion of an album. Throwing this on creates an instantaneous House Party atmosphere. Like when you were hanging out in your dorm room and that one cool guy down the hall not only had alcohol but new how to make Fuzzy Navels (with Vodka of course!). A total house party classic. I NEED one second-wave ska album on this list to capture the spirit of 1980. This may get knocked off further down the line by The English Beat, but this is certainly a worthy contender for the 1980 ska throne.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 06/25/2021]
The Setting: The Specials were THE definitive band of the second wave of ska. Their debut could almost be considered a greatest hits album for the Two Tone scene. So this is just More of the same, right? Probably just a weak collection of B-sides rushed to market to capitalize on the ska revival, right?
The Listen: I know what you’re thinking. THIS can’t be the FIVE star Specials album. That’s the debut. EVERYONE knows that. That’s what I always assumed too, guys. So I was pretty surprised to see Purplepash pick this. BUT, you know what? It actually works far better as an ALBUM than the debut. The debut feels like a collection of singles whereas this feels cohesive & remarkedly varied. And there’s even MORE genre mashing. The Specials ability to mash up multiple different genres from years past and make it fresh & new & that's right - FUN - is pretty much unparalleled.
The Verdict: A remarkable diversion of an album. Throwing this on creates an instantaneous House Party atmosphere. Like when you were hanging out in your dorm room and that one cool guy down the hall not only had alcohol but new how to make Fuzzy Navels (with Vodka of course!). A total house party classic. I NEED one second-wave ska album on this list to capture the spirit of 1980. This may get knocked off further down the line by The English Beat, but this is certainly a worthy contender for the 1980 ska throne.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 06/25/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
430
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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'80:12 Behead The Gorgon
“The whole NWOBHM thing didn’t exist when I wrote Angel Witch,” he recalls. “We were called Lucifer at that point and we were just a heavy rock band. I was in love with Sabbath, you know? I didn’t like anything else I was hearing. I liked bands like Led Zep and Deep Purple, but I preferred the Sabs because it just made more sense to me, with everything that was happening around me. I thought, ‘Why is everyone writing love songs?’ I was into the fantasy thing and horror and I just felt that was more of the way to go.” – Kevin Heybourne, founder, guitarist & vocalist of Angel Witch
The Setting: Two bands really stood out from the pack on the Metal For Muthas compilation. The comp that we can succinctly say heralded the arrival of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). A comp so important I almost named this post after it. Iron Maiden, as I noted earlier in this diary, were the clear head of the class. We all know what happened to them. But what, if anything, did the salutatorians have to add?
The Listen: Demons. Lots & lots of demons. Angel Witches. White Witches. Sorceresses. And Gorgons. Clearly not the kind that hid under his bed. No, my friends. These were the kind of demons poor Kevin wanted in bed. It seems our protagonist had girls on the brain. He tried to will his way into their hearts, but “The more love I feel for you, the more you fade away” he lamented in the their classic title track "Angel Witch". Frustrated, confused, and probably more than a little horny, Kevin took to the dark arts of metal, and crafted one of the few genuine classics of the original NWOBHM movement.
The Verdict: NWOBHM was cut short. Born in 1979, it's growth was quickly stunted once thrash quickened everyone’s pulses in 1983. But, you know what? As of lover of early 80s metal, I’ve always secretly wished that thrash had waited just a few more years to get its ball sack hair. Luckily, Kevin and his Angel Witches gave us this consummate NWOBHM classic. If you love those first two Maiden albums as much as I do, well brother, what the fuck are you waiting for? Unlike Kevin's demons, this is the real deal.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 06/12/2021]
“The whole NWOBHM thing didn’t exist when I wrote Angel Witch,” he recalls. “We were called Lucifer at that point and we were just a heavy rock band. I was in love with Sabbath, you know? I didn’t like anything else I was hearing. I liked bands like Led Zep and Deep Purple, but I preferred the Sabs because it just made more sense to me, with everything that was happening around me. I thought, ‘Why is everyone writing love songs?’ I was into the fantasy thing and horror and I just felt that was more of the way to go.” – Kevin Heybourne, founder, guitarist & vocalist of Angel Witch
The Setting: Two bands really stood out from the pack on the Metal For Muthas compilation. The comp that we can succinctly say heralded the arrival of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). A comp so important I almost named this post after it. Iron Maiden, as I noted earlier in this diary, were the clear head of the class. We all know what happened to them. But what, if anything, did the salutatorians have to add?
The Listen: Demons. Lots & lots of demons. Angel Witches. White Witches. Sorceresses. And Gorgons. Clearly not the kind that hid under his bed. No, my friends. These were the kind of demons poor Kevin wanted in bed. It seems our protagonist had girls on the brain. He tried to will his way into their hearts, but “The more love I feel for you, the more you fade away” he lamented in the their classic title track "Angel Witch". Frustrated, confused, and probably more than a little horny, Kevin took to the dark arts of metal, and crafted one of the few genuine classics of the original NWOBHM movement.
The Verdict: NWOBHM was cut short. Born in 1979, it's growth was quickly stunted once thrash quickened everyone’s pulses in 1983. But, you know what? As of lover of early 80s metal, I’ve always secretly wished that thrash had waited just a few more years to get its ball sack hair. Luckily, Kevin and his Angel Witches gave us this consummate NWOBHM classic. If you love those first two Maiden albums as much as I do, well brother, what the fuck are you waiting for? Unlike Kevin's demons, this is the real deal.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 06/12/2021]
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'80:17 Solid Rock
The Setting: Let’s face it. Classic rock fans did NOT have a lot of good options in 1980. Neil Young was dealing with domestic issues. Dylan was busy getting Saved. Zeppelin were done. And Pete Townsend was out on his lonesome. So the scene was set for a new face to capture this ardent set of fans. Enter Dire Straits who had already proven their classic rock bonafides with two back-to-back 5 STAR albums of laid-back JJ Cale inflected rock n' roll with their debut and the underrated Communique. Could the boys deliver again?
The Listen: Yes! AND no! Mark and the boys prove that they certainly had what it takes. Although I’m (unsurprisingly) more of a fan of the spare, stripped down sound of their first two albums, it's hard to argue that Mark and his boys created something epic, romantic and downright beautiful on side 1 of Making Movies. Like the title says, this is cinematic music. Music that transports. BUT, side two feels like an afterthought with “Solid Rock” in particular just being a pretty generic rocker. The record simply runs out of too much steam on the back side to get that coveted Five Star mark.
The Verdict: Were Dire Straits the last great Classic Rock band? I’m sincerely asking. We get so caught up in who was first ( The Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc.) but how about the brothers who kept the torch lit for another decade for all us Dad Rockers & Mama Bunnies out there. Dire Straits don’t get the love they deserve. Their first two albums are untouchable laid back, whiskey drinking rock n’ roll. With Making Movies they added more elements. More cameras. But that second side just runs out of gas. But that first side? Damn. Its fuckability factor is through the roof.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
The Setting: Let’s face it. Classic rock fans did NOT have a lot of good options in 1980. Neil Young was dealing with domestic issues. Dylan was busy getting Saved. Zeppelin were done. And Pete Townsend was out on his lonesome. So the scene was set for a new face to capture this ardent set of fans. Enter Dire Straits who had already proven their classic rock bonafides with two back-to-back 5 STAR albums of laid-back JJ Cale inflected rock n' roll with their debut and the underrated Communique. Could the boys deliver again?
The Listen: Yes! AND no! Mark and the boys prove that they certainly had what it takes. Although I’m (unsurprisingly) more of a fan of the spare, stripped down sound of their first two albums, it's hard to argue that Mark and his boys created something epic, romantic and downright beautiful on side 1 of Making Movies. Like the title says, this is cinematic music. Music that transports. BUT, side two feels like an afterthought with “Solid Rock” in particular just being a pretty generic rocker. The record simply runs out of too much steam on the back side to get that coveted Five Star mark.
The Verdict: Were Dire Straits the last great Classic Rock band? I’m sincerely asking. We get so caught up in who was first ( The Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc.) but how about the brothers who kept the torch lit for another decade for all us Dad Rockers & Mama Bunnies out there. Dire Straits don’t get the love they deserve. Their first two albums are untouchable laid back, whiskey drinking rock n’ roll. With Making Movies they added more elements. More cameras. But that second side just runs out of gas. But that first side? Damn. Its fuckability factor is through the roof.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,890
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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'80:14 When the Boom Mic Is Visible
The Setting: Liverpool was rising again. At least that’s what Britain’s Gonzo musical press would have you believe. Keep in mind that Britain’s musical press were always a bit more TMZ than Village Voice. They dubbed it “The New Merseybeat” and willed a scene onto two upcoming bands that were friends & rivals in equal measure – Echo & The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes. Echo were bigger so let’s talk about them first.
The Listen: A freaking GREAT FM radio album. Any of these songs would be a worthy addition to any 80s College Rock radio playlist. It's catchy, enjoyable and sugary sweet. BUT, it’s not going to suck you down the speaker hole like Joy Division, The Cure and the Talking Heads. It lacks the danger, creativity, brilliance, and world building of those three. It’s clearly a notch below in the post-punk genre. They are not capable of pulling off the grand illusion. That this is more than just a rock band. That their very lives depend on making this album. Playing these songs. No. It’s obvious they are putting on a show. The wires are visible. The boom mic hangs clearly overhead for all to see.
The Verdict: A solid Four Star album and a worthy addition to any Post-Punk collection. BUT, I am NOT left the least bit dumbfounded, mouth agape with drool oozing down my chin when the curtain falls. That’s what happens, boys & girls, when you can see the bleedin’ boom mic the entire time.
The Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil (Highly Recommended!) [First added to this chart: 06/25/2021]
The Setting: Liverpool was rising again. At least that’s what Britain’s Gonzo musical press would have you believe. Keep in mind that Britain’s musical press were always a bit more TMZ than Village Voice. They dubbed it “The New Merseybeat” and willed a scene onto two upcoming bands that were friends & rivals in equal measure – Echo & The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes. Echo were bigger so let’s talk about them first.
The Listen: A freaking GREAT FM radio album. Any of these songs would be a worthy addition to any 80s College Rock radio playlist. It's catchy, enjoyable and sugary sweet. BUT, it’s not going to suck you down the speaker hole like Joy Division, The Cure and the Talking Heads. It lacks the danger, creativity, brilliance, and world building of those three. It’s clearly a notch below in the post-punk genre. They are not capable of pulling off the grand illusion. That this is more than just a rock band. That their very lives depend on making this album. Playing these songs. No. It’s obvious they are putting on a show. The wires are visible. The boom mic hangs clearly overhead for all to see.
The Verdict: A solid Four Star album and a worthy addition to any Post-Punk collection. BUT, I am NOT left the least bit dumbfounded, mouth agape with drool oozing down my chin when the curtain falls. That’s what happens, boys & girls, when you can see the bleedin’ boom mic the entire time.
The Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil (Highly Recommended!) [First added to this chart: 06/25/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,012
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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'80:3 Better Off Alone
Setting: The 70s were good to McCartney. Whether it was playing to the masses with "Silly Love Songs" with Wings or stealing the hearts of indie rock boys like me with McCartney and Ram. (Both Ram and McCartney would be on the short list for induction into my 1970s Chart if I did a project like this for the 70s.) With Wings calling it quits, McCartney once more retreated into the studio by his lonesome and kicked out this novel album. Can he once again conjure the magic of McCartney or Ram?
The Listen: You better believe it. Unfortunately, what we have here is a spectacular, dare I say luminescent, first side. It's the reason this album gets brought up so much and makes so many critic's top ten lists. It's fantastic hearing McCartney synthesize recent musical trends into his songs and do it so effortlessly and organically. If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor and check out "Temporary Secretary." Hysterical and addicting. Me & my kids are hooked. BUT, the second side is more befitting to one of those bonus discs you get in those deluxe CD repackages. The ones you're all excited to delve into for your favorite album, and then (rather quickly) kind of forget about it because it's mostly a boring slog. "I already worked all day," you exclaim!
Verdict. If only the magic of the first side had been duplicated! Still a killer EP! The year's best EP, I'd say.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 05/18/2021]
Setting: The 70s were good to McCartney. Whether it was playing to the masses with "Silly Love Songs" with Wings or stealing the hearts of indie rock boys like me with McCartney and Ram. (Both Ram and McCartney would be on the short list for induction into my 1970s Chart if I did a project like this for the 70s.) With Wings calling it quits, McCartney once more retreated into the studio by his lonesome and kicked out this novel album. Can he once again conjure the magic of McCartney or Ram?
The Listen: You better believe it. Unfortunately, what we have here is a spectacular, dare I say luminescent, first side. It's the reason this album gets brought up so much and makes so many critic's top ten lists. It's fantastic hearing McCartney synthesize recent musical trends into his songs and do it so effortlessly and organically. If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor and check out "Temporary Secretary." Hysterical and addicting. Me & my kids are hooked. BUT, the second side is more befitting to one of those bonus discs you get in those deluxe CD repackages. The ones you're all excited to delve into for your favorite album, and then (rather quickly) kind of forget about it because it's mostly a boring slog. "I already worked all day," you exclaim!
Verdict. If only the magic of the first side had been duplicated! Still a killer EP! The year's best EP, I'd say.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 05/18/2021]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
515
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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'81:2 He’s Leaving. He waited for so long.
Every day a new start, and she prefers the sudden truth
We'll never learn to guide our heart, we'll never find what we deserve
She's leaving, she waited for so long
She pretends that he cares, invents some tale just to get his heart
With no more dreams she didn't have
She washed her hands of this whole affair
She's leaving, she waited for so long
But as she left, she gave her all, abandoned hope, she took for home - She's Leaving
The Cure. New Order. Depeche Mode. We can all agree they’re the big three of 80s DARK synth pop. Crushing songs. Deep songs. Songs that made us feel understood in the crazy storm called junior high. Songs that could get us through. As an awkward 80s kid, I was a massive fan of all three. But, for some reason (I'm blaming Pretty In Pink!), OMD were relegated to a "best of" in my growing vinyl collection. An LP that I would break out merely for 80s dance parties. I (& most my friends back then) considered them lightweight. Fluff.
So what a surprise when I started revisiting the early 80s due to Mercury’s request to make an 80s chart to find this stunning, deeply touching album. As my Genni would say, “It’s deep, Dad". Deep indeed, I reply in return. My Genni loves things that are deep. And dark. A turn in events from just a few years ago. Things change I guess. I remember hanging out with her in the lobbies of movie theaters to let the scary scenes pass. Watching her jump & twist on the lobbies makeshift attempts at comfortable seating. So happy that we were just there together. Waiting out the scary parts. Waiting for the storm to pass. Waiting for our Tilly, the daredevil oldest, to burst out the exit doors like a tempest gabbing a mile a minute to catch us up on all we had missed.
We had missed nothing though. Because we had each other.
To weathering the storm. And finding those who are willing to wait with us through it. No matter how uncomfortable the seating.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 11/05/2021]
Every day a new start, and she prefers the sudden truth
We'll never learn to guide our heart, we'll never find what we deserve
She's leaving, she waited for so long
She pretends that he cares, invents some tale just to get his heart
With no more dreams she didn't have
She washed her hands of this whole affair
She's leaving, she waited for so long
But as she left, she gave her all, abandoned hope, she took for home - She's Leaving
The Cure. New Order. Depeche Mode. We can all agree they’re the big three of 80s DARK synth pop. Crushing songs. Deep songs. Songs that made us feel understood in the crazy storm called junior high. Songs that could get us through. As an awkward 80s kid, I was a massive fan of all three. But, for some reason (I'm blaming Pretty In Pink!), OMD were relegated to a "best of" in my growing vinyl collection. An LP that I would break out merely for 80s dance parties. I (& most my friends back then) considered them lightweight. Fluff.
So what a surprise when I started revisiting the early 80s due to Mercury’s request to make an 80s chart to find this stunning, deeply touching album. As my Genni would say, “It’s deep, Dad". Deep indeed, I reply in return. My Genni loves things that are deep. And dark. A turn in events from just a few years ago. Things change I guess. I remember hanging out with her in the lobbies of movie theaters to let the scary scenes pass. Watching her jump & twist on the lobbies makeshift attempts at comfortable seating. So happy that we were just there together. Waiting out the scary parts. Waiting for the storm to pass. Waiting for our Tilly, the daredevil oldest, to burst out the exit doors like a tempest gabbing a mile a minute to catch us up on all we had missed.
We had missed nothing though. Because we had each other.
To weathering the storm. And finding those who are willing to wait with us through it. No matter how uncomfortable the seating.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 11/05/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,141
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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81:1 Punk’s NOT Dead!
Say to me that punk is dead
I wish you even more contempt
Don't like the music, don't like the words
You can all piss off, you're a bunch of turds
The Setting: The Crass famously said it first. Presumptiously all the way back in 1978. (Maybe they were just the first click baiters?! That's my guess! ) Those who didn’t just pay attention to the headlines of the New Musical Expressive, those of us who actually went to shows, knew otherwise. Punk was alive and well post The Class of '77 with killer bands like The Buzzcocks, Sham 69, The Ruts, 999, and yes, even The Crass themselves still making important and creative music (not to even mention the entire Post-Punk scene). Some also say, that Brish punk in particular in the early 80s couldn’t compare with what was going in the good 'ol US of A. Was punk rock in '81 England really as stale a day old chip dropped on the wharf?
The Listen: Bloody hell, my friends. Of course not! It’s in the freakin' album title for Christsake. A big middle finger to all the haters. The music critics who, as we have discussed previously, are usually no better than the papparazzi. More interested in making a splash (or getting "clicks" even back then) than actually talking about the actual music. Like scientists fudging their data just to get published. Thoughts on music by the press is typically just fashion and typically has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with THE music itself.
Like a lot of Hardcore in the 80s (and I'm talking about BOTH the Brits & the Americans here), it can get a bit monotonous at times with some songs running into each other. So this is NOT a 5 star album. BUT, there are some all time great punk ANTHEMS on this gnarly mofo such as “Punk’s Not Dead”, "Mucky Pup” and of course “Sex and Violence”. AND, this 1981 album served as crucial bridge to the legendary Class of ’82 (that we will get to if it ever dawns around here).
The Verdict: If you were at a Cockney punk club back in 1981, you'd better believe that THESE were the bloody songs that YOU were belting out until your voice went hoarse no matter how many bitters you were swilling.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 10/24/2021]
Say to me that punk is dead
I wish you even more contempt
Don't like the music, don't like the words
You can all piss off, you're a bunch of turds
The Setting: The Crass famously said it first. Presumptiously all the way back in 1978. (Maybe they were just the first click baiters?! That's my guess! ) Those who didn’t just pay attention to the headlines of the New Musical Expressive, those of us who actually went to shows, knew otherwise. Punk was alive and well post The Class of '77 with killer bands like The Buzzcocks, Sham 69, The Ruts, 999, and yes, even The Crass themselves still making important and creative music (not to even mention the entire Post-Punk scene). Some also say, that Brish punk in particular in the early 80s couldn’t compare with what was going in the good 'ol US of A. Was punk rock in '81 England really as stale a day old chip dropped on the wharf?
The Listen: Bloody hell, my friends. Of course not! It’s in the freakin' album title for Christsake. A big middle finger to all the haters. The music critics who, as we have discussed previously, are usually no better than the papparazzi. More interested in making a splash (or getting "clicks" even back then) than actually talking about the actual music. Like scientists fudging their data just to get published. Thoughts on music by the press is typically just fashion and typically has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with THE music itself.
Like a lot of Hardcore in the 80s (and I'm talking about BOTH the Brits & the Americans here), it can get a bit monotonous at times with some songs running into each other. So this is NOT a 5 star album. BUT, there are some all time great punk ANTHEMS on this gnarly mofo such as “Punk’s Not Dead”, "Mucky Pup” and of course “Sex and Violence”. AND, this 1981 album served as crucial bridge to the legendary Class of ’82 (that we will get to if it ever dawns around here).
The Verdict: If you were at a Cockney punk club back in 1981, you'd better believe that THESE were the bloody songs that YOU were belting out until your voice went hoarse no matter how many bitters you were swilling.
Rating: Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil [First added to this chart: 10/24/2021]
Total albums: 21. Page 1 of 3
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Top 55 Music Albums of the 1980s composition
| Year | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
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| 1980 | 21 | 38% | |
| 1981 | 8 | 15% | |
| 1982 | 4 | 7% | |
| 1983 | 5 | 9% | |
| 1984 | 6 | 11% | |
| 1985 | 2 | 4% | |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% | |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% | |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% | |
| 1989 | 2 | 4% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Cocteau Twins | 2 | 4% | |
| The Durutti Column | 2 | 4% | |
| 清水靖晃 [Yasuaki Shimizu] | 1 | 2% | |
| fIREHOSE | 1 | 2% | |
| Yellowman | 1 | 2% | |
| The Specials | 1 | 2% | |
| Killing Joke | 1 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 55 Music Albums of the 1980s chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 4 from 5th to 1st Closer by Joy Division |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 1 from 1st to 2nd Sarah's Crime by 日向敏文 [Toshifumi Hinata] |
| Down 1 from 2nd to 3rd Ragin', Full-On by fIREHOSE |
| Down 1 from 3rd to 4th Guilty As Charged by Culprit |
Top 55 Music Albums of the 1980s similar charts
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Top 53 Music Albums of 1980 | juanr1096 | 1980 year chart | 2024 | |
| Top 47 Music Albums of 1980 | saltysurprise | 1980 year chart | 2024 |  |
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| Top 50 Music Albums of 1980 | Kuzh69 | 1980 year chart | 2016 | |
| Top 47 Music Albums of 1980 |  UofTBlues | 1980 year chart | 2020 | |
| Top 49 Music Albums of 1980 | Hyggevinyl | 1980 year chart | 2024 |  |
| Top 49 Music Albums of 1980 | chriskarman | 1980 year chart | 2022 |  |
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Top 55 Music Albums of the 1980s ratings
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Showing all 1 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 100/100  | 05/03/2021 21:02 | DJENNY | | 100/100 |
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We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.