1981: Metal by 
Repo 
- Chart updated: 08/01/2024 03:15
- (Created: 08/21/2021 14:48).
- Chart size: 44 albums.
There is 1 comment for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and 1981: Metal has an average rating of 87 out of 100 (from 1 vote). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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Reality TV
I was never much into theater. That’s how I explain it. But, I’m ahead of myself. As usual. Let’s put the shadow back into the body shall we and dig deep into one of metal’s enduring debates: Dickinson vs. DiAnno.
Iron Maiden captured the world and became one of the two biggest metal bands on the planet once Dickinson stepped up to the mic after Di'Anno was unceremoniously dumped by Steve Harris for being an overall dirtbag. A smokin', beer drinkin', undependable lout. Dickinson was a far more technically gifted singer. And by all accounts a very likable guy. BUT, Bruce Bruce just couldn’t help himself. Restraint is not his forte. He's more than a bit theatrical if you know what I mean. And I personally happen to prefer my metal singers on the raw side. A bit more dangerous. Like they’re singing their real, unhinged inner thoughts. That’s what made Ozzy sooo amazing on his early solo LPs and with Black Sabbath. Likewise for Bon Scott of AC/DC and Lemmy of Motorhead. God know those three weren’t gifted singers. Shit. Lemmy’s voice was essentially an unfiltered cigarette hooked up to a mic and plugged in. (Let’s call him the very first e-cig! ) But they were believable. They could haunt your dreams. Make you believe that they regretted selling their souls to the Satan and now, had no choice but to hunt down YOURS. You could feel their breath at the back of your neck. And you half felt obliged to give it to them. Just because they were hurting so bad. You know what I mean?. That’s what Di’Anno had. He was the streets. The alleys. The low-lifes waiting behind the dumpster to snatch your purse. With Bruce Bruce, you always knew that it was just good fun. Brilliant fun. But, theater nonetheless. You weren’t going to lose any sleep over it. And wasn’t that half the point? [First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
I was never much into theater. That’s how I explain it. But, I’m ahead of myself. As usual. Let’s put the shadow back into the body shall we and dig deep into one of metal’s enduring debates: Dickinson vs. DiAnno.
Iron Maiden captured the world and became one of the two biggest metal bands on the planet once Dickinson stepped up to the mic after Di'Anno was unceremoniously dumped by Steve Harris for being an overall dirtbag. A smokin', beer drinkin', undependable lout. Dickinson was a far more technically gifted singer. And by all accounts a very likable guy. BUT, Bruce Bruce just couldn’t help himself. Restraint is not his forte. He's more than a bit theatrical if you know what I mean. And I personally happen to prefer my metal singers on the raw side. A bit more dangerous. Like they’re singing their real, unhinged inner thoughts. That’s what made Ozzy sooo amazing on his early solo LPs and with Black Sabbath. Likewise for Bon Scott of AC/DC and Lemmy of Motorhead. God know those three weren’t gifted singers. Shit. Lemmy’s voice was essentially an unfiltered cigarette hooked up to a mic and plugged in. (Let’s call him the very first e-cig! ) But they were believable. They could haunt your dreams. Make you believe that they regretted selling their souls to the Satan and now, had no choice but to hunt down YOURS. You could feel their breath at the back of your neck. And you half felt obliged to give it to them. Just because they were hurting so bad. You know what I mean?. That’s what Di’Anno had. He was the streets. The alleys. The low-lifes waiting behind the dumpster to snatch your purse. With Bruce Bruce, you always knew that it was just good fun. Brilliant fun. But, theater nonetheless. You weren’t going to lose any sleep over it. And wasn’t that half the point? [First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,221
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
15
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Prog
Essential [First added to this chart: 04/30/2023]
Essential [First added to this chart: 04/30/2023]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,072
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Quantum Leap
The Setting: They were ambitious right from the outset. Naming a song “Hello America” as the second track on your debut On Through The Night speaks volumes about your desire for world domination. But, it was a crowded field in the NWOBHM multiverse. Their songwriting just wasn’t there yet; oftentimes just sounding like generic rockers. At this point you wouldn't even think of mentioning them in the same breath as the NWOBHM royalty such as Saxon, Angel Witch, Diamond Head and of course Maiden. BUt, they showed promise. Especially on the track "Sorrow Is A Woman." If they could just pen a few more songs like that, I gave them a puncher’s chance.
The Listen: Well, We all know what happened. They landed more than just a few blows. They landed a full blown hay maker with their second album High N' Dry, knocking 80s Hard Rock in a whole different trajectory. For most of us metal heads, High N’ Dry is where it's at. The leap in quality from the debut in …. EVERYTHING (singing, songwriting, & production) is staggering. The songs were more expansive & creative but continued to pack a wallop. Joe Elliot's voice hit that perfect sweet spot of raw emotion and vulnerability while still being tough & with some bad boy danger to get you all nice & wet. And we all know what Mutt Lange can do behind the big board after AC/DD's Back In Black. They were 60% AC/DC to 40% Loverboy, and that golden ratio was just the trick for their sound. And their popularity. The girl’s wanted in and the boys wanted in on the girls. And arguably the best hard rock band of the entire 80s was about to say “Hello America” for reals.
The Verdict: The platonic ideal of Hard Rock, NWOBHM and AOR. Arguably the best hair metal album of all time. Inarguably one of the best party albums of the early 80s. And Def Leppard's best! [First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
The Setting: They were ambitious right from the outset. Naming a song “Hello America” as the second track on your debut On Through The Night speaks volumes about your desire for world domination. But, it was a crowded field in the NWOBHM multiverse. Their songwriting just wasn’t there yet; oftentimes just sounding like generic rockers. At this point you wouldn't even think of mentioning them in the same breath as the NWOBHM royalty such as Saxon, Angel Witch, Diamond Head and of course Maiden. BUt, they showed promise. Especially on the track "Sorrow Is A Woman." If they could just pen a few more songs like that, I gave them a puncher’s chance.
The Listen: Well, We all know what happened. They landed more than just a few blows. They landed a full blown hay maker with their second album High N' Dry, knocking 80s Hard Rock in a whole different trajectory. For most of us metal heads, High N’ Dry is where it's at. The leap in quality from the debut in …. EVERYTHING (singing, songwriting, & production) is staggering. The songs were more expansive & creative but continued to pack a wallop. Joe Elliot's voice hit that perfect sweet spot of raw emotion and vulnerability while still being tough & with some bad boy danger to get you all nice & wet. And we all know what Mutt Lange can do behind the big board after AC/DD's Back In Black. They were 60% AC/DC to 40% Loverboy, and that golden ratio was just the trick for their sound. And their popularity. The girl’s wanted in and the boys wanted in on the girls. And arguably the best hard rock band of the entire 80s was about to say “Hello America” for reals.
The Verdict: The platonic ideal of Hard Rock, NWOBHM and AOR. Arguably the best hair metal album of all time. Inarguably one of the best party albums of the early 80s. And Def Leppard's best! [First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
668
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Slack Jawed
Mob Rules is BETTER than Heaven & Hell. That’s right. You heard me correctly. Now, don’t get me wrong. Heaven & Hell RULES! It’s not like I’m trying to pick a fight even though I know I could win. That’s just not my style. But, I do have a bone with a bit of meat on it to pick if I wanted to gnaw on this topic for just a bit. I mean for starters Dio sounds like he's really settled in, and I would wager that THIS record is his best vocal performance in his entire oeuvre.
BUT, let's get to the more important takeaway. Long before Opeth were even off their training wheels, these guys were seamlessly throwing a bit of folk into the forge. And if you ask me, (“We’re asking, Jeff!”) they do it even better. It sounds more organic. It's not just some sort of device or gimmick. It's just a natural part of the song. So much so that you don't even realize it until you've eaten one two many tricked out gummy bears, and you're like "Gazooks! This is folk! I've been had!"
Dio & Iommi were made for each other it seems, and it’s a damn shame their sizable egos got involved because I would have loved a few more albums like this. Not that I'm complaining exactly. Dio’s Pop Metal masterpiece Rainbow In the Dark was right around the corner after all. No. Mostly , I’m just slack jawed that these absolute giants of metal created yet another massively influential sound that was quite distinct from the Ozzy DOOM ones of the early 70s.
In short, Mob Rules is one of those sequels that defy the odds. Every bit as good (if not better Razz ). And yet another chapter was added to their sizable canon. [First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
Mob Rules is BETTER than Heaven & Hell. That’s right. You heard me correctly. Now, don’t get me wrong. Heaven & Hell RULES! It’s not like I’m trying to pick a fight even though I know I could win. That’s just not my style. But, I do have a bone with a bit of meat on it to pick if I wanted to gnaw on this topic for just a bit. I mean for starters Dio sounds like he's really settled in, and I would wager that THIS record is his best vocal performance in his entire oeuvre.
BUT, let's get to the more important takeaway. Long before Opeth were even off their training wheels, these guys were seamlessly throwing a bit of folk into the forge. And if you ask me, (“We’re asking, Jeff!”) they do it even better. It sounds more organic. It's not just some sort of device or gimmick. It's just a natural part of the song. So much so that you don't even realize it until you've eaten one two many tricked out gummy bears, and you're like "Gazooks! This is folk! I've been had!"
Dio & Iommi were made for each other it seems, and it’s a damn shame their sizable egos got involved because I would have loved a few more albums like this. Not that I'm complaining exactly. Dio’s Pop Metal masterpiece Rainbow In the Dark was right around the corner after all. No. Mostly , I’m just slack jawed that these absolute giants of metal created yet another massively influential sound that was quite distinct from the Ozzy DOOM ones of the early 70s.
In short, Mob Rules is one of those sequels that defy the odds. Every bit as good (if not better Razz ). And yet another chapter was added to their sizable canon. [First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
779
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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CROSSOVER (1981)
South of The Dial #4
We've all heard the story. How punk injected new life into staid hard rock in the late 70s giving birth to NWOBHM which gave birth to thrash which in turn gave birth to a gazillion metal subgenres that no-one can even keep track of. You know. That story.
But, it's still pretty easy to tell a NWOBHM album from an early 80s punk album, right? Turns out not so easy! (although still pretty easy! lol. Gotta have something to write about, guys!) Anyways, Holocaust were such a band. Reminding me at times of High Time- era MC5, Orange County surf punk legends Agent Orange, and Portlandia Gawds The Wipers (especially the production and the vocals).
BUT, the album it is most genetically linked to is Ace Frehley's solo Kiss album from 1978. Those in the know, realize that that is not a diss, but insanely high praise. In fact, if you want a tell tale sign of a kickass punk club, just check it's jukebox for a copy. It should be right there next to The Stooges. It's a highly esteemed cult classic, and probably my second favorite Kiss album (after their debut of course).
In fact, due to its intelligence, flat out fun and lo-fi punk feel, this may be my favorite album of the entire NWOBHM movement excluding Maiden's two albums with Di'anno! [First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
South of The Dial #4
We've all heard the story. How punk injected new life into staid hard rock in the late 70s giving birth to NWOBHM which gave birth to thrash which in turn gave birth to a gazillion metal subgenres that no-one can even keep track of. You know. That story.
But, it's still pretty easy to tell a NWOBHM album from an early 80s punk album, right? Turns out not so easy! (although still pretty easy! lol. Gotta have something to write about, guys!) Anyways, Holocaust were such a band. Reminding me at times of High Time- era MC5, Orange County surf punk legends Agent Orange, and Portlandia Gawds The Wipers (especially the production and the vocals).
BUT, the album it is most genetically linked to is Ace Frehley's solo Kiss album from 1978. Those in the know, realize that that is not a diss, but insanely high praise. In fact, if you want a tell tale sign of a kickass punk club, just check it's jukebox for a copy. It should be right there next to The Stooges. It's a highly esteemed cult classic, and probably my second favorite Kiss album (after their debut of course).
In fact, due to its intelligence, flat out fun and lo-fi punk feel, this may be my favorite album of the entire NWOBHM movement excluding Maiden's two albums with Di'anno! [First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
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Inarguably one of the best sleaze albums of all time and the rightful descendants of the the New York Dolls. This is glam rock at its finest. I don't often listen to Motley Crue, but when I do, it's always this!
[First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
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One of the few cases where the sequel surpasses the original. That's right. Diary is better than Blizzard of Oz. Tragically, the last we would hear from the great, inimitable Randy Rhodes who married neo-classical and metal like no one else ever had or would again.
[First added to this chart: 10/21/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
859
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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GROUND ZERO (1981)
Weirdly enough despite their infamy, Venom still do not get enough credit. They created this sound. The sound of all extreme metal. They made music that was willfully evil. Ugly. Brutal. And they did it on purpose. Were they best players. Hell no. But they were bloody, unhinged visionaries which is worth so much more. They were willing to tear down all that came before. They took Motorhead and Priest licks & riffs ripped them to shreds, chewed them apart, stretched them too thin and then spat them out from the grave. They were filthy, putrid, and vile. And they made sure that you knew they loved every minute of it. The guitar solos are some of the most influential in metal history, and you can hear their echos in Slayer’s early albums.
Nowadays their sound is called Black n’ Roll and you can still hear their influence on such killer bands as Midnight.
Influences: Motorhead. Motorhead. Motorhead. Priest. (Motorhead's Overkill is pretty much essential listening for this stuff.)
They took Motorhead and Priest licks & riffs, ripped them to shreds, chewed them apart, stretched them too thin and then spat them out from the grave. They were filthy, putrid, and vile. The metal world would never be the same. [First added to this chart: 08/21/2021]
Weirdly enough despite their infamy, Venom still do not get enough credit. They created this sound. The sound of all extreme metal. They made music that was willfully evil. Ugly. Brutal. And they did it on purpose. Were they best players. Hell no. But they were bloody, unhinged visionaries which is worth so much more. They were willing to tear down all that came before. They took Motorhead and Priest licks & riffs ripped them to shreds, chewed them apart, stretched them too thin and then spat them out from the grave. They were filthy, putrid, and vile. And they made sure that you knew they loved every minute of it. The guitar solos are some of the most influential in metal history, and you can hear their echos in Slayer’s early albums.
Nowadays their sound is called Black n’ Roll and you can still hear their influence on such killer bands as Midnight.
Influences: Motorhead. Motorhead. Motorhead. Priest. (Motorhead's Overkill is pretty much essential listening for this stuff.)
They took Motorhead and Priest licks & riffs, ripped them to shreds, chewed them apart, stretched them too thin and then spat them out from the grave. They were filthy, putrid, and vile. The metal world would never be the same. [First added to this chart: 08/21/2021]
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Satan’s Music
Satan is a suave, sophisticated fuck. That’s the way I think of him. The way I like him portrayed best. He’s not just an outright He leaves that to his demon buddies. No. You wouldn’t even know heHe would get you. Really get you. Tell you what you wanted to hear. Whisper your secret desires in your ear. He’s be youir be4dmate. Your lover. While you internally bleed. [First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
Satan is a suave, sophisticated fuck. That’s the way I think of him. The way I like him portrayed best. He’s not just an outright He leaves that to his demon buddies. No. You wouldn’t even know heHe would get you. Really get you. Tell you what you wanted to hear. Whisper your secret desires in your ear. He’s be youir be4dmate. Your lover. While you internally bleed. [First added to this chart: 11/11/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
611
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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The Grunge-iest of all the NWOBHM bands. "Depression" should be cannon.
[First added to this chart: 11/24/2021]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
0
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 44. Page 1 of 5
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1981: Metal composition
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Gillan | 2 | 5% | |
| Tygers Of Pan Tang | 2 | 5% | |
| Michael Schenker Group | 1 | 2% | |
| Accept | 1 | 2% | |
| Rose Tattoo | 1 | 2% | |
| Iron Maiden | 1 | 2% | |
| Saga (CA) | 1 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
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23 | 52% | |
| |
9 | 20% | |
 |
5 | 11% | |
 |
2 | 5% | |
 |
2 | 5% | |
 |
1 | 2% | |
 |
1 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
1981: Metal chart changes
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 1 from 33rd to 34th For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) by AC/DC |
| Down 1 from 34th to 35th The Power Of Rock And Roll by Frank Marino |
| Down 1 from 35th to 36th Crazy Nights by Tygers Of Pan Tang |
| New entries |
|---|
 Worlds Apartby Saga (CA) |
1981: Metal similar charts
| Title | Source | Type | Published | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 40 Music Albums of 1981 |  mrblond | 1981 year chart | 2021 |  |
| Top 33 Music Albums of 1981 |  ~SMiLE~ | 1981 year chart | 2013 | |
| Top 27 Music Albums of 1981 |  UofTBlues | 1981 year chart | 2020 | |
| Top 20 Music Albums of 1981 |  IlMala | 1981 year chart | 2022 |  |
| Top 20 Music Albums of 1981 |  DanielNunes93 | 1981 year chart | 2017 |  |
| Top 33 Music Albums of 1981 | Garyf1972 | 1981 year chart | 2019 | |
| Top 40 Music Albums of 1981 |  badseed | 1981 year chart | 2015 | |
| Top 20 Music Albums of 1981 |  WrathchildIX | 1981 year chart | 2017 |  |
| Repo Recs: 80's Metal | Repo | Custom chart | 2021 | |
| Top 42 Music Albums of 1981 | mlgprounicorn | 1981 year chart | 2020 | |
1981: Metal similarity to your chart(s)
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1981: Metal ratings
87/100 (from 1 vote)
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Showing all 1 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 100/100  | 03/16/2024 22:23 | mrmcrook | | 92/100 |
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1981: Metal comments
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100/100
From mrmcrook 03/16/2024 22:24
Love the notes. Informative of the albums I don't know. Your lists like these are fantastic discovery grounds
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