1981: Metal by Repo

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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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,277
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Prog
Essential
[First added to this chart: 04/30/2023]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,232
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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
608
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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
689
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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
78
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
378
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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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:
893
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album United States
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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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
194
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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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]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
652
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
10. (=)
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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:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 43. Page 1 of 5

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1981: Metal composition

Artist Albums %


Tygers Of Pan Tang 2 5%
Gillan 2 5%
Praying Mantis 1 2%
Rush 1 2%
Ozzy Osbourne 1 2%
Molly Hatchet 1 2%
Samson 1 2%
Show all
Country Albums %


United Kingdom 23 53%
United States 9 21%
Canada 4 9%
Australia 2 5%
Germany 2 5%
Poland 1 2%
Finland 1 2%
Show all
Live? Albums %
No 42 98%
Yes 1 2%

1981: Metal chart changes

Biggest climbers
Climber Up 1 from 19th to 18th
Shock Tactics
by Samson
Biggest fallers
Faller Down 1 from 18th to 19th
Hit And Run
by Girlschool

1981: Metal similarity to your chart(s)


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1991: Even More Gems by Repo (2023)
1992: Even More Gems by Repo (2023)
Pitchfork Music Fest 2018 by Repo (2018)
Repo Music: An Alt Hx of Cosmic Music by Repo (2018)
Repo Country by Repo (2023)
2017 Tourney by Repo (2018)
70's: Hard Rock & Metal by Repo (2022)
1990: Even More Gems by Repo (2022)
1994: Even More Gems by Repo (2023)
Best Albums of The 40s by Repo (2018)
AMBER VIOLET R WORLD (The REAL Tilly) by Repo (2020)
Collaborative Diary: 2010 by Repo (2019)
Hip Hop by Repo (2020)
2018 Tourney by Repo (2019)
View of The 2010s From Under The Bleachers by Repo (2020)
kinda crazzy REAL TILLY by Repo (2019)
Best Hair Metal Albums by Repo (2020)
The Mellow (Metal) Zone by Repo (2020)
80s Cowboy by Repo (2020)
2019 Tourney by Repo (2020)
70s Cowboy by Repo (2020)
The Mellow Zone by Repo (2020)
Reggae by Repo (2021)
1977: Even More Gems by Repo (2020)
Early 80s GOTH by Repo (2020)
NWOBHM (1979-1984) by Repo (2023)
Repo Goes Southern ! by Repo (2023)
2010: Even More Gems by Repo (2020)
Skinny's Tourney by Repo (2021)
Extreme Metal & Punk by Repo (2020)
2021 AOTW Queue: Decisions, Decisions!!! by Repo (2021)
2021 ALC by Repo (2021)
Repo Recs: 80's Metal by Repo (2021)
Post-Punk by Repo (2021)
1980: Metal by Repo (2023)
2020 Tourney by Repo (2021)
1980: Punk by Repo (2023)
1987: Metal by Repo (2024)
1992: Metal by Repo (2023)
1991: Metal by Repo (2023)
1990: Metal by Repo (2024)
1988: Metal by Repo (2023)
1993: Even More Gems! by Repo (2024)
1993: Metal by Repo (2024)
1989: Metal by Repo (2023)
1985: Metal by Repo (2023)
1971: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
1973: Metal by Repo (2023)
1984: Metal by Repo (2023)
1983: Metal by Repo (2023)
1982: Metal by Repo (2024)
1986: Punk by Repo (2023)
1981: Punk by Repo (2023)
1986: Metal by Repo (2024)
1983: Punk by Repo (2023)
1984: Punk by Repo (2023)
1982: Punk by Repo (2022)
1979: Punk by Repo (2023)
1989: Punk by Repo (2023)
1991: Punk by Repo (2023)
1990: Punk by Repo (2023)
1978: Metal by Repo (2024)
1974: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1968: Heavy Shit! (Psych/Prog/Blues & Rock) by Repo (2024)
2010: Metal by Repo (2021)
1970: Punk by Repo (2021)
1980: Even More Gems! by Repo (2022)
2019: Metal by Repo (2023)
2018: Metal by Repo (2022)
2017: Metal by Repo (2023)
1987: Punk by Repo (2022)
Repo Goes Dylan! by Repo (2021)
1978: Punk by Repo (2024)
1979: Metal by Repo (2023)
1977: Punk by Repo (2024)
1973: Punk by Repo (2023)
1977: Metal by Repo (2024)
1971: Punk by Repo (2021)
1993: Punk by Repo (2024)
2015: Metal by Repo (2022)
2003: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1997: Metal by Repo (2024)
2001: Metal by Repo (2023)
1995: Metal by Repo (2024)
1992: Punk by Repo (2023)
1994: Punk by Repo (2022)
80s_thrsh by Repo (2022)
1966: Heavy Shit!!! by Repo (2023)
1975: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1972: Metal by Repo (2023)
2021: Metal by Repo (2023)
1988: Punk by Repo (2022)
1985: Punk by Repo (2023)
1994: Metal by Repo (2024)
1995: Punk by Repo (2023)
1970: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2002: Metal by Repo (2023)
2000: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2006: Metal by Repo (2023)
2005: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
1999: Metal (+ Hard/Prog Rock) by Repo (2024)
1996: Punk by Repo (2023)
2022: Metal by Repo (2023)
2020: Metal by Repo (2024)
1969: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2011: Metal by Repo (2022)
2002: Punk by Repo (2022)
Rank 'Em: Miles Davis by Repo (2022)
1964: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
1967: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
Riot Fest '22 by Repo (2022)
1996: Metal by Repo (2024)
Rank 'Em: Motorhead by Repo (2022)
2013: Metal by Repo (2023)
GBV! GBV! GBV! by Repo (2022)
1976: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
1997: Punk by Repo (2022)
1998: Punk by Repo (2022)
2001: Punk by Repo (2022)
1999: Punk + Post-Rock by Repo (2024)
LA Punk by Repo (2022)
1993: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1992: Hip Hop by Repo (2022)
1990: Hip Hop by Repo (2022)
1989: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1990: Country by Repo (2022)
The Meditation Zone by Repo (2022)
Rank 'Em: The Church by Repo (2023)
FF => RWD (Jan '23) by Repo (2023)
FF => RWD (Feb '23) by Repo (2023)
2023: Metal by Repo (2023)
FF => RWD (Mar '23) by Repo (2023)
The Skies Went Black by Repo (2023)
1998: Metal by Repo (2024)
'80s Thrash by Repo (2023)
Chicago, Baby! by Repo (2023)
Rank 'Em: Black Sabbath by Repo (2023)
1976: Punk by Repo (2024)
Rank 'Em: Death Cab/Postal Service by Repo (2023)
Riot Fest '23 by Repo (2023)
Repo Ranks 'Em: RIDE by Repo (2023)
No Bullshit: Repo's Top Metal Albums! by Repo (2023)
1994: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1991: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1995: Hip Hop by Repo (2023)
1995: More Gems by Repo (2023)
No Bullshit!: '90s Metal by Repo (2023)
Repo Rank 'Ems: BREEDERS by Repo (2023)
2004: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)
2007: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2023)
Repo Ranks: Bowie 90s+ by Repo (2023)
1989: MORE GEMS by Repo (2024)
2023: Even More Gems by Repo (2024)
2009: Heavy Shit! by Repo (2024)

1981: Metal ratings

Average Rating: 
87/100 (from 1 vote)
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03/16/2024 22:23 mrmcrook  Ratings distributionRatings distribution 39492/100

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1981: Metal favourites

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From 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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