Listed below are the best albums of the 1980s as calculated from their overall rankings in over 59,000 greatest album charts. (Chart last updated: 3 hours ago).
"Mellencamp's greatest album. As always a couple unnecessary tracks (Danger List and Weakest Moments) keep it from masterpiece status, but this is still a gem."Reply
"For me, it's a shame that these two pieces (Different Trains and Electric Counterpoint) were released together and for the purposes of album rating must be reviewed as one. Different Trains is, for me, a masterpiece in threading together the melody from voice technique with field recordings of tr...""For me, it's a shame that these two pieces (Different Trains and Electric Counterpoint) were released together and for the purposes of album rating must be reviewed as one.
Different Trains is, for me, a masterpiece in threading together the melody from voice technique with field recordings of trains, and an emphasis on the repetitive minimalist rhythm that made Music For 18 Musicians so beautiful. In terms of short releases (anything under 30 minutes) I would give Different Trains as a standalone piece a 9/10, and up there with Pink Moon and Slow Riot... as one of the best of all time.
Electric Counterpoint, on the other hand is by no means a bad piece of music, but pales in comparison. There is no abrupt changes in mood, no narrative that is offered by its predecessor. By the time 'After The War' eases us into its melancholic fade out, the cathartic release brings us a bittersweet joy that's earnt throughout the run-time; the last thing that is needed is for us to dive in to the cold ambient lull of unaccompanied electric guitar.
However, c'est la vie and so I've settled for an 8/10 that reflects the two combined."[+]Reply
"Savatage found their 'sound' on this classic album. The album from start to finish is filled with screaming vocals, loud guitars, great production and melodies."Reply
"This self-titled album, Indigo Girls' second full-length, is one of the most iconic of my college years, and the album that my high school sweetheart loved more than any other. In terms of production, it's a big step forward from their self-produced debut Strange Fire, and it includes some well-c...""This self-titled album, Indigo Girls' second full-length, is one of the most iconic of my college years, and the album that my high school sweetheart loved more than any other. In terms of production, it's a big step forward from their self-produced debut Strange Fire, and it includes some well-chosen guest appearances from members of fellow Athens, Georgia, natives R.E.M. The formula here is pretty simple: acoustic guitar-driven folk music with a slightly dark edge and an air of Emory University pretention. That sounds a lot like criticism than it really is. What I mean is that the Indigo Girls aspire here to something more than Appalachia-infused contemporary folk; they're looking to make art. And for the most part, I think they've succeeded."[+]Reply
"Less feedback and perfectly suited to that late 80's sound of Stone Roses and the like, than Pyschocandy. Still got that edgy sound, especially the last 4 tracks (I have the 10 track vinyl version). First six songs are crackers with Blues From A Gun my favourite track of theirs."Reply
"Another Mixed Bag Elvis Costello who, besides his unique songwriting skills, is known for his musical versatility and his desire to expand borders. This trait has given him new fans, but has also meant that he has lost some under way since his early albums with The Attactions. This album, which i...""Another Mixed Bag
Elvis Costello who, besides his unique songwriting skills, is known for his musical versatility and his desire to expand borders. This trait has given him new fans, but has also meant that he has lost some under way since his early albums with The Attactions.
This album, which is Costello's first for Warner Brothers, definitely belongs among his most ambitious and most versatile. Whether this is positive and if the project is successful, is very much a question of taste. At any rate we see here Costello work with many different genres and a great variety in instrumentation.
Moreover, the list of guest musicians is long and full of fascinating personalities, who in varying degrees have influenced the whole. I especially feel that vthe presence of Mitchel Froom, who is known as a producer for Suzanne Vega, shines through many places. Froom contributes to six tracks and on several of these can provide memories of Vega's excellent "99.9F" and "Nine Objects of Desire 'albums.
As mentioned, Costello spreads over many genres, and his use of "The Dirty Dozen Brass Band" is remarkable. Personally, I feel that is only really a success on the soul ballad "Deep Dark Mirror truthful" and on "Miss Macbeth". "Chewing Gum" and "Stalin Malone" do not really belong on a Costello album.
As often it is the ballads which come out the strongest, especially "God's Comic" (reminds me a lot about Queen's "All Dead)" Any King's Shilling ", with its medieval instrumentation and the waltzy" Satellite ". Naturally also the politically biting 'Tramp the Dirt Down "is one of the album's most memorable numbers.
In the lighter division, you'll notice the opening track "This Town" where Roger McGuinn contributes a little Byrds sound. Also, of course, the hit "Veronica" which Costello wrote with Paul McCartney.
The second Costello / McCartney collaboration "Pads, Paws And Claws" is rather forgettable.
Conclusion: An album with many strong songs, but the overall impression is weakened somewhat by a handful of just half boring songs."[+]Reply
"My introduction to the retro sounds of The Hoodoo Gurus - and I will forever feel blessed. A combination of Beatlesque chiming guitars, tribal drumming, and Cramps-like cemetery humor, "Stoneage Romeos" plays it hard and fast, and gives notice that this group from down under would be around for a...""My introduction to the retro sounds of The Hoodoo Gurus - and I will forever feel blessed. A combination of Beatlesque chiming guitars, tribal drumming, and Cramps-like cemetery humor, "Stoneage Romeos" plays it hard and fast, and gives notice that this group from down under would be around for a while. Not a bad song among them. "My Girl" demonstrated lead singer/lyricist, Dave Faulkner's sensitive side, while "I Was A Kamikaze Pilot" showed their sense of humor. Add in the trippy "Let's All Turn On" and "Zanzibar", the deep sea adventure "Death Ship", and highlighted by the album's most excellent desert island soap opera "Leilani" this album is a WINNER. Take some advice paraphrased from HG
Leilani don't go to the volcano -
Go to your local music store
And buy "Stoneage Romeos""[+]Reply
"It was always Billy Braggs laconic singing voice that attracted me to his music. Hard to describe this album he is a folk rock punk protest singer with heart, intelligence and humour. One of Britains great performers an original album also"Reply
"A definitive synth programmed album with repetitive rhythms and soaring chords underpinning every track. Stand out examples are The Voice and The Thin Wall."Reply