Best Albums of the 1980s

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6.

The Joshua Tree 

 U2

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"Some of the comments about this album and this band are absurd - sure U2 became rather annoying, but that has nothing to do with this album. This is not a pretensious album, its a haunting album. I find Bono's singing on this album to be about the best male performance ever, all of you men know w...""Some of the comments about this album and this band are absurd - sure U2 became rather annoying, but that has nothing to do with this album. This is not a pretensious album, its a haunting album. I find Bono's singing on this album to be about the best male performance ever, all of you men know what i mean, you cant hit those notes, who can? Tell me which male singer could do this and still sound open, not like Plant or Cornell, who are shrill, the heavy rocker screech has its - awesome - place but they could not pull this off. That aside, the songs are simple, but back then U2 had the darkness in their sound, the bitter sweetness, the torn-ness - and they mastered it. I love radio head, but how are a full 3 of their albums in front of this? Radio head impressed us so much by giving us progress from this, showing what was next and what had a better future - but they could never have done this. Bono now is mystifyingly annoying, how or why or what is this? What counsel is there for him? What is his condition, that seems to grate? The mind boggles. He is still the most interesting of them to listen to but... Their music now for me is just boring pop, all sweetness and light. A bunch of guys loving their amazingness, their freedom, money and their legacy and boring us to death. But lets not forget the J Tree! "  [+]  Reply

- drewlander2106 | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (4 helpful | 1 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1987

Appears in:

1,884 charts

Rank Score:

17,977

Rank in 1987:

1

Rank in 1980s:

6

Overall Rank:

52

Average Rating:

 83 (2,483 votes)

Comments:

231

41.

War 

 U2

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"The best of U2's early albums. The songs on War are held together with a theme about struggle. They take the universal concepts about War and strife in their homeland and relate them to the inner struggle going on within each of us to be something better."  Reply

- | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +4 votes (4 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1983

Appears in:

786 charts

Rank Score:

5,496

Rank in 1983:

5

Rank in 1980s:

41

Overall Rank:

302

Average Rating:

 79 (1,217 votes)

Comments:

82

70.

The Unforgettable Fire 

 U2

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"The unforgettable fire, was the follow up to, war, and was even more successful than it's predecessor. I personally find this album is one of the most uneven U2 albums, it features some great stuff, a sort of homecoming, is one of the great opening songs on any U2 record, pride, off course is a c...""The unforgettable fire, was the follow up to, war, and was even more successful than it's predecessor. I personally find this album is one of the most uneven U2 albums, it features some great stuff, a sort of homecoming, is one of the great opening songs on any U2 record, pride, off course is a classic, and, bad, is one of the band's greatest moments. Wire, is also a good cut. The title track is fine, albeit a bit forgetful, but the rest is just filler to me. U2 go for a huge sound, but some tracks like, promenade, Indian summer sky, and, Elvis Presley and America, are just ok at best. Still, half of the album is excellent, the rest though is a little unfocused. "  [+]  Reply

- garycottier | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (3 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1984

Appears in:

581 charts

Rank Score:

3,574

Rank in 1984:

13

Rank in 1980s:

70

Overall Rank:

477

Average Rating:

 77 (997 votes)

Comments:

58

129.

Boy 

 U2

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"This album reminds me of "The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" by Pink Floyd because, just like Pink Floyd's first album, U2's first album is very different from the style that's going to make them famous later. Both those bands' first album are awesome, unique and full of energy. Plus, they both make...""This album reminds me of "The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" by Pink Floyd because, just like Pink Floyd's first album, U2's first album is very different from the style that's going to make them famous later. Both those bands' first album are awesome, unique and full of energy. Plus, they both make a great use of the guitar with a surf rock sound at some point. I really like this album from beginning to end, especially "Twilight", "An Cat Dubh" and "The Electric Co.". Right now, it's my second favorite U2 album, second to "War" only. Don't overlook it!"  [+]  Reply

- bonnequestion | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (3 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1980

Appears in:

437 charts

Rank Score:

2,051

Rank in 1980:

16

Rank in 1980s:

129

Overall Rank:

849

Average Rating:

 75 (775 votes)

Comments:

39

198.

Rattle And Hum 

 U2

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"Rattle and hum, is U2 taking us on a journey of the history of rock. There's covers of The Beatles and Dylan, Hendrix appears on the record, and the band record a handful of songs at sun studios where Elvis recorded his earliest songs. Elsewhere, there's songs about Billie Holiday, references to ...""Rattle and hum, is U2 taking us on a journey of the history of rock. There's covers of The Beatles and Dylan, Hendrix appears on the record, and the band record a handful of songs at sun studios where Elvis recorded his earliest songs. Elsewhere, there's songs about Billie Holiday, references to John Coltrane, Miles Davis and a dedication to John Lennon. It's as if U2 are inducting themselves into the rock and roll hall of fame, as if they are saying, hey, we belong here too. As for the music itself, it's really a two part album, live songs and new studio tracks. Off the studio jobs, desire, Angel of Harlem, and, all I want is you, are the best of 'em, van diemens land is a good protest number, the others so-so. Off the live tracks, included is an absolutely dreadful version of Dylan's, all along the watchtower, did the band know the song? Does the edge know what key they're in? Oh well, I still haven't found what I'm looking for, is enjoyable, but by the time we get to, silver and gold? Yes, Bono, you are starting to bug me. Rattle and hum, is hubristic, pompous and overblown, but some of it's okay, it would have been better and more dignified if they had just released an e.p of new songs. Having said all that, it can be an enjoyable listen. "  [+]  Reply

- garycottier | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +5 votes (5 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1988

Appears in:

336 charts

Rank Score:

1,392

Rank in 1988:

20

Rank in 1980s:

198

Overall Rank:

1,247

Average Rating:

 72 (646 votes)

Comments:

35

210.

The Lion And The Cobra 

 Sinéad O'Connor

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"Enchanting and haunting debut that just keeps sounding better with each listen. By far her greatest effort."  Reply

- Luvulongtim | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (3 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1987

Appears in:

217 charts

Rank Score:

1,304

Rank in 1987:

24

Rank in 1980s:

210

Overall Rank:

1,320

Average Rating:

 78 (213 votes)

Comments:

6

287.

Watermark 

 Enya

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"Shockingly fresh and beautiful album that transcends new age cliches with its timeless production and moving performances by a extremely talented singer."  Reply

- NCanon | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1988

Appears in:

198 charts

Rank Score:

908

Rank in 1988:

31

Rank in 1980s:

287

Overall Rank:

1,865

Average Rating:

 73 (247 votes)

Comments:

12

330.

October 

 U2

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"Defintly a step down from Boy but still pretty good don't understand all the hate."  Reply

- PibbOwnsPepper | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +4 votes (4 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1981

Appears in:

215 charts

Rank Score:

754

Rank in 1981:

35

Rank in 1980s:

330

Overall Rank:

2,189

Average Rating:

 72 (436 votes)

Comments:

25

415.

Live "Under A Blood Red Sky" 
Live

 U2

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"I think this took U2 to a new level... more the event than the album, but this album captured U2 as a live band... what they are amazing at. Their studio albums are good, but 10 times better live."  Reply

- RoundTheBend | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +4 votes (4 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1983

Appears in:

167 charts

Rank Score:

565

Rank in 1983:

37

Rank in 1980s:

415

Overall Rank:

2,776

Average Rating:

 77 (320 votes)

Comments:

16

690.

Thunder And Lightning 

 Thin Lizzy

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""Thin Lizzy's last great record is Black Rose" is one of the most incorrect statements ever spoken. This album is top to bottom brilliant, and nearly perfect. Is it as good as Black Rose, Jailbreak, and Bad Reputation? I would put it as a near equal, and I guarantee that, over time, I will put it..."""Thin Lizzy's last great record is Black Rose" is one of the most incorrect statements ever spoken. This album is top to bottom brilliant, and nearly perfect. Is it as good as Black Rose, Jailbreak, and Bad Reputation? I would put it as a near equal, and I guarantee that, over time, I will put it as equal. There isn't a bad track to be found on here, and every song has something that I absolutely love about it (even if the song, itself, isn't perfect). This record has a phenomenal atmosphere that is particularly present on tracks like "The Sun Goes Down" and the title track, which are two EXTREMELY different songs. This album does have a bit of a noticeable metal influence, but it doesn't prevent it from having a classic Lizzy sound with some classic Lizzy riffs. Best tracks: "Thunder and Lightning", "This is the One", "Someday She is Going to Hit Back", and "Heart Attack"."  [+]  Reply

- Killerviolin | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1983

Appears in:

58 charts

Rank Score:

298

Rank in 1983:

70

Rank in 1980s:

690

Overall Rank:

4,763

Average Rating:

 75 (76 votes)

Comments:

4

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Total albums: 11. Page 1 of 2

Best Albums of the 1980s composition

Year	Albums	%
1980	120	12%
1981	119	12%
1982	107	11%
1983	96	10%
1984	102	10%
1985	87	9%
1986	92	9%
1987	88	9%
1988	98	10%
1989	91	9%

Artist	Albums	%
The Cure	10	1%
Prince	8	1%
Iron Maiden	8	1%
Elvis Costello	8	1%
The Smiths	8	1%
Rush	8	1%
XTC	8	1%
Show all

Country	Albums	%
	412	41%
	393	39%
	40	4%
	29	3%
	22	2%
	20	2%
	11	1%
Show all

Compilation?	Albums	%
No	964	96%
Yes	36	4%

Live?	Albums	%
No	981	98%
Yes	19	2%

Soundtrack?	Albums	%
No	988	99%
Yes	12	1%