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Electronic · 1980s

The Best Electronic Albums of the 1980s

Our pick of the essential electronic records released in the 1980s, ranked.

  1. 1
    Computer WorldKraftwerk

    Computer World

    Kraftwerk · 1981 · Electronic

    A prescient meditation on data, machines and digital life, tighter and funkier than ever. Decades ahead of its time. Essential Kraftwerk.

  2. 2
    TechniqueNew Order

    Technique

    New Order · 1989 · Electronic

    A bright, Ibiza-influenced dance-rock peak. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  3. 3
    BrotherhoodNew Order

    Brotherhood

    New Order · 1986 · Electronic

    A balanced peak of guitar-and-synth dance-rock. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  4. 4
    Low-LifeNew Order

    Low-Life

    New Order · 1985 · Electronic

    A peak of melancholic dance-rock, home to 'The Perfect Kiss'. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  5. 5
    Music for the MassesDepeche Mode

    Music for the Masses

    Depeche Mode · 1987 · Electronic

    A dark, anthemic synth-pop peak. Sleek and beloved. A turning point.

  6. 6
    Black CelebrationDepeche Mode

    Black Celebration

    Depeche Mode · 1986 · Electronic

    A dark, atmospheric synth-pop peak. Brooding and beloved. A fan favourite.

  7. 7
    Apollo: Atmospheres and SoundtracksBrian Eno

    Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks

    Brian Eno · 1983 · Electronic

    A serene, country-tinged ambient landmark, home to 'An Ending (Ascent)'. Beautiful and beloved. A genre cornerstone.