The Best Pop Albums of the 1980s

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1. 1
   ThrillerMichael Jackson

   Thriller

   Michael Jackson · 1982 · Pop

   The best-selling album of all time and a flawless run of pop, funk, rock and balladry produced with Quincy Jones. Every single became a standard, and the craft holds up decades on. The benchmark for mainstream pop ambition.

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2. 2
   BadMichael Jackson

   Bad

   Michael Jackson · 1987 · Pop

   The hugely ambitious follow-up to Thriller, five number-ones deep and impeccably produced. Slick and confident. A blockbuster in its own right.

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3. 3
   Like a PrayerMadonna

   Like a Prayer

   Madonna · 1989 · Pop

   Madonna's most ambitious and personal record, mixing pop, gospel and rock with real songwriting depth. The title track is a high point. The album that earned her critical respect.

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4. 4
   Purple RainPrince

   Purple Rain

   Prince · 1984 · Pop

   Equal parts soundtrack and statement, blending rock, funk, pop and gospel into Prince's commercial breakthrough. The title track and 'When Doves Cry' are era-defining. A dazzling display of a singular talent.

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5. 5
   Sign o' the TimesPrince

   Sign o' the Times

   Prince · 1987 · Pop

   A sprawling double album that shows the full range of Prince's genius, from stark social commentary to ecstatic funk and tender soul. Often cited as his masterpiece. Dense, generous and rewarding.

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6. 6
   Whitney HoustonWhitney Houston

   Whitney Houston

   Whitney Houston · 1985 · Pop

   A debut that announced one of the great voices in pop, balancing ballads and dance-pop with effortless power. A blockbuster on release. The start of an era.

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7. 7
   True BlueMadonna

   True Blue

   Madonna · 1986 · Pop

   A bright, confident pop peak, home to 'Papa Don't Preach' and 'La Isla Bonita'. Tuneful and huge. A commercial high.

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8. 8
   Hounds of LoveKate Bush

   Hounds of Love

   Kate Bush · 1985 · Pop

   A two-sided masterpiece, pop singles up front and the experimental 'Ninth Wave' suite behind. Inventive and emotional throughout. Her crowning achievement.

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9. 9
   She's So UnusualCyndi Lauper

   She's So Unusual

   Cyndi Lauper · 1983 · Pop

   A vibrant, eccentric debut packed with hits and personality, from 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' to 'Time After Time'. Joyful and sharp. An 80s pop classic.

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10. 10
    FaithGeorge Michael

    Faith

    George Michael · 1987 · Pop

    A sophisticated solo debut that proved Michael a major songwriter, balancing pop, soul and gospel. Slick and assured. A blockbuster on every level.

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11. 11
    Like a VirginMadonna

    Like a Virgin

    Madonna · 1984 · Pop

    The blockbuster that made Madonna a superstar, home to its iconic title track. Bright and huge. A pop landmark.

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12. 12
    ControlJanet Jackson

    Control

    Janet Jackson · 1986 · Pop

    The album that made Janet a force, sleek Jam-and-Lewis funk-pop of independence. Sharp and danceable. A defining record.

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13. 13
    Rhythm Nation 1814Janet Jackson

    Rhythm Nation 1814

    Janet Jackson · 1989 · Pop

    An ambitious, socially conscious pop-funk blockbuster of immaculate production. Tight and influential. Her peak.

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14. 14
    1999Prince

    1999

    Prince · 1982 · Pop

    A funky, futuristic double album, home to its title track and 'Little Red Corvette'. Inventive and huge. A breakthrough.

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15. 15
    Dirty MindPrince

    Dirty Mind

    Prince · 1980 · Pop

    A raw, provocative new-wave-funk peak of sexual energy. Bold and influential. A creative leap.

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16. 16
    Private DancerTina Turner

    Private Dancer

    Tina Turner · 1984 · Pop

    A triumphant comeback of soulful pop-rock, home to 'What's Love Got to Do with It'. Powerful and polished. Her solo peak.

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17. 17
    Hunting High and Lowa-ha

    Hunting High and Low

    a-ha · 1985 · Pop

    A synth-pop debut of soaring melodrama, home to 'Take On Me'. Bright and tuneful. An 80s staple.

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18. 18
    Songs from the Big ChairTears for Fears

    Songs from the Big Chair

    Tears for Fears · 1985 · Pop

    Lush, ambitious synth-pop of real depth, home to 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'. Polished and emotional. An 80s peak.

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19. 19
    Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics

    Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

    Eurythmics · 1983 · Pop

    A cool, synth-driven landmark of 80s pop, its title track instantly iconic. Sleek and influential. A definitive synth-pop record.

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20. 20
    ActuallyPet Shop Boys

    Actually

    Pet Shop Boys · 1987 · Pop

    A witty, melancholic synth-pop peak of arch British observation. Sleek and clever. One of their best.

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21. 21
    PleasePet Shop Boys

    Please

    Pet Shop Boys · 1986 · Pop

    A sleek, witty synth-pop debut, home to 'West End Girls'. Cool and tuneful. A strong start.

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22. 22
    ParadePrince

    Parade

    Prince · 1986 · Pop

    An adventurous, orchestral-funk peak tied to a film, home to 'Kiss'. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.

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23. 23
    Around the World in a DayPrince

    Around the World in a Day

    Prince · 1985 · Pop

    A psychedelic-pop pivot after Purple Rain. Bold and beloved. A creative swerve.

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24. 24
    WhitneyWhitney Houston

    Whitney

    Whitney Houston · 1987 · Pop

    A blockbuster of soaring pop-soul that broke chart records. Polished and powerful. Her commercial peak.

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25. 25
    Super TrouperABBA

    Super Trouper

    ABBA · 1980 · Pop

    A reflective, hook-laden peak, home to its title track and 'The Winner Takes It All'. Tuneful and beloved. A late high.

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26. 26
    Make It BigWham!

    Make It Big

    Wham! · 1984 · Pop

    A bright, joyful pop blockbuster, home to 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'. Tuneful and huge. Their peak.

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