The Best Pop Albums of the 1980s
Our pick of the essential pop records released in the 1980s, ranked.
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1ThrillerMichael Jackson
Thriller
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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2BadMichael Jackson
Bad
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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3Like a PrayerMadonna
Like a Prayer
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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4Purple RainPrince
Purple Rain
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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5Sign o' the TimesPrince
Sign o' the Times
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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6Whitney HoustonWhitney Houston
Whitney Houston
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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7True BlueMadonna
True Blue
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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8Hounds of LoveKate Bush
Hounds of Love
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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9She's So UnusualCyndi Lauper
She's So Unusual
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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10FaithGeorge Michael
Faith
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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11Like a VirginMadonna
Like a Virgin
The blockbuster that made Madonna a superstar, home to its iconic title track. Bright and huge. A pop landmark.
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12ControlJanet Jackson
Control
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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13Rhythm Nation 1814Janet Jackson
Rhythm Nation 1814
An ambitious, socially conscious pop-funk blockbuster of immaculate production. Tight and influential. Her peak.
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141999Prince
1999
A funky, futuristic double album, home to its title track and 'Little Red Corvette'. Inventive and huge. A breakthrough.
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15Dirty MindPrince
Dirty Mind
A raw, provocative new-wave-funk peak of sexual energy. Bold and influential. A creative leap.
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16Private DancerTina Turner
Private Dancer
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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17Hunting High and Lowa-ha
Hunting High and Low
A synth-pop debut of soaring melodrama, home to 'Take On Me'. Bright and tuneful. An 80s staple.
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18Songs from the Big ChairTears for Fears
Songs from the Big Chair
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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19Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
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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20ActuallyPet Shop Boys
Actually
A witty, melancholic synth-pop peak of arch British observation. Sleek and clever. One of their best.
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21PleasePet Shop Boys
Please
A sleek, witty synth-pop debut, home to 'West End Girls'. Cool and tuneful. A strong start.
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22ParadePrince
Parade
An adventurous, orchestral-funk peak tied to a film, home to 'Kiss'. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.
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23Around the World in a DayPrince
Around the World in a Day
A psychedelic-pop pivot after Purple Rain. Bold and beloved. A creative swerve.
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24WhitneyWhitney Houston
Whitney
A blockbuster of soaring pop-soul that broke chart records. Polished and powerful. Her commercial peak.
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25Super TrouperABBA
Super Trouper
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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26Make It BigWham!
Make It Big
A bright, joyful pop blockbuster, home to 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'. Tuneful and huge. Their peak.