Essential Albums of the 1980s
The 1980s records we keep coming back to, listed in order of release.
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1Super 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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2Back in BlackAC/DC
Back in Black
A thunderous tribute to the late Bon Scott and one of the best-selling albums ever, riff after immortal riff. Lean and monstrous. A hard-rock cornerstone.
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3Kings of the Wild FrontierAdam and the Ants
Kings of the Wild Frontier
A flamboyant, drum-heavy new-wave landmark. Bold and huge. A defining 80s record.
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4In the Flat FieldBauhaus
In the Flat Field
A gloomy, angular goth landmark of dread. Dark and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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5Heaven and HellBlack Sabbath
Heaven and Hell
A triumphant Dio-fronted reinvention of melodic metal. Powerful and beloved. A late peak.
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6SinsemillaBlack Uhuru
Sinsemilla
A heavy, Sly-and-Robbie-powered roots peak. Tough and acclaimed. A strong record.
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7UprisingBob Marley and the Wailers
Uprising
A reflective, spiritual late peak, home to 'Redemption Song'. Powerful and poignant. A moving record.
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8The RiverBruce Springsteen
The River
A sprawling double album balancing bar-band joy and stark ballads. Generous and beloved. A peak.
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9Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)David Bowie
Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
A sharp, art-rock peak that closed his classic run, home to 'Ashes to Ashes'. Angular and assured. Often called his last great album of the era.
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10Fresh Fruit for Rotting VegetablesDead Kennedys
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
A savage, satirical hardcore debut of surf-tinged speed and political venom. Fast and funny. A genre landmark.
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11DianaDiana Ross
Diana
A sleek Chic-produced peak, home to 'Upside Down' and 'I'm Coming Out'. Polished and huge. Her commercial high.
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12Making MoviesDire Straits
Making Movies
A cinematic, romantic peak, home to 'Romeo and Juliet'. Lush and acclaimed. A creative high.
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13Get Happy!!Elvis Costello
Get Happy!!
A soul-and-Motown-inspired burst of twenty short songs. Tuneful and energetic. A fan favourite.
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14I Am What I AmGeorge Jones
I Am What I Am
A peak of classic country balladry, home to 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'. Devastating and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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15Iron MaidenIron Maiden
Iron Maiden
A raw, punky debut of galloping NWOBHM energy. Vital and influential. The start of a legend.
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16CloserJoy Division
Closer
Released weeks after Curtis's death, it is colder and more electronic than the debut, and almost unbearably moving in hindsight. Bleak, beautiful and pivotal in the move toward New Order. A landmark of British music.
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17British SteelJudas Priest
British Steel
The album that streamlined heavy metal into anthems, from 'Breaking the Law' to 'Living After Midnight'. Tight and iconic. A genre cornerstone.
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18Bass CultureLinton Kwesi Johnson
Bass Culture
A landmark of dub poetry and political reggae. Sharp and influential. A singular British record.
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19Ace of SpadesMotörhead
Ace of Spades
Fast, loud and gloriously dirty, the album that defined Motörhead and bridged punk and metal. The title track is immortal. Pure adrenaline.
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20Blizzard of OzzOzzy Osbourne
Blizzard of Ozz
A solo debut powered by Randy Rhoads's virtuoso guitar, home to 'Crazy Train'. Sharp and influential. A metal classic.
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21Peter Gabriel (Melt)Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel (Melt)
A dark, art-rock peak, home to 'Games Without Frontiers'. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.
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22PretendersPretenders
Pretenders
A sharp, tuneful debut of new-wave swagger, home to 'Brass in Pocket'. Tough and beloved. A landmark.
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23Dirty MindPrince
Dirty Mind
A raw, provocative new-wave-funk peak of sexual energy. Bold and influential. A creative leap.
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24The GameQueen
The Game
A leaner, hit-packed peak, home to 'Another One Bites the Dust' and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'. Tuneful and huge. A commercial high.
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25Permanent WavesRush
Permanent Waves
A tighter, new-wave-influenced pivot, home to 'The Spirit of Radio'. Sharp and beloved. A turning point.
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26GauchoSteely Dan
Gaucho
An immaculate, glossy final-era peak. Polished and acclaimed. A high point.
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27Remain in LightTalking Heads
Remain in Light
Afrobeat polyrhythms meet art-rock and Eno's production on a dense, ecstatic landmark led by 'Once in a Lifetime'. Layered and danceable, it expanded what a rock band could be. A high point of the era.
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28Sandinista!The Clash
Sandinista!
A sprawling, eclectic triple album of dub, funk, rap and rock. Uneven but visionary. A bold, generous statement.
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29Seventeen SecondsThe Cure
Seventeen Seconds
A spare, atmospheric early peak. Moody and acclaimed. A turning point.
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30Sound AffectsThe Jam
Sound Affects
A sharp, post-punk-influenced peak of taut English pop. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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31Zenyatta MondattaThe Police
Zenyatta Mondatta
A peak of reggae-tinged new wave, home to 'Don't Stand So Close to Me'. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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32PretendersThe Pretenders
Pretenders
A sharp, tuneful debut of new-wave swagger, home to 'Brass in Pocket'. Tough and beloved. A landmark.
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33BoyU2
Boy
An urgent, atmospheric debut of youthful post-punk. Bold and acclaimed. A striking start.
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34Signing OffUB40
Signing Off
A politically charged British reggae debut of real depth. Bold and acclaimed. A strong start.
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35ZappZapp
Zapp
Roger Troutman's talk-box funk debut, home to 'More Bounce to the Ounce'. Influential and beloved. An electro-funk cornerstone.
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36DamagedBlack Flag
Damaged
A raw, intense hardcore landmark of alienation and aggression. Pummeling and influential. A foundational document.
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37RedBlack Uhuru
Red
Tight, heavy roots reggae powered by the Sly and Robbie rhythm section. Their most acclaimed record. A rockers cornerstone.
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38Wa-Do-DemEek-A-Mouse
Wa-Do-Dem
A playful, sing-jay dancehall peak of singular style. Fun and beloved. A genre highlight.
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39NightclubbingGrace Jones
Nightclubbing
A cool, reggae-and-new-wave-tinged art-disco peak, home to 'Pull Up to the Bumper'. Striking and acclaimed. Her finest.
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40EscapeJourney
Escape
A blockbuster of arena-rock anthems, home to 'Don't Stop Believin''. Polished and huge. Their commercial peak.
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41DisciplineKing Crimson
Discipline
A taut, polyrhythmic 80s reinvention. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.
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42Computer WorldKraftwerk
Computer World
A prescient meditation on data, machines and digital life, tighter and funkier than ever. Decades ahead of its time. Essential Kraftwerk.
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43MovementNew Order
Movement
A transitional debut still shadowed by Joy Division. Atmospheric and acclaimed. A starting point.
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44Architecture & MoralityOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Architecture & Morality
A melodic, ambitious synth-pop peak. Tuneful and acclaimed. Their finest.
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45Street SongsRick James
Street Songs
A blockbuster funk peak, home to 'Super Freak' and 'Give It to Me Baby'. Slick and huge. His finest.
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46Moving PicturesRush
Moving Pictures
Rush's most accessible peak, balancing prog ambition with tight songs like 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Limelight'. Polished and powerful. Their defining record.
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47Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the VampiresScientist
Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires
A landmark dub album of playful mixing-desk invention. Inventive and beloved. A genre classic.
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48JujuSiouxsie and the Banshees
Juju
A dark, swirling post-punk peak that helped shape goth. Atmospheric and sharp. Their defining record.
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49Non-Stop Erotic CabaretSoft Cell
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
A sleazy, tuneful synth-pop debut, home to 'Tainted Love'. Dark and danceable. An 80s classic.
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50Beauty and the BeatThe Go-Go's
Beauty and the Beat
A bright new-wave-pop debut that topped the charts, home to 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. Tuneful and beloved. A landmark.
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51DareThe Human League
Dare
A sleek synth-pop landmark, home to 'Don't You Want Me'. Glossy and influential. A defining 80s record.
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52Ghost in the MachineThe Police
Ghost in the Machine
A horn-tinged peak, home to 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'. Polished and beloved. A high point.
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53Tattoo YouThe Rolling Stones
Tattoo You
A polished late peak assembled from outtakes, home to 'Start Me Up'. Tuneful and big. Their last great commercial record.
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54Bad BrainsBad Brains
Bad Brains
A ferocious hardcore-meets-reggae debut of blistering speed. Explosive and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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55NebraskaBruce Springsteen
Nebraska
A stark solo home-recording of murder ballads and desperation, just voice, guitar and tape hiss. Haunting and uncompromising. Unlike anything else in his catalogue.
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56Plastic Surgery DisastersDead Kennedys
Plastic Surgery Disasters
A sharp, satirical hardcore peak. Fast and acclaimed. A high point.
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57Love over GoldDire Straits
Love over Gold
An ambitious, long-form peak, home to 'Telegraph Road'. Cinematic and acclaimed. A creative high.
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58Imperial BedroomElvis Costello
Imperial Bedroom
A lush, ambitious pop peak of intricate songcraft. Sophisticated and acclaimed. One of his finest.
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59Night NurseGregory Isaacs
Night Nurse
Smooth, romantic lovers-rock reggae defined by Isaacs's cool delivery. Warm and seductive. His signature record.
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60The Number of the BeastIron Maiden
The Number of the Beast
The arrival of Bruce Dickinson and the band's classic era, galloping, melodic and theatrical. Anthemic from start to finish. A heavy-metal landmark.
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61Screaming for VengeanceJudas Priest
Screaming for Vengeance
A sharp, commercial peak, home to 'You've Got Another Thing Comin''. Tight and huge. Their best-selling record.
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62The DreamingKate Bush
The Dreaming
An experimental, dense art-pop peak of restless invention. Bold and acclaimed. A cult favourite.
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63Midnight LoveMarvin Gaye
Midnight Love
A smooth, comeback peak, home to 'Sexual Healing'. Sleek and beloved. A late high.
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64ThrillerMichael 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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65Walk Among UsMisfits
Walk Among Us
A catchy, horror-themed punk landmark of melody and menace. Fun and influential. A cult classic.
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66Straight from the HeartPatrice Rushen
Straight from the Heart
A polished funk-soul peak, home to the much-sampled 'Forget Me Nots'. Smooth and beloved. A genre highlight.
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671999Prince
1999
A funky, futuristic double album, home to its title track and 'Little Red Corvette'. Inventive and huge. A breakthrough.
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68AvalonRoxy Music
Avalon
A lush, sophisticated farewell of romantic art-pop, immaculately produced. Smooth and atmospheric. A late peak.
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69True DemocracySteel Pulse
True Democracy
A sharp, soulful British roots peak. Polished and acclaimed. A high point.
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70Combat RockThe Clash
Combat Rock
Their biggest album, home to 'Rock the Casbah' and 'Should I Stay or Should I Go'. Tuneful and huge. A commercial peak.
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71PornographyThe Cure
Pornography
A bleak, claustrophobic goth landmark of despair. Dark and acclaimed. A pivotal record.
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72Hex Enduction HourThe Fall
Hex Enduction Hour
A dense, abrasive post-punk peak of Mark E. Smith's invective. Sharp and acclaimed. A cult cornerstone.
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73Gap Band IVThe Gap Band
Gap Band IV
A peak of bouncy, synth-driven funk, home to 'You Dropped a Bomb on Me' and 'Early in the Morning'. Fun and huge. A genre high point.
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74Toto IVToto
Toto IV
A polished pop-rock blockbuster, home to 'Africa' and 'Rosanna'. Slick and huge. Their peak.
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75Black MetalVenom
Black Metal
The crude, foundational album that named a genre. Raw and influential. A genre origin point.
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76English SettlementXTC
English Settlement
A sprawling, pastoral peak of inventive English pop. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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77Mister YellowmanYellowman
Mister Yellowman
A landmark dancehall peak of charismatic toasting. Fun and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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78ConfrontationBob Marley and the Wailers
Confrontation
A posthumous peak, home to 'Buffalo Soldier'. Powerful and beloved. A poignant close.
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79Apollo: Atmospheres and SoundtracksBrian Eno
Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks
A serene, country-tinged ambient landmark, home to 'An Ending (Ascent)'. Beautiful and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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80She'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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81Let's DanceDavid Bowie
Let's Dance
Bowie's glossy, Nile Rodgers-produced pop blockbuster, home to its irresistible title track. Slick and huge. His commercial high.
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82Holy DiverDio
Holy Diver
A landmark of melodic heavy metal, home to its iconic title track. Powerful and beloved. Dio's solo peak.
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83Sweet 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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84Future ShockHerbie Hancock
Future Shock
An electro-funk landmark, home to the scratch-driven 'Rockit'. Inventive and huge. A pivotal record.
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85Piece of MindIron Maiden
Piece of Mind
A polished peak of intricate, melodic metal, home to 'The Trooper'. Tight and beloved. A classic.
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86MelissaMercyful Fate
Melissa
A theatrical, twin-guitar landmark of early metal drama. Sharp and influential. A cult classic.
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87Kill 'Em AllMetallica
Kill 'Em All
A blistering thrash debut of speed and aggression. Raw and influential. The genre's opening shot.
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88Power, Corruption & LiesNew Order
Power, Corruption & Lies
The leap from post-punk grief into electronic dance-rock, melodic and forward-looking. The foundation of their sound. Hugely influential.
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89The Final CutPink Floyd
The Final Cut
A bleak, Waters-dominated song-cycle of war and grief. Sombre and divisive. A poignant late record.
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90MurmurR.E.M.
Murmur
A murky, jangling debut that helped invent American college rock, lyrics half-buried and atmosphere thick. Mysterious and influential. The start of something.
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91Texas FloodStevie Ray Vaughan
Texas Flood
The debut that single-handedly revived blues-guitar in the 1980s, all fire and feel. Virtuosic without losing the groove. A modern blues landmark.
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92Speaking in TonguesTalking Heads
Speaking in Tongues
A funky, accessible peak, home to 'Burning Down the House'. Danceable and beloved. A commercial high.
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93The HurtingTears for Fears
The Hurting
A dark, synth-driven debut of childhood trauma. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong start.
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94SynchronicityThe Police
Synchronicity
The band's polished, tense final album, home to 'Every Breath You Take'. Sleek and dark. Their commercial peak.
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95SwordfishtrombonesTom Waits
Swordfishtrombones
A radical reinvention into clanking, experimental art-song that redefined his career. Bold and strange. A pivotal record.
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96WarU2
War
A fierce, political early peak, home to 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and 'New Year's Day'. Urgent and anthemic. The album that broke them.
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97Labour of LoveUB40
Labour of Love
A hugely popular covers record that brought reggae to the UK mainstream. Tuneful and big. A commercial peak.
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98EliminatorZZ Top
Eliminator
A synth-and-boogie blockbuster, home to 'Sharp Dressed Man' and 'Legs'. Sleek and huge. Their commercial peak.
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99My WarBlack Flag
My War
A heavier, slower hardcore landmark that pointed toward sludge. Raw and influential. A pivotal record.
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100Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteen
Born in the U.S.A.
A massive, misread blockbuster whose anthemic surface hides bitter Vietnam-era disillusion. Seven hit singles deep. His commercial peak.
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101Morbid TalesCeltic Frost
Morbid Tales
An influential, avant-garde extreme-metal landmark. Bold and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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102TreasureCocteau Twins
Treasure
A shimmering, otherworldly dream-pop peak of invented language. Beautiful and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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103Ocean RainEcho & the Bunnymen
Ocean Rain
A lush, string-laden peak of dramatic post-punk, home to 'The Killing Moon'. Grand and beautiful. Their masterpiece.
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104Zen ArcadeHüsker Dü
Zen Arcade
A sprawling, ambitious hardcore-into-melody double album. Bold and influential. A genre landmark.
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105PowerslaveIron Maiden
Powerslave
Epic, intricate and confident, home to the towering 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner'. The peak of their golden run. Grand metal done right.
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106Various PositionsLeonard Cohen
Various Positions
A warm, melodic record now famous for introducing 'Hallelujah'. Tuneful and beloved. A quiet landmark.
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107Like 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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108Don't Break the OathMercyful Fate
Don't Break the Oath
A theatrical, twin-guitar metal peak. Sharp and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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109Ride the LightningMetallica
Ride the Lightning
The leap from speed to genuine sophistication, balancing ferocity with melody and ambition. A thrash cornerstone. The sound of a band finding greatness.
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110Purple 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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111ReckoningR.E.M.
Reckoning
A bright, jangly early peak of Southern mystery. Tuneful and beloved. A college-rock cornerstone.
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112Run-D.M.C.Run-DMC
Run-D.M.C.
A stripped-down, hard debut that reshaped rap. Raw and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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113Diamond LifeSade
Diamond Life
Cool, sophisticated sophisti-pop and soul, defined by Sade Adu's restrained voice and 'Smooth Operator'. Timeless and elegant. A perfect debut.
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114Couldn't Stand the WeatherStevie Ray Vaughan
Couldn't Stand the Weather
A fiery follow-up that confirmed Vaughan's mastery. Electric and acclaimed. A blues-rock peak.
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115Let It BeThe Replacements
Let It Be
A scrappy, heartfelt peak balancing punk and tenderness. Raw and beloved. Their masterpiece.
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116The SmithsThe Smiths
The Smiths
A jangly, literate debut that announced a singular partnership. Sharp and beloved. A British landmark.
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117Private 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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118The Unforgettable FireU2
The Unforgettable Fire
An atmospheric, Eno-and-Lanois-shaped turn, home to 'Pride'. Bold and acclaimed. A pivotal record.
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1191984Van Halen
1984
A synth-driven peak, home to 'Jump' and 'Panama'. Bright and huge. Their commercial high.
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120Make It BigWham!
Make It Big
A bright, joyful pop blockbuster, home to 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'. Tuneful and huge. Their peak.
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121Spreading the DiseaseAnthrax
Spreading the Disease
A sharp, tuneful thrash peak. Tight and beloved. A high point.
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122To Mega TherionCeltic Frost
To Mega Therion
An adventurous, avant-metal landmark of crushing invention. Bold and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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123Brothers in ArmsDire Straits
Brothers in Arms
A polished, digital-era blockbuster of immaculate guitar and 'Money for Nothing'. Slick and enormous. A CD-era landmark.
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124Bonded by BloodExodus
Bonded by Blood
A ferocious Bay Area thrash landmark. Fast and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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125New Day RisingHüsker Dü
New Day Rising
A loud, melodic hardcore-into-pop peak. Raw and beloved. A high point.
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126Hounds 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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127RadioLL Cool J
Radio
A foundational, beat-driven debut of early rap swagger. Raw and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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128Low-LifeNew Order
Low-Life
A peak of melancholic dance-rock, home to 'The Perfect Kiss'. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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129Seven ChurchesPossessed
Seven Churches
A proto-death-metal landmark of extreme speed. Brutal and influential. A genre origin point.
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130Around 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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131Hell AwaitsSlayer
Hell Awaits
A dark, fast early peak of proto-death thrash. Brutal and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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132Little CreaturesTalking Heads
Little Creatures
A bright, accessible peak, home to 'Road to Nowhere'. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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133Songs 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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134The Head on the DoorThe Cure
The Head on the Door
A bright, accessible pop peak balancing gloom and hooks. Tuneful and beloved. A turning point.
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135PsychocandyThe Jesus and Mary Chain
Psychocandy
A landmark of feedback-drenched pop, melody buried in noise. Influential and thrilling. A genre cornerstone.
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136TimThe Replacements
Tim
A sharper, major-label peak of ragged, heartfelt rock. Tuneful and beloved. A fan favourite.
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137Meat Is MurderThe Smiths
Meat Is Murder
A sharper, more political peak of Marr's guitars and Morrissey's wit. Bold and beloved. A fan favourite.
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138Rain DogsTom Waits
Rain Dogs
A wild, junkyard-orchestra masterpiece of broken ballads and barroom experiments. Singular and brilliant. His defining record.
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139Whitney 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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140Hunting 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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141RaptureAnita Baker
Rapture
A smooth, sophisticated quiet-storm peak, home to 'Sweet Love'. Lush and huge. A genre cornerstone.
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142Licensed to IllBeastie Boys
Licensed to Ill
A rowdy, rock-sampling debut that made rap a pop force. Fun and brash. A cultural landmark.
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143Word Up!Cameo
Word Up!
A sleek, synth-funk peak built around its irresistible title hit. Sharp and beloved. A commercial high.
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144Epicus Doomicus MetallicusCandlemass
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
A foundational epic-doom landmark of slow, majestic heaviness. Grand and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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145Black CelebrationDepeche Mode
Black Celebration
A dark, atmospheric synth-pop peak. Brooding and beloved. A fan favourite.
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146Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.Dwight Yoakam
Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.
A sharp Bakersfield-revival debut of honky-tonk fire. Tuneful and acclaimed. A genre highlight.
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147Somewhere in TimeIron Maiden
Somewhere in Time
A polished, synth-tinged peak of melodic metal. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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148ControlJanet 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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149Pleasure to KillKreator
Pleasure to Kill
A blistering German thrash landmark of relentless speed. Brutal and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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150True 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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151Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?Megadeth
Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?
A sharp, technical thrash peak of political bite. Tight and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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152Master of PuppetsMetallica
Master of Puppets
Thrash metal's high-water mark, complex and crushing across eight tightly written epics. Widely held to be the best metal album ever made. Relentless and precise.
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153BrotherhoodNew Order
Brotherhood
A balanced peak of guitar-and-synth dance-rock. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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154GracelandPaul Simon
Graceland
A landmark fusion of pop and South African music, joyful and intricate. Controversial and acclaimed. One of the great 80s albums.
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155PleasePet Shop Boys
Please
A sleek, witty synth-pop debut, home to 'West End Girls'. Cool and tuneful. A strong start.
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156SoPeter Gabriel
So
Gabriel's accessible, art-pop blockbuster, home to 'Sledgehammer' and 'In Your Eyes'. Polished and soulful. His commercial peak.
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157ParadePrince
Parade
An adventurous, orchestral-funk peak tied to a film, home to 'Kiss'. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.
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158Storms of LifeRandy Travis
Storms of Life
A neo-traditionalist debut that revived classic country. Warm and acclaimed. A landmark.
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159Strong PersuaderRobert Cray
Strong Persuader
A polished, soulful blues peak that crossed over, home to 'Smoking Gun'. Smooth and acclaimed. A genre highlight.
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160Raising HellRun-DMC
Raising Hell
The album that took rap to the mainstream, home to the Aerosmith team-up 'Walk This Way'. Tough and tuneful. A landmark.
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161Born Too LateSaint Vitus
Born Too Late
A foundational doom-metal landmark of slow, heavy alienation. Heavy and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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162Reign in BloodSlayer
Reign in Blood
Twenty-nine minutes of pure, brutal velocity that redefined extreme thrash, bookended by 'Angel of Death' and 'Raining Blood'. Ferocious and flawless. A genre touchstone.
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163Guitar TownSteve Earle
Guitar Town
A sharp, rootsy debut of new-traditionalist country. Tough and acclaimed. A genre highlight.
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164The Colour of SpringTalk Talk
The Colour of Spring
A lush, sophisticated peak before their post-rock turn. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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165The Queen Is DeadThe Smiths
The Queen Is Dead
Morrissey's wit and Marr's chiming guitars at their combined peak, swinging from biting satire to aching tenderness. Widely held to be their masterpiece and a cornerstone of British indie. Funny, sad and gorgeous.
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166SkylarkingXTC
Skylarking
A sunny, Todd Rundgren-produced song-cycle of pastoral English pop. Tuneful and clever. Their most beloved record.
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167Among the LivingAnthrax
Among the Living
A fast, fun thrash classic of mosh-pit anthems. Tight and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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168Criminal MindedBoogie Down Productions
Criminal Minded
A raw, foundational record of hardcore lyricism and reggae-tinged beats. Tough and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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169NightfallCandlemass
Nightfall
An epic-doom peak of operatic vocals and crushing riffs. Grand and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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170Scream Bloody GoreDeath
Scream Bloody Gore
A foundational death-metal landmark, raw and pioneering. Brutal and historic. The genre's debut statement.
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171Music for the MassesDepeche Mode
Music for the Masses
A dark, anthemic synth-pop peak. Sleek and beloved. A turning point.
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172You're Living All Over MeDinosaur Jr.
You're Living All Over Me
A loud, melodic alt-rock landmark of guitar squall and ennui. Raw and influential. Their finest.
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173Paid in FullEric B. & Rakim
Paid in Full
A foundational record where Rakim's intricate flow changed rap forever. Smooth and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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174FaithGeorge 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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175Appetite for DestructionGuns N' Roses
Appetite for Destruction
A dangerous, electric debut that revived raw rock'n'roll in the hair-metal era. 'Sweet Child o' Mine' and 'Welcome to the Jungle' lead it. A blockbuster classic.
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176AbigailKing Diamond
Abigail
A theatrical, narrative heavy-metal concept landmark. Bold and beloved. A cult classic.
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177BadMichael 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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178ScumNapalm Death
Scum
A foundational grindcore landmark of extreme brevity and speed. Brutal and influential. A genre origin point.
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179ActuallyPet Shop Boys
Actually
A witty, melancholic synth-pop peak of arch British observation. Sleek and clever. One of their best.
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180Sign 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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181DocumentR.E.M.
Document
A sharper, political peak, home to 'It's the End of the World as We Know It'. Tuneful and huge. Their breakthrough.
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182SisterSonic Youth
Sister
A tense, melodic noise-rock landmark. Influential and acclaimed. A cornerstone of their run.
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183Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss MeThe Cure
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
A sprawling, eclectic double album, home to 'Just Like Heaven'. Varied and beloved. A high point.
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184DarklandsThe Jesus and Mary Chain
Darklands
A cleaner, melodic follow-up to Psychocandy. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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185Pleased to Meet MeThe Replacements
Pleased to Meet Me
A sharp, soulful peak of ragged songcraft. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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186Strangeways, Here We ComeThe Smiths
Strangeways, Here We Come
Their lush, ambitious final album, the band's own favourite. Tuneful and bittersweet. A strong farewell.
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187The Joshua TreeU2
The Joshua Tree
The album that made U2 the biggest band in the world, widescreen and spiritual, anchored by its towering opening trio. Anthemic and assured. Their masterpiece.
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188WhitneyWhitney Houston
Whitney
A blockbuster of soaring pop-soul that broke chart records. Polished and powerful. Her commercial peak.
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189Long Live the KaneBig Daddy Kane
Long Live the Kane
A foundational lyrical landmark of smooth, rapid rhyming. Sharp and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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190By All Means NecessaryBoogie Down Productions
By All Means Necessary
A politically sharpened peak of conscious rap. Bold and influential. A high point.
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191LeprosyDeath
Leprosy
A foundational death-metal peak of brutal precision. Heavy and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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192BugDinosaur Jr.
Bug
A loud, melodic peak of the original line-up. Raw and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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193Strictly BusinessEPMD
Strictly Business
A funky, foundational debut of laid-back boom-bap. Smooth and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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194Follow the LeaderEric B. & Rakim
Follow the Leader
A lyrical, ambitious follow-up of Rakim's intricate flow. Sharp and influential. A high point.
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195Seventh Son of a Seventh SonIron Maiden
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
A lush, keyboard-tinged concept peak. Ambitious and beloved. A high point of their run.
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196Nothing's ShockingJane's Addiction
Nothing's Shocking
A wild, genre-blurring debut that bridged metal, punk and art-rock. Adventurous and influential. An alt-rock landmark.
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197I'm Your ManLeonard Cohen
I'm Your Man
Cohen reinvents himself with synths and dark wit, from 'Everybody Knows' to 'Tower of Song'. Funny, bleak and brilliant. A late-career high.
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198...And Justice for AllMetallica
...And Justice for All
A dense, complex thrash peak of long, intricate songs. Ambitious and dry-sounding. A divisive favourite.
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199Isn't AnythingMy Bloody Valentine
Isn't Anything
A noisy, woozy debut that laid the shoegaze groundwork. Raw and influential. A genre origin point.
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200Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A
Straight Outta Compton
The explosive birth of gangsta rap, furious and unflinching. Raw and influential. A genre-defining record.
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201Surfer RosaPixies
Surfer Rosa
A raw, Albini-recorded debut album of jagged dynamics and surreal menace that influenced a generation. Visceral and strange. Essential alt-rock.
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202It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us BackPublic Enemy
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
A dense, furious wall of sound from the Bomb Squad behind Chuck D's righteous fury and Flavor Flav's chaos. Politically explosive and sonically revolutionary. One of rap's most important records.
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203Stronger Than PrideSade
Stronger Than Pride
A cool, sophisticated soul peak. Smooth and beloved. A high point.
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204South of HeavenSlayer
South of Heaven
A slower, darker follow-up to Reign in Blood. Heavy and acclaimed. A strong peak.
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205The Great Adventures of Slick RickSlick Rick
The Great Adventures of Slick Rick
A witty, narrative landmark of effortless storytelling. Charming and influential. A genre classic.
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206Daydream NationSonic Youth
Daydream Nation
A double album of tuned-down guitar epics, balancing noise and melody at the band's peak. Sprawling and influential. An alt-rock cornerstone.
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207Copperhead RoadSteve Earle
Copperhead Road
A rootsy, rock-edged peak, home to its title song. Tough and beloved. A high point.
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208NakedTalking Heads
Naked
A worldly, horn-driven final album. Tuneful and acclaimed. A strong close.
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209Tracy ChapmanTracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
A spare, powerful debut of social conscience, home to 'Fast Car'. Direct and beloved. A landmark.
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210PumpAerosmith
Pump
A polished, hit-stuffed comeback peak. Tuneful and huge. A commercial high.
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211Paul's BoutiqueBeastie Boys
Paul's Boutique
A dense, sample-collage masterpiece that flopped then became revered. Dazzling and layered. A production landmark.
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212Nick of TimeBonnie Raitt
Nick of Time
A warm, mature comeback that swept the Grammys. Soulful and acclaimed. Her commercial peak.
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2133 Feet High and RisingDe La Soul
3 Feet High and Rising
A playful, sample-dense debut that opened hip-hop to whimsy, psychedelia and the everyday. Its 'D.A.I.S.Y. Age' optimism was a genuine left turn. Joyful and groundbreaking.
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214Rhythm 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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215The HealerJohn Lee Hooker
The Healer
A Grammy-winning late-career comeback pairing Hooker's boogie with star guests. Warm and accessible. A modern blues landmark.
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216Like 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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217Altars of MadnessMorbid Angel
Altars of Madness
A foundational death-metal landmark of speed and technicality. Brutal and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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218TechniqueNew Order
Technique
A bright, Ibiza-influenced dance-rock peak. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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219Pretty Hate MachineNine Inch Nails
Pretty Hate Machine
A catchy, industrial-pop debut, home to 'Head Like a Hole'. Bold and influential. A breakthrough.
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220DoolittlePixies
Doolittle
The quiet-loud-quiet template that Nirvana and countless others borrowed, packed with surreal lyrics and razor hooks. Tight, strange and hugely influential. The essential Pixies record.
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221Beneath the RemainsSepultura
Beneath the Remains
A ferocious, precise thrash peak that put Brazilian metal on the map. Relentless and acclaimed. A genre classic.
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222In StepStevie Ray Vaughan
In Step
A polished, Grammy-winning late peak of clean-living blues fire. Sharp and acclaimed. A high point.
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223Practice What You PreachTestament
Practice What You Preach
A polished, melodic Bay Area thrash peak. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.
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224DisintegrationThe Cure
Disintegration
A vast, immersive plunge into gothic gloom and beauty, anchored by 'Pictures of You' and 'Lovesong'. Widely considered the band's masterpiece. Best experienced as one long, enveloping mood.
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225The Stone RosesThe Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
A debut that fused indie jangle with dancefloor groove and defined Madchester. Effortlessly cool. One of the great British albums.
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226Full Moon FeverTom Petty
Full Moon Fever
A breezy, hook-laden solo record of perfect radio rock, from 'Free Fallin'' on. Warm and effortless. His most beloved album.