Albums of 1984
The records from 1984 that made our lists.
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1My WarBlack Flag
My War
A heavier, slower hardcore landmark that pointed toward sludge. Raw and influential. A pivotal record.
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2Born 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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3Morbid TalesCeltic Frost
Morbid Tales
An influential, avant-garde extreme-metal landmark. Bold and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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4TreasureCocteau Twins
Treasure
A shimmering, otherworldly dream-pop peak of invented language. Beautiful and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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5Ocean 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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6Zen ArcadeHüsker Dü
Zen Arcade
A sprawling, ambitious hardcore-into-melody double album. Bold and influential. A genre landmark.
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7PowerslaveIron 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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8Various PositionsLeonard Cohen
Various Positions
A warm, melodic record now famous for introducing 'Hallelujah'. Tuneful and beloved. A quiet landmark.
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9Like 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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10Don'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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11Ride 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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12Purple 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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13ReckoningR.E.M.
Reckoning
A bright, jangly early peak of Southern mystery. Tuneful and beloved. A college-rock cornerstone.
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14Run-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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15Diamond 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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16Couldn'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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17Let It BeThe Replacements
Let It Be
A scrappy, heartfelt peak balancing punk and tenderness. Raw and beloved. Their masterpiece.
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18The SmithsThe Smiths
The Smiths
A jangly, literate debut that announced a singular partnership. Sharp and beloved. A British landmark.
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19Private 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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20The 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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211984Van Halen
1984
A synth-driven peak, home to 'Jump' and 'Panama'. Bright and huge. Their commercial high.
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22Make It BigWham!
Make It Big
A bright, joyful pop blockbuster, home to 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'. Tuneful and huge. Their peak.