Albums of 1984

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1. 1
   My WarBlack Flag

   My War

   Black Flag · 1984 · Punk & New Wave

   A heavier, slower hardcore landmark that pointed toward sludge. Raw and influential. A pivotal record.

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2. 2
   Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteen

   Born in the U.S.A.

   Bruce Springsteen · 1984 · Rock

   A massive, misread blockbuster whose anthemic surface hides bitter Vietnam-era disillusion. Seven hit singles deep. His commercial peak.

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3. 3
   Morbid TalesCeltic Frost

   Morbid Tales

   Celtic Frost · 1984 · Metal

   An influential, avant-garde extreme-metal landmark. Bold and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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4. 4
   TreasureCocteau Twins

   Treasure

   Cocteau Twins · 1984 · Alternative & Indie

   A shimmering, otherworldly dream-pop peak of invented language. Beautiful and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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5. 5
   Ocean RainEcho & the Bunnymen

   Ocean Rain

   Echo & the Bunnymen · 1984 · Punk & New Wave

   A lush, string-laden peak of dramatic post-punk, home to 'The Killing Moon'. Grand and beautiful. Their masterpiece.

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6. 6
   Zen ArcadeHüsker Dü

   Zen Arcade

   Hüsker Dü · 1984 · Alternative & Indie

   A sprawling, ambitious hardcore-into-melody double album. Bold and influential. A genre landmark.

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7. 7
   PowerslaveIron Maiden

   Powerslave

   Iron Maiden · 1984 · Metal

   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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8. 8
   Various PositionsLeonard Cohen

   Various Positions

   Leonard Cohen · 1984 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A warm, melodic record now famous for introducing 'Hallelujah'. Tuneful and beloved. A quiet landmark.

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9. 9
   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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10. 10
    Don't Break the OathMercyful Fate

    Don't Break the Oath

    Mercyful Fate · 1984 · Metal

    A theatrical, twin-guitar metal peak. Sharp and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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11. 11
    Ride the LightningMetallica

    Ride the Lightning

    Metallica · 1984 · Metal

    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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12. 12
    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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13. 13
    ReckoningR.E.M.

    Reckoning

    R.E.M. · 1984 · Alternative & Indie

    A bright, jangly early peak of Southern mystery. Tuneful and beloved. A college-rock cornerstone.

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14. 14
    Run-D.M.C.Run-DMC

    Run-D.M.C.

    Run-DMC · 1984 · Hip-Hop

    A stripped-down, hard debut that reshaped rap. Raw and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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15. 15
    Diamond LifeSade

    Diamond Life

    Sade · 1984 · Soul & R&B

    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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16. 16
    Couldn't Stand the WeatherStevie Ray Vaughan

    Couldn't Stand the Weather

    Stevie Ray Vaughan · 1984 · Blues

    A fiery follow-up that confirmed Vaughan's mastery. Electric and acclaimed. A blues-rock peak.

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17. 17
    Let It BeThe Replacements

    Let It Be

    The Replacements · 1984 · Alternative & Indie

    A scrappy, heartfelt peak balancing punk and tenderness. Raw and beloved. Their masterpiece.

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18. 18
    The SmithsThe Smiths

    The Smiths

    The Smiths · 1984 · Punk & New Wave

    A jangly, literate debut that announced a singular partnership. Sharp and beloved. A British landmark.

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19. 19
    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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20. 20
    The Unforgettable FireU2

    The Unforgettable Fire

    U2 · 1984 · Rock

    An atmospheric, Eno-and-Lanois-shaped turn, home to 'Pride'. Bold and acclaimed. A pivotal record.

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21. 21
    1984Van Halen

    1984

    Van Halen · 1984 · Rock

    A synth-driven peak, home to 'Jump' and 'Panama'. Bright and huge. Their commercial high.

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22. 22
    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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