Albums of 1987
The records from 1987 that made our lists.
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1Among the LivingAnthrax
Among the Living
A fast, fun thrash classic of mosh-pit anthems. Tight and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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2Criminal 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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3NightfallCandlemass
Nightfall
An epic-doom peak of operatic vocals and crushing riffs. Grand and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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4Scream 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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5Music for the MassesDepeche Mode
Music for the Masses
A dark, anthemic synth-pop peak. Sleek and beloved. A turning point.
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6You'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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7Paid 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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8FaithGeorge 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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9Appetite 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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10AbigailKing Diamond
Abigail
A theatrical, narrative heavy-metal concept landmark. Bold and beloved. A cult classic.
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11BadMichael 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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12ScumNapalm Death
Scum
A foundational grindcore landmark of extreme brevity and speed. Brutal and influential. A genre origin point.
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13ActuallyPet Shop Boys
Actually
A witty, melancholic synth-pop peak of arch British observation. Sleek and clever. One of their best.
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14Sign 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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15DocumentR.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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16SisterSonic Youth
Sister
A tense, melodic noise-rock landmark. Influential and acclaimed. A cornerstone of their run.
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17Kiss 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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18DarklandsThe Jesus and Mary Chain
Darklands
A cleaner, melodic follow-up to Psychocandy. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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19Pleased 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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20Strangeways, 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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21The 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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22WhitneyWhitney Houston
Whitney
A blockbuster of soaring pop-soul that broke chart records. Polished and powerful. Her commercial peak.