Albums of 1987

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1. 1
   HearsayAlexander O'Neal

   Hearsay

   Alexander O'Neal · 1987 · Soul & R&B

   Flyte Tyme production at its sharpest, O'Neal's voice at its most commanding — one of the best-crafted soul albums of the decade.

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2. 2
   Among the LivingAnthrax

   Among the Living

   Anthrax · 1987 · Metal

   A fast, fun thrash classic of mosh-pit anthems. Tight and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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3. 3
   Criminal MindedBoogie Down Productions

   Criminal Minded

   Boogie Down Productions · 1987 · Hip-Hop

   A raw, foundational record of hardcore lyricism and reggae-tinged beats. Tough and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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4. 4
   NightfallCandlemass

   Nightfall

   Candlemass · 1987 · Metal

   An epic-doom peak of operatic vocals and crushing riffs. Grand and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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5. 5
   Scream Bloody GoreDeath

   Scream Bloody Gore

   Death · 1987 · Metal

   A foundational death-metal landmark, raw and pioneering. Brutal and historic. The genre's debut statement.

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6. 6
   Music for the MassesDepeche Mode

   Music for the Masses

   Depeche Mode · 1987 · Electronic

   A dark, anthemic synth-pop peak. Sleek and beloved. A turning point.

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7. 7
   You're Living All Over MeDinosaur Jr.

   You're Living All Over Me

   Dinosaur Jr. · 1987 · Alternative & Indie

   A loud, melodic alt-rock landmark of guitar squall and ennui. Raw and influential. Their finest.

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8. 8
   Paid in FullEric B. & Rakim

   Paid in Full

   Eric B. & Rakim · 1987 · Hip-Hop

   A foundational record where Rakim's intricate flow changed rap forever. Smooth and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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9. 9
   FaithGeorge Michael

   Faith

   George Michael · 1987 · Pop

   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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10. 10
    Appetite for DestructionGuns N' Roses

    Appetite for Destruction

    Guns N' Roses · 1987 · Rock

    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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11. 11
    AbigailKing Diamond

    Abigail

    King Diamond · 1987 · Metal

    A theatrical, narrative heavy-metal concept landmark. Bold and beloved. A cult classic.

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12. 12
    BadMichael Jackson

    Bad

    Michael Jackson · 1987 · Pop

    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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13. 13
    ScumNapalm Death

    Scum

    Napalm Death · 1987 · Metal

    A foundational grindcore landmark of extreme brevity and speed. Brutal and influential. A genre origin point.

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14. 14
    ActuallyPet Shop Boys

    Actually

    Pet Shop Boys · 1987 · Pop

    A witty, melancholic synth-pop peak of arch British observation. Sleek and clever. One of their best.

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15. 15
    Sign o' the TimesPrince

    Sign o' the Times

    Prince · 1987 · Pop

    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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16. 16
    DocumentR.E.M.

    Document

    R.E.M. · 1987 · Alternative & Indie

    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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17. 17
    SisterSonic Youth

    Sister

    Sonic Youth · 1987 · Alternative & Indie

    A tense, melodic noise-rock landmark. Influential and acclaimed. A cornerstone of their run.

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18. 18
    Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss MeThe Cure

    Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

    The Cure · 1987 · Alternative & Indie

    A sprawling, eclectic double album, home to 'Just Like Heaven'. Varied and beloved. A high point.

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19. 19
    DarklandsThe Jesus and Mary Chain

    Darklands

    The Jesus and Mary Chain · 1987 · Alternative & Indie

    A cleaner, melodic follow-up to Psychocandy. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.

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20. 20
    Pleased to Meet MeThe Replacements

    Pleased to Meet Me

    The Replacements · 1987 · Alternative & Indie

    A sharp, soulful peak of ragged songcraft. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

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21. 21
    Strangeways, Here We ComeThe Smiths

    Strangeways, Here We Come

    The Smiths · 1987 · Punk & New Wave

    Their lush, ambitious final album, the band's own favourite. Tuneful and bittersweet. A strong farewell.

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22. 22
    The Joshua TreeU2

    The Joshua Tree

    U2 · 1987 · Rock

    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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23. 23
    WhitneyWhitney Houston

    Whitney

    Whitney Houston · 1987 · Pop

    A blockbuster of soaring pop-soul that broke chart records. Polished and powerful. Her commercial peak.

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