Albums of 1989

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1. 1
   PumpAerosmith

   Pump

   Aerosmith · 1989 · Rock

   A polished, hit-stuffed comeback peak. Tuneful and huge. A commercial high.

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2. 2
   Paul's BoutiqueBeastie Boys

   Paul's Boutique

   Beastie Boys · 1989 · Hip-Hop

   A dense, sample-collage masterpiece that flopped then became revered. Dazzling and layered. A production landmark.

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3. 3
   Nick of TimeBonnie Raitt

   Nick of Time

   Bonnie Raitt · 1989 · Blues

   A warm, mature comeback that swept the Grammys. Soulful and acclaimed. Her commercial peak.

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4. 4
   3 Feet High and RisingDe La Soul

   3 Feet High and Rising

   De La Soul · 1989 · Hip-Hop

   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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5. 5
   Rhythm Nation 1814Janet Jackson

   Rhythm Nation 1814

   Janet Jackson · 1989 · Pop

   An ambitious, socially conscious pop-funk blockbuster of immaculate production. Tight and influential. Her peak.

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6. 6
   The HealerJohn Lee Hooker

   The Healer

   John Lee Hooker · 1989 · Blues

   A Grammy-winning late-career comeback pairing Hooker's boogie with star guests. Warm and accessible. A modern blues landmark.

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7. 7
   Like a PrayerMadonna

   Like a Prayer

   Madonna · 1989 · Pop

   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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8. 8
   Altars of MadnessMorbid Angel

   Altars of Madness

   Morbid Angel · 1989 · Metal

   A foundational death-metal landmark of speed and technicality. Brutal and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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9. 9
   TechniqueNew Order

   Technique

   New Order · 1989 · Electronic

   A bright, Ibiza-influenced dance-rock peak. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

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10. 10
    Pretty Hate MachineNine Inch Nails

    Pretty Hate Machine

    Nine Inch Nails · 1989 · Metal

    A catchy, industrial-pop debut, home to 'Head Like a Hole'. Bold and influential. A breakthrough.

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11. 11
    DoolittlePixies

    Doolittle

    Pixies · 1989 · Alternative & Indie

    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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12. 12
    Beneath the RemainsSepultura

    Beneath the Remains

    Sepultura · 1989 · Metal

    A ferocious, precise thrash peak that put Brazilian metal on the map. Relentless and acclaimed. A genre classic.

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13. 13
    In StepStevie Ray Vaughan

    In Step

    Stevie Ray Vaughan · 1989 · Blues

    A polished, Grammy-winning late peak of clean-living blues fire. Sharp and acclaimed. A high point.

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14. 14
    Practice What You PreachTestament

    Practice What You Preach

    Testament · 1989 · Metal

    A polished, melodic Bay Area thrash peak. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.

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15. 15
    DisintegrationThe Cure

    Disintegration

    The Cure · 1989 · Alternative & Indie

    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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16. 16
    The Stone RosesThe Stone Roses

    The Stone Roses

    The Stone Roses · 1989 · Alternative & Indie

    A debut that fused indie jangle with dancefloor groove and defined Madchester. Effortlessly cool. One of the great British albums.

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17. 17
    Full Moon FeverTom Petty

    Full Moon Fever

    Tom Petty · 1989 · Rock

    A breezy, hook-laden solo record of perfect radio rock, from 'Free Fallin'' on. Warm and effortless. His most beloved album.

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