The 1980s were a golden era for music, with countless unforgettable albums and iconic artists. Vinyl records were the go-to format for music enthusiasts, and some of the best-selling albums of all time emerged during this period. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember some of the best-selling records of the 80s.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982): The groundbreaking album that solidified Michael Jackson’s status as the King of Pop. With a mix of pop, rock, and funk, Thriller showcased Michael’s unmatched talent and creativity, transcending the boundaries of music genres with hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.”
Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms (1985): An album that pushed the boundaries of rock music, “Brothers in Arms” integrated elements of jazz, blues, and folk with memorable tracks like “Money for Nothing” and “Walk of Life,” creating a fresh and distinctive sound that resonated with fans worldwide.
Pink Floyd – The Wall (1979): A conceptual rock masterpiece, “The Wall” is a deeply introspective exploration of themes such as isolation, war, and personal identity. The album’s iconic sound, featuring hits like “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Comfortably Numb,” solidified Pink Floyd’s place in music history and influenced countless artists to come.
Madonna – True Blue (1986): A defining record of the 80s, with hits like “Papa Don’t Preach,” “True Blue,” and “La Isla Bonita,” the album solidified Madonna’s status as a pop icon and became one of the best-selling albums of the decade.
U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987): A masterpiece that cemented U2’s status as one of the most important rock bands of all time, “The Joshua Tree” combined U2’s signature sound with thought-provoking lyrics, creating a timeless work of art. The album featured anthems such as “With or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Phil Collins – No Jacket Required (1985): A departure from his progressive rock roots, “No Jacket Required” allowed Phil Collins to explore a pop-driven sound, resulting in a collection of songs that showcased his versatility and songwriting prowess, including hits like “Sussudio” and “One More Night.”
Prince – Purple Rain (1984): More than just an album, “Purple Rain” is an entire artistic experience. Blending rock, R&B, and soul, Prince’s innovative sound and provocative lyrics captured the imagination of a generation with classics like “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy.”
Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman (1988): With her self-titled debut album, Tracy Chapman established herself as a unique and powerful voice in folk music. The album’s stripped-down acoustic arrangements and socially conscious lyrics, including the hit “Fast Car,” earned Chapman critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Paul Simon – Graceland (1986): A groundbreaking album that fused pop, rock, and world music, introducing listeners to the vibrant sounds of South African music. With tracks like “You Can Call Me Al” and “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” “Graceland” became a landmark album that transcended musical boundaries.
David Bowie – Let’s Dance (1983): A highly polished and accessible album that reintroduced Bowie to a new generation of fans. Featuring chart-topping hits like “Let’s Dance,” “China Girl,” and “Modern Love,” the record marked a new chapter in Bowie’s constantly evolving career.
Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction (1987): A raw and explosive debut that cemented Guns N’ Roses as a dominant force in the rock scene. With its unforgettable tracks like “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “Paradise City,” the album became an instant classic and a symbol of 80s hard rock.
Fleetwood Mac – Tango in the Night (1987): A lush and melodic album that showcased Fleetwood Mac’s masterful songwriting. With memorable tracks like “Little Lies,” “Everywhere,” and “Big Love,” the album became a defining moment in the band’s storied career.
George Michael – Faith (1987): A groundbreaking pop record that showcased George Michael’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The album’s title track, “Faith,” became an instant classic and helped to define the sound of the late 80s. With hits like “Father Figure” and “One More Try,” the album solidified George Michael’s status as as pop icon.
Lionel Richie – Can’t Slow Down (1983): A multi-platinum success, “Can’t Slow Down” cemented Lionel Richie’s status as a solo artist after leaving The Commodores. The album features hits like “All Night Long (All Night),” “Hello,” and “Running With the Night,” and showcases Richie’s smooth vocals and catchy melodies.
Pet Shop Boys – Actually (1987): A groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of pop music, “Actually” features a mix of electronic and acoustic elements that create a unique and captivating sound. The album features hits like “It’s a Sin,” “What Have I Done to Deserve This?,” and “Rent,” and showcases the Pet Shop Boys’ wit and artistic vision.
Simple Minds – Once Upon a Time (1985): A high-energy record that blends rock, pop, and new wave influences, “Once Upon a Time” features hits like “Alive and Kicking,” “Sanctify Yourself,” and “All the Things She Said.” The album showcases Jim Kerr’s powerful vocals and the band’s ability to create anthemic, stadium-sized rock songs.
Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A. (1984): A masterful commentary on American life, “Born in the U.S.A.” showcased Springsteen’s storytelling abilities and his connection to the working-class experience, making it a quintessential 80s album with anthems like “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born in the U.S.A.”
Queen – The Works (1984): A record that showcased Queen’s ability to evolve and experiment with new sounds while staying true to their signature style. “The Works” features hits like “Radio Ga Ga,” “I Want to Break Free,” and “Hammer to Fall,” and helped solidify Queen as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
AC/DC – Back in Black (1980): A triumphant return following the death of original lead singer Bon Scott, “Back in Black” delivered hard-hitting rock anthems like “Hells Bells,” “Shoot to Thrill,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” The album solidified AC/DC’s place in rock history and introduced new vocalist Brian Johnson.
Duran Duran – Rio (1982): A stylish blend of new wave and synth-pop, “Rio” propelled Duran Duran to international stardom. With unforgettable tracks like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and the title track “Rio,” the album became a defining moment in the band’s career.
Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (1986): An album that perfectly captured the spirit of 80s hair metal, “Slippery When Wet” featured anthemic tracks like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” The album’s memorable hooks and soaring vocals made Bon Jovi a household name.
The Police – Synchronicity (1983): A mesmerising album that delves into themes of interpersonal relationships and the human psyche, featuring the unforgettable chart-topper “Every Breath You Take.” Its innovative sound, blending rock, reggae, and new wave, solidified The Police’s place in music history.
T’Pau – Bridge of Spies (1987): A pop-rock record that showcased lead singer Carol Decker’s powerful vocals and the band’s ability to craft memorable and anthemic songs, including “Heart and Soul,” “China in Your Hand,” and “Valentine”.
The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead (1986): A landmark album in the indie rock scene, “The Queen Is Dead” showcased Morrissey’s clever lyrics and Johnny Marr’s intricate guitar work. With tracks like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” the album remains a touchstone in alternative music.
Paul McCartney – Tug of War (1982): A record that marked a creative resurgence for McCartney after the dissolution of Wings. “Tug of War” features collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Carl Perkins, and Ringo Starr, and is celebrated for its lush orchestration and diverse range of musical styles. The album features hits like “Ebony and Ivory,” “Take It Away,” and “Tug of War,” and is considered one of McCartney’s finest works as a solo artist.
These iconic albums from the 1980s continue to inspire and captivate music fans of all ages. Each album represents a defining moment in music history, capturing the essence of a decade that still resonates with fans today.
At CashforRecords, we’re always interested in purchasing classic vinyl records from the 80s and other eras. Please visit our “Sell my records” page to get started. We’d be happy to help you find a new home for your old 80s record collection.