Top 10 Albums Since 1980

[JMcQ77]

Here is my list for the Top 10 Albums since 1980 (no greatest hits albums, country, or other compilations included):

1. "Thriller" - Michael Jackson (1982)

It is hard to deny how groundbreaking this album was. From bringing "black music" to the MTV audience, creating stories in his videos, and even fusing funk and rock, "Thriller" was revolutionary. Check out the hits: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", "Baby Be Mine", "The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney)", "Thriller", "Beat It" and "Billie Jean". This is one album, not a greatest hits. Wow.

2. "The Joshua Tree" - U2 (1987)

Although I believe this album to be better top to bottom than "Thriller," the King of Pop had three tracks (Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean) that push Thriller to #1. Still, The Joshua Tree is a beautiful album. Not quite as obvious and in your face as "War," and better paced than "The Unforgettable Fire," "The Joshua Tree" was both powerful (Where the Streets Have No Name) and subdued (Mothers of the Disappeared). "The Joshua Tree" defined the late 80's along with the next band on the list.

3. "Appetite for Destruction" - Guns N' Roses (1987)

May be the best hard rock album of all time. Certainly "Appetite" holds its own against any album done by Zeppelin (maybe not the body of work - Axl's ego got in the way). After years of pop/hair metal diluting metal, Slash and Izzy's in-your-face, fused guitar work reminded people how to rock. And say what you will about Axl's singing ability, his style fit this album perfectly. Raw, ugly. Perfect.

4. "Ten" - Pearl Jam (1991)

Unfairly and stupidly labeled as "grunge," Pearl Jam is a rock band and this is their masterpiece. From anthems such as "Alive" to the groove of "Even Flow," this album is strong from one to ten. Although another Seattle band's 1991 album seems to garner the media obsession, "Ten" was better.

5. "Metallica" - Metallica (1992)

Say what you want about Metallica selling out (I know many people will), this album is heavy, bluesy, and finally showcased Metallica as musicians. Yes, 10-minute anthems about war are cool. However, tightly-constructed, dark, and introspective songs are even cooler.

6. "Document" - R.E.M. (1985)

How do you define this album? Rock? Alternative? College rock? Equal parts pop rock and social commentary, a brilliant album. Seriously, who can not sing along with "Its the End of the World As We Know It"? Just try it.

7. "Ok Computer" - Radiohead (1997)

"Pablo Honey" and "The Bends" are more accessible whereas some of the later stuff is crazier. "Ok Computer" sits somewhere in the middle but still requires a few listens. Then you're hooked.

8. "Hysteria" - Def Leppard (1987)

Flame if you want but is there a band that did pop metal better? Seven SEVEN??! hit singles. Intricate guitar work. Beautiful vocals. One-armed drumming. C'mon. Yes, the lyrics were cheesy. Yes, your 12-year old sister listened to them. But there are few albums with so many songs you know every word. Plus the movie was cool (Anthony Michael Hall as Mutt Lange. Awesome.)

9. "American Idiot" - Green Day (2004)

If you told me in 1995 that Green Day would make an iconic, "great" album, I would have laughed in your face. Or that Green Day would do a rock opera akin to The Who. They did both with "American Idiot." And it is good. Really good.

10. "Nevermind" - Nirvana (1991)

As a teenager in Seattle in the early 90's, I liked Nirvana before they were big and then despised them when they were the biggest band in the world. My view of this album is jaded. But I can't deny it. It is a great album.

[orange_black]

Pretty good list... hard to argue with any of those.

However, I think Prince's Purple Rain has to be in there somewhere.

:)

[Sayburr]

There are a lot of iconic albums out over the past 20 years and your list is a very good list. Picking 10 albums out of everything is very hard.

There is one album that I think you missed, that is AC/DC's Back in Black which was released in 1980. This album brought hard rock to the mainstream listeners. When looking at your list, I would want to put it at #5.

Then there are these two maybes

Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA. Very much a hit record with feelgood music and dark lyrics. Seven top 10 songs.

Tom Waits - Rain Dogs - This is a perfect experemental rock album. Weird instruments, weird rhythms, weird lyrics, but all tied together perfectly, making it not only listenable, but very enjoyable. You can have your REM and Radiohead, give me Tom Waits!

Then you have bands like the Violent Femmes, XTC, Black Flag... good albums, but not top 10 worthy.

[JMcQ77]

I struggled with AC/DC and Purple Rain. In fact, I had Purple Rain on as #10 and then took it off because of "Nevermind." As much as I love "Back in Black," I don't think it holds up to "Appetite" and "Metallica." Interesting because "Back and Black" was one of the first albums I ever owned. If I would have expanded to #11 and #12, those were my next two albums.

[Rockbandfan23467]

Nice list. Appitite For Destruction is probably the best pop-metal album ever. Cool for defending the Black Album, too.

[orange_black]

wow dunno how i passed over the black album...

I think most Metallica fans wouldnt even recognize the black album as Metallica's best.

:)

[momo217]

I like the list and the explanations. Very well written and interesting. I would probably only argue against REM. I hate to add the same band twice but it's hard to not add Pearl Jam's "VS." album to the list.

In my opinion, and that is all it is, you could add:

Check your Head - Beaste Boys
Disentigration (sp?) - The Cure
A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay

I am basing my choices on how much I liked the album, not album sales or charts btw.

[idiotec]

It wouldn’t be my list, but that is the great thing about music, different strokes for different folks.

That being said, you did pick some great albums and it was well written and well thought out. So…. well done! :)

[elfreako]

I salute your effort. The ironic side of these lists is that most fans of the mentioned bands would more than likely pick another album as their "greatest ever". For instance, I think In Utero, Kid A and Vitalogy are better than what you've listed. The Black Album is probably the best example of this.

Not an easy exercise indeed.

[elfreako]

Three albums that would have made the list if it was mine: Post (Bjork), The Downward Spiral (NIN) and Mezzanine (Massive Attack)

You know what I can think of about twenty albums right off the top of my head. I better stop thinking about it right away or I'll be obsessed about making a list too.

[Sikkinixx6]

1. Shout at the Devil - Da Crue
2. Ride the Lightening -Metallica
3. Loaded - Primal Scream
4. Leftfield - Leftism
5. Appetite for Destruction - GNFR
6. Master of Puppets - Metallica
7. Among the Living - Anthrax
8. Slayer - South of Heaven
9. ...And Justice for All - Metallica (even though the production is terrible, it is a great album)
10. DR Feelgood - Da Crue

Please note that these entries are in no distinct order and I reserve the right to add at least one other top ten to this in the near future. lol

[orange_black]

9. ...And Justice for All - Metallica (even though the production is terrible, it is a great album)

:eek:

how is the production terrible?

One of the best sounding albums I've ever heard.

:)

[Sikkinixx6]

:eek:

how is the production terrible?

One of the best sounding albums I've ever heard.

:)


The production is terrible because the sound is far too compressed and there is no absolutley no bass whatsoever to be heard.

The guitars are too trebly and the drum sound is terrible. Even the band has been quoted as saying that the production was terrible and this is the reason why they moved away from recording in Denmark with Fleming Rasmussen and moved to recording with Bob Rock.

This is a terrible sounding album, you should hear it on vinyl!

I think that Metallica should re-record this album rather than come out with another abomination like the previous 3 Albums.

[polishdog90]

My top ten favourite albums since 1980 would be:
#1 Appetite for Destruction - Guns N' Roses (1987)
#2 Master of Puppets - Metallica (1985)
#2 Nevermind - Nirvana (1991)
#4 Rose Hill Drive - Rose Hill Drive (2006)
#5 Join Dan Sartain - Dan Sartain (2006)
#6 (What's the Story) Morning Glory - Oasis (1995)
#7 The Devision Bell - Pink Floyd (1994)
#8 Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan (1983)
#9 Peace of Mind - Iron Maiden (1983)
#10 Back in Black - AC/DC (1980)

These rankings are based on how much I enjoy listening to the album all of the way through. It is subject to change.

[Kelvis]

Woo, tough decisions...In no order whatsoever then:

Queen - The Game
Prince - Diamonds & Pearls
Metallica - Master Of Puppets
KISS - MTV Unplugged
Guns 'n' Roses - Appetite For Destruction
The KLF - Chill Out
The Dogs D'amour - The Unauthorised Bootleg
Dave Lee Roth - Eat 'em And Smile
Big Country - The Crossing
Janes Addiction - Nothing's Shocking

And I'd also like to add the 'I might change my mind' disclaimer! :P

[orange_black]

The production is terrible because the sound is far too compressed and there is no absolutley no bass whatsoever to be heard.

The guitars are too trebly and the drum sound is terrible. Even the band has been quoted as saying that the production was terrible and this is the reason why they moved away from recording in Denmark with Fleming Rasmussen and moved to recording with Bob Rock.

This is a terrible sounding album, you should hear it on vinyl!

I think that Metallica should re-record this album rather than come out with another abomination like the previous 3 Albums.

wow. To each his own i guess. Lol i like larz kit on that album. I like the rhythmn guitar distortion. If theres one thing i would complain about its too much distortion on the bass. but thats it.

btw... im an "old skool" metallica fan... ie... i left after Justice. So trying to use the "thats why they left Rasmussen and went to Bob Rock" reasoning wont do anything for you.

LOL! :P

:)

[campinmonkey]

wow. To each his own i guess. Lol i like larz kit on that album. I like the rhythmn guitar distortion. If theres one thing i would complain about its too much distortion on the bass. but thats it.

btw... im an "old skool" metallica fan... ie... i left after Justice. So trying to use the "thats why they left Rasmussen and went to Bob Rock" reasoning wont do anything for you.

LOL! :P

:)

I used to think that the production was the weak point of AJFA, but after listening to it a lot, I think that underproduced sound just adds to the raw nature of the album.

[Sikkinixx6]

wow. To each his own i guess. Lol i like larz kit on that album. I like the rhythmn guitar distortion. If theres one thing i would complain about its too much distortion on the bass. but thats it.

btw... im an "old skool" metallica fan... ie... i left after Justice. So trying to use the "thats why they left Rasmussen and went to Bob Rock" reasoning wont do anything for you.

LOL! :P

:)

How do you know that there is too much distortion on the bass? It is inaudible.

Ps not too sure what you think I was attempting to say with my last statement? It was purely a statement of fact????

[Kelvis]

Well, my pitch on 'AndJusticeForAll-gate' :) While I liked Kill 'Em All, Ride The Lightning & particularly Master Of Puppets...I was also really dissapointed with 'AJFA'. While I liked the songs, hated the sound on it.

Seen the band at the Edinburgh playhouse on that tour and thought the 'full bass' live sound was *so* much better than the album's dry, tinny sound.

Loved that concert.

[orange_black]

How do you know that there is too much distortion on the bass? It is inaudible.

Ps not too sure what you think I was attempting to say with my last statement? It was purely a statement of fact????

lol Im an audiophile.... ive always had large e-penis woofers in my cars n stuff. Whenever i crank that album... the bass just... distorts way too much.

the last statement.... I was assuming you were trying to tell me that Bob Rock was the better producer.

I was stating.... TO ME... Bob Rock is the beginning of the end.... nothing good came out of that move. lol


:)

[WhiffleBallTony]

This would be my opinion. Of course, I'm a metalhead, so that probably has something to do with it:

10.) Pixies - Doolittle

9.) Venom - Black Metal

8.) Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine

7.) Iron Maiden - Dance of Death

6.) Judas Priest - British Steel

5.) Clutch - From Beale Street to Oblivion

4.) Electric Wizard - Come My Fanatics...

3.) Boris - Smile

2.) Metallica - Master of Puppets

1.) Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast

[Sikkinixx6]

lol Im an audiophile.... ive always had large e-penis woofers in my cars n stuff. Whenever i crank that album... the bass just... distorts way too much.

the last statement.... I was assuming you were trying to tell me that Bob Rock was the better producer.

I was stating.... TO ME... Bob Rock is the beginning of the end.... nothing good came out of that move. lol


:)

I wouldnt necessarily say that Rock is a better/worse producer than say Rassmussen, he is just not the best Metallica producer.

We are signing from the same hymn sheet there brother, I also agree that the Black Album/Bob Rock stage was the beginning of the end.

The production on AJFA for me spoiled the album when it first came out, as I said previously I find it really hard to pick out any bass in that album whatsoever (and I am a bass player).

It does sound infinitley better on todays enhanced digital formats than it ever did on vinyl of on the CD players that were available at the time.

for me, the ultimately produced Metallica Album has to be Master of Puppets, although again the bass is a little weak in it but at least it is audible. The Rhythm guitar sound on that album is sublime, not to mention the acoustic guitar sound which is immense

[The_Little_Buster]

"Loveless", nuff said.;)

[polishdog90]

I wouldnt necessarily say that Rock is a better/worse producer than say Rassmussen, he is just not the best Metallica producer.

We are signing from the same hymn sheet there brother, I also agree that the Black Album/Bob Rock stage was the beginning of the end.

The production on AJFA for me spoiled the album when it first came out, as I said previously I find it really hard to pick out any bass in that album whatsoever (and I am a bass player).

It does sound infinitley better on todays enhanced digital formats than it ever did on vinyl of on the CD players that were available at the time.

for me, the ultimately produced Metallica Album has to be Master of Puppets, although again the bass is a little weak in it but at least it is audible. The Rhythm guitar sound on that album is sublime, not to mention the acoustic guitar sound which is immense

I agree with Master of Puppets. That album is a masterpiece.

[AxlVanHagar]

Here is my list for the Top 10 Albums since 1980 (no greatest hits albums, country, or other compilations included):

1. "Thriller" - Michael Jackson (1982)

It is hard to deny how groundbreaking this album was. From bringing "black music" to the MTV audience, creating stories in his videos, and even fusing funk and rock, "Thriller" was revolutionary. Check out the hits: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", "Baby Be Mine", "The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney)", "Thriller", "Beat It" and "Billie Jean". This is one album, not a greatest hits. Wow.

2. "The Joshua Tree" - U2 (1987)

Although I believe this album to be better top to bottom than "Thriller," the King of Pop had three tracks (Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean) that push Thriller to #1. Still, The Joshua Tree is a beautiful album. Not quite as obvious and in your face as "War," and better paced than "The Unforgettable Fire," "The Joshua Tree" was both powerful (Where the Streets Have No Name) and subdued (Mothers of the Disappeared). "The Joshua Tree" defined the late 80's along with the next band on the list.

3. "Appetite for Destruction" - Guns N' Roses (1987)

May be the best hard rock album of all time. Certainly "Appetite" holds its own against any album done by Zeppelin (maybe not the body of work - Axl's ego got in the way). After years of pop/hair metal diluting metal, Slash and Izzy's in-your-face, fused guitar work reminded people how to rock. And say what you will about Axl's singing ability, his style fit this album perfectly. Raw, ugly. Perfect.

4. "Ten" - Pearl Jam (1991)

Unfairly and stupidly labeled as "grunge," Pearl Jam is a rock band and this is their masterpiece. From anthems such as "Alive" to the groove of "Even Flow," this album is strong from one to ten. Although another Seattle band's 1991 album seems to garner the media obsession, "Ten" was better.

5. "Metallica" - Metallica (1992)

Say what you want about Metallica selling out (I know many people will), this album is heavy, bluesy, and finally showcased Metallica as musicians. Yes, 10-minute anthems about war are cool. However, tightly-constructed, dark, and introspective songs are even cooler.

6. "Document" - R.E.M. (1985)

How do you define this album? Rock? Alternative? College rock? Equal parts pop rock and social commentary, a brilliant album. Seriously, who can not sing along with "Its the End of the World As We Know It"? Just try it.

7. "Ok Computer" - Radiohead (1997)

"Pablo Honey" and "The Bends" are more accessible whereas some of the later stuff is crazier. "Ok Computer" sits somewhere in the middle but still requires a few listens. Then you're hooked.

8. "Hysteria" - Def Leppard (1987)

Flame if you want but is there a band that did pop metal better? Seven SEVEN??! hit singles. Intricate guitar work. Beautiful vocals. One-armed drumming. C'mon. Yes, the lyrics were cheesy. Yes, your 12-year old sister listened to them. But there are few albums with so many songs you know every word. Plus the movie was cool (Anthony Michael Hall as Mutt Lange. Awesome.)

9. "American Idiot" - Green Day (2004)

If you told me in 1995 that Green Day would make an iconic, "great" album, I would have laughed in your face. Or that Green Day would do a rock opera akin to The Who. They did both with "American Idiot." And it is good. Really good.

10. "Nevermind" - Nirvana (1991)

As a teenager in Seattle in the early 90's, I liked Nirvana before they were big and then despised them when they were the biggest band in the world. My view of this album is jaded. But I can't deny it. It is a great album.

Great list, while some of those are not my fave by the artists, Hysteria, can't argue with your logic. I'd replace American Idiot with Purple Rain however.

[Gatorguy91]

This list doesn't have the blue album

FAIL

[JMcQ77]

This list doesn't have the blue album

FAIL

Although I appreciate the eloquent, witty, and verbose response, please enlighten us where the Blue Album would go. Further, explain why it should be there. And finally, what album would you take off?

I know you're probably tired from drafting your previous rock n' roll thesis but maybe you can spare us a few more words!

[Gatorguy91]

I would put the blue album at #3. Removed would be "American Idiot." I'm afraid that's not Even Green Day's best album.

[idiotec]

I really don’t understand how the Blue album went from being the “fun” pop album it was when it was released to this great rock album kids seem to think it is today. :confused:

[Loucifel]

Guess I'll throw mine in too, then.
(Only personal opinion - this has nothing to do with commercial success etc.)

#10: Dio - Holy Diver (Say what you like about Dio only having 2 good songs, I don't agree. Don't talk To Strangers and Straight Through The Heart are just as awesome as Holy Diver to me.)

#9: The Hives - Veni Vidi Vicious (I've a weak spot for these guys, one of the few modern rock bands I really like. Too bad the album's only half an hour long:p)

#8: David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (One of my favorite concept albums, David's voice is amazing here.)

#7: Wolfmother - Wolfmother (Ok, there is one more modern band I like, but if you'd put a genre on it, it'd probably be like 70's hard rock, so yeah;) Very simple playing, but it appeals to me anyway.)

#6: Guns N' Roses - Appetite For Destruction (I'm not a huge GNR fan, but this album has so many good songs it can't be ignored. Don't care much for the rest of their work.)

#5: AC/DC - Back In Black (Well, it had to be on here. There's nothing that I dislike about this album, but it's still not as awesome to me as it is to many others.)

#4: Judas Priest - Screaming For Vengeance (Awesome. Not one bad song on this album.)

#3: Iron Maiden - Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (The whole idea of it is just too damn great. And they make the synths fit in perfectly, too.)

#2: Metallica - Master Of Puppets (Uh..yeah. Does this need an explanation?)

#1 Iron Maiden - Powerslave (Yes, that's Powerslave. Not The Number Of The Beast. All songs on this album are really good (which is more than you can say about NotB - at least imo), and it has 4 absolute classics (Aces High, 2 Minutes To Midnight, Powerslave, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner). My favorite Maiden album by far.)

So yeah, mostly 80's stuff, but that's what I listen to. Had a bunch of albums I wanted in here but couldn't since they were realeased in the 60's/70's :rolleyes:

[MKScorpion08]

10. Silent Hill 2 - Akira Yamaoka (Dont care, its brilliance)
9. Master of Puppets - Metallica
8. Thriller - Michael Jackson
7. Moving Pictures - Rush
6. A Different Kind of Pain - Cold
5. Blackbird - Alter Bridge (YEAH I SAID IT!!)
4. Images and Words - Dream Theater
3. Human Equation - Ayreon
2. Elements of Persuasion - James LaBrie
1. Scenes From a Memory - Dream Theater (Amazing concept album. I havent heard ANYTHING like it ever)

[culturedog]

Here's mine - from memory, so I too reserve the right to later remember certain masterpieces and curse myself!

1. Jeff Buckley - Grace
2. Metallica - Master of Puppets
3. Radiohead - OK Computer
4. Clutch - Clutch
5. Type O Negative - October Rust
6. Portishead - Dummy
7. Carcass - Necroticism: Descanting the Insalubrious
8. Tom Waits - Rain Dogs
9. The Chemical Brothers - Exit Planet Dust
10. Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking

[DJFreddyG]

Let's Try These Influential LP's:

10. It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988) - Public Enemy - Why? This was one of the albums that showcased the transition from Syrupy Sweet "Sugar Hill Gang" Rap to the more confrontational and in some cases more aggressive styles that we have now.

9. Ok Computer (1997) - Radiohead

8. Remain In Light (1980) - Talking Heads

7. Back In Black (1980) - AC/DC

6. Appetite For Destruction (1987) - Guns N Roses

5. Metallica (The Black Album) (1991) - Metallica

4. Ten (1991) - Pearl Jam

3. Purple Rain (1984) - Prince

2. Nevermind (1991) - Nirvana

1. Thriller (1982) - Michael Jackson

[idiotec]

I like that you included the Talking Heads, but that seems like a weird album choice. I would put any of their first three above that one, especially from an influential standpoint.

[DJFreddyG]

I chose Remain in Light since it was the album that finally defined their sound as a band from that point on. Their use of ethnic rhythms combined with the Punk/New Wave sounds that they were already known for made this album unique.
Listen to their previous album (Fear of Music) and their following album (Speaking in Tongues)....then listen to this one and you will hear the transition.

[idiotec]

Yeah, I can see what you mean. I generally prefer their earlier sound overall, but really like just about all their stuff. Regardless, they are one of the first “post punk” bands that were hugely influential to the new wave sound of the 80’s so in any regard, I like the choice.

[7th Son]

What about the album that inspired almost a whos who of anyone classified as hard rock/metal in the 80s, 90s(no not stupid grunge either)and every band you can think of today?
1982,Iron Maiden-The Number of the Beast

That belongs there because the black album might have never been if not for Maiden.

[JMcQ77]

What about the album that inspired almost a whos who of anyone classified as hard rock/metal in the 80s, 90s(no not stupid grunge either)and every band you can think of today?
1982,Iron Maiden-The Number of the Beast

That belongs there because the black album might have never been if not for Maiden.

I agree that "The Number of the Beast" was influential, just as other albums or bands directly influenced albums on this list (e.g., The Pixies influencing "Nevermind" or Husker Du influencing "American Idiot").

That being said, this list was about the "best" albums since 1980. In attempting to be as objective as possible, I believe "The Black Album" to be a better record than "The Number of The Beast."

This also raises the issue for another thread. When compiling "best" lists, how much should your subjective enjoyment of an album be considered? Can you differentiate between your own musical tastes and what makes a quality song? Should you make that distinction?

[Thallis]

What about the album that inspired almost a whos who of anyone classified as hard rock/metal in the 80s, 90s(no not stupid grunge either)and every band you can think of today?
1982,Iron Maiden-The Number of the Beast

That belongs there because the black album might have never been if not for Maiden.

Powerslave > NotB

[Leon]

I would have included Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by Smashing Pumpkins and Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi.
but still a good list