Pitchfork Media's "Top 100 Albums of the 1980s"

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It’s said that the 1980s are responsible for the worst fashion, fads, and music of any decade of the 20th century. But as we see the decade recycled and updated with post-millennial minimalism, it’s becoming clear that the 1980s had more to offer than we’ve given them credit for. As the calendar left the classless earthtones and polyester of the 1970s behind, musicians looked to the future for inspiration in new genres. With this feature, Pitchfork seeks to prove that, amidst the smooth-jazz of Kenny G, the vanilla soul of Hall & Oates, and the white-trash hair-rock of Warrant, lay a revolution in sound. It is to the vision and perseverance of many of these artists that we owe the roots of hip-hop, synth-pop, and most notably for this publication, alternative and indie rock. Respect is due.

Pages: 1

  1. 1.
    Daydream Nation
    by Sonic Youth

  2. 2.
    Remain in Light
    by Talking Heads

  3. 3.
    Paul's Boutique
    by Beastie Boys

  4. 4.
    Doolittle
    by Pixies

  5. 5.
    Murmur
    by Rem

  6. 6.
    The Queen is Dead
    by The Smiths

  7. 7.
    Surfer Rosa
    by Pixies

  8. 8.
    Rain Dogs
    by Tom Waits

  9. 9.
    It Takes a Nation of Millions
    by Public Enemy

  10. 10.
    Closer
    by Joy Division

  11. 11.
    Swordfishtrombones
    by Tom Waits

  12. 12.
    Purple Rain

  13. 13.
    This Nation's Saving Grace
    by Fall

  14. 14.
    Sister
    by Sonic Youth

  15. 15.
    Skylarking
    by Xtc

  16. 16.
    On Fire
    by Galaxie 500

  17. 17.
    Double Nickels on the Dime
    by Minutemen

  18. 18.
    3 Feet High & Rising
    by De La Soul

  19. 19.
    Second Edition
    by Public Image Ltd

  20. 20.
    Deceit
    by This Heat

  21. 21.
    My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

  22. 22.
    Isn't Anything
    by My Bloody Valentine

  23. 23.
    Psychocandy
    by Jesus & Mary Chain

  24. 24.
    Hard/Solid Gold
    by Gang of Four

  25. 25.
    Damaged
    by Black Flag

  26. 26.
    Get Happy
    by Elvis Costello

  27. 27.
    Thriller
    by Michael Jackson

  28. 28.
    Power Corruption & Lies
    by New Order

  29. 29.
    Let It Be
    by Replacements

  30. 30.
    The Joshua Tree
    by U2

  31. 31.
    Evol
    by Sonic Youth

  32. 32.
    Zen Arcade
    by Husker Du

  33. 33.
    Hex Enduction Hour
    by The Fall

  34. 34.
    Spirit of Eden
    by Talk Talk

  35. 35.
    Straight Outta Compton
    by N.W.A.

  36. 36.
    Violent Femmes
    by Violent Femmes

  37. 37.
    Tim
    by Replacements

  38. 38.
    Disintegration
    by Cure

  39. 39.
    Stone Roses
    by Stone Roses

  40. 40.
    You're Living All Over Me
    by Dinosaur Jr

  41. 41.
    Licensed to Ill
    by Beastie Boys

  42. 42.
    The Trinity Session
    by Cowboy Junkies

  43. 43.
    Raising Hell
    by Run Dmc

  44. 44.
    Computer World
    by Kraftwerk

  45. 45.
    Sign O the Times
    by Prince

  46. 46.
    English Settlement
    by Xtc

  47. 47.
    Naked City
    by John Zorn

  48. 48.
    Document
    by Rem

  49. 49.
    Vs.
    by Mission of Burma

  50. 50.
    The Perfect Prescription
    by Spacemen 3

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Created by Robot Co-op on Nov 30, 2005.
 

Comments

Opinion — 3 weeks ago

I think this list was made by a person who only listens to B-Sides and a little of the hits.


Corrections — 2 years ago

Somewhere along the line Purple Rain had dropped off the list, so I’ve slung it back on.


Read — 4 years ago

Read Carfully: Michael Jackson, Thriller – The best album of the 80’s.


Corrections — 5 years ago

The original link to Straight Outta Compton was to a tribute album, not the original. When I tried to change it to the correct one, the whole list got screwed up somehow. Thus all the changes I had to make. Looks like everything is correct now. I also updated the source link to the actual list on pitchfork’s site.




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