Delivering passionate and comprehensive entertainment coverage to millions of users world-wide each month. In terms of mainstream success in the United States, E-Z-O was probably one of the closest to breakthrough. He released five masterful albums (all of them on this list) and four others that went platinum and would probably be career pinnacles for many other artists. Randy Newman – “Trouble in Paradise” (1983). They brought in Steve Vai and helped launch his career even further. "Ride the Lightning" is everything "Kill 'Em All" was, only harder, faster and with more mature songwriting. St. John released a few solo albums independently but never to the level of his previous success. Lead vocalist Mark Free has since changed his gender to female as in now known as Marcie Free. It's legendary status isn't quite as firm as that of "Murmur." is a unique masterpiece. Beastie Boys – “Paul’s Boutique” (1989). 100 Greatest Rock Albums Of The 1980s: Criteria: These albums were chosen for their initial and lasting popularity and their influence and impact on rock music in general. It's the exclamation point on the biggest year in pop music up until that point. We figured revisiting the decade wouldn't be the worst way to pass the time while the nation is under quarantine. "Trouble in Paradise" is as well-crafted a singer-songwriter album as you'll find in the 1980s. Metallica – “Master of Puppets” (1985). Rumors have been circulating recently that the band may be reuniting for a new album and live appearances. Hurricane is notable for having the brothers of Carlos Cavazo and Rudy Sarzo from Quiet Riot, Tony Cavazo and Robert Sarzo as bassist and guitarist. "Imperial Bedroom" is Elvis Costello's most precise and best sounding album, built in the mold of a classic Beatles record. 79. Public Enemy – “Yo! While it may be best remembered for its preened rockstars, tight jeans and regrettable haircuts, the 80s was a time of huge innovation when it came to rock music. There's probably no better artist in music history to create an entire album about New York City. Then there was "Tattoo You," another stunner from one of the greatest bands in history. But a star was already born on the strength of this collection of perfect pop songs that includes "Lucky Star," "Holiday" and "Borderline.". Overall, the entire album is well done and shows a maturity that many other bands did not display at the time. Guitarist, Amir Derakh went on to form the glam band Jailhouse and later re-invented himself in the industrial rock band Orgy who had a hit single with the cover of New Order’s “Blue Monday”. Paul Simon's desire to usher western world music into the mainstream feels a bit more forced than on albums created by Talking Heads or Peter Gabriel. "Like a Virgin" was still an album away. It’s outstanding from beginning to end, especially considering it’s their debut release. But rock in the Eighties was like that — lively, varied, contentious and, to some degree, inconclusive. Guns N’ Roses – “Appetite for Destruction” (1987). Unfortunately, the band failed to reach the mainstream heavy metal and rock crowd in terms of taking the next step to the top. However, "Rain Dogs" reaches for something grander. The Cure – “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” (1987). "Freedom" combines Young's folksy roots with his own brand of noisy, off-kilter rock. Thanks to MTV the band received video airplay with this album, which exposed them to a larger audience. "Nebraska's" small town nature proved the perfect vehicle for Springsteen's pessimistic songwriting. Tigertailz were the U.K.’s version of Poison. Born in the USA (1984) – Bruce … ", 77. But music was my first love, and I love having the opportunity to share it with you good people. Leonard Cohen – “I’m Your Man” (1988). "Get Happy!!" Much of that is owed to producer Jeff Lynne. Chrissie Hynde was a female rock star like no other and her band's first album is the bridge that merged punk rock and new wave at the start of the 1980s. Notable for being the major-label debut of Swedish guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, Alcatrazz featured former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet and was an impressive debut release. Simple. Racer X’s debut album Street Lethal featured the guitar prodigy Paul Gilbert, who would go on to fame in Mr. Big. What keeps it from being a masterpiece is the lack of raw soul that makes Costello's earlier records more beloved. N.W.A. The last album released during Bob Marley's lifetime was his most spiritual. "Midnight Love" would have been a full-fledged comeback album had it not been the final one Marvin Gaye released before his death. "Appetite For Destruction" brought fans to the jungle and they didn't want to leave. Seven of the album's nine songs were singles. Notable for featuring former Keel guitarist Marc Ferrari. While the band looked poised for a full fledged break out, they disbanded when vocalist Paul Shortino joined Quiet Riot, replacing original singer Kevin DuBrow.