The 80s were a time of fresh sounds and crazy, bone-jarring moves on the dance floor. Our boom boxes were cranked to the max at all times, and, for the first time, TV became a major medium for consuming our tunes thanks to music videos and the emergence of MTV. And, even after all these years, some of the top selling albums of the 1980s still make us move our feet and sing along. Check out these timeless classics …
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Thriller was released late in 1982, Thriller changed music forever. Hits from the album include “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and, of course, “Thriller.” In fact, it is one of the best-selling albums ever. Even though he was already a superstar, Thriller propelled Jackson to another level and cemented him as an international cultural icon.
Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
Released in 1987, this platinum selling album contains some of their greatest hits, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph.” It is Def Leppard’s most successful album to date.
Super Trouper by ABBA
Released in 1980, Super Trouper has some of ABBA’s most popular songs, including “The Winner Takes It All,” “Super Trouper” (the title track).
Queen’s Greatest Hits by Queen
Released in 1981, this album includes some of Queen’s biggest songs including “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” By the the time of the album’s release, Queen were arguably the most popular rock band in the world, and this album cemented them as an international cultural icon.
Synchronicity by The Police
Released in 1983, this album features some of the Police’s most popular songs including “Every Breath You Take,” “King of Pain” and “Synchronicity II.” This work helped establish The Police, and lead singer Sting, as one of the most popular bands in the world.
The Joshua Tree by U2
Released in 1987, The Joshua Tree is a landmark release from one of rock music’s most successful bands. The album includes some of U2’s most popular songs including “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “With or Without You.”
Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
Released in 1985, this album features “Money for Nothing,” one of the most iconic songs from the 1980s.
The Black Album by Prince
This 1987 release is actually a compilation of music that had been released on other albums previously, but it’s still one of Prince‘s best-selling records to date. The top hit singles include “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss” and “Purple Rain.”
Like a Virgin by Madonna
This 1984 release features some of Madonna’s most popular singles including “Material Girl,” “Like a Virgin” and “True Blue.” As this album and its songs climbed the charts, Madonna became the icon of a new generation.
Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
This 1984 release is one of the most popular albums by Springsteen. It features “Born in the USA,” one of his most iconic songs, and also includes many other hits like “Glory Days” and “Dancing In The Dark.”
No Jacket Required by Phil Collins
The year was 1985 and Phil Collins had just released his fourth studio album. This release is best known for singles like “One More Night” (which reached number one in the United States) and “Sussudio.”
Purple Rain by Prince
Released in 1984, Purple Thunderbirds go on sale to capitalize on this hit album with songs like “When Doves Cry” and the title track, Purple Rain. Many of these songs made a big impact on MTV, and the album’s success helped turn Prince into an international sensation.
Songs from the Big Chair by Tears for Fears
The album was released in 1985 and features the big hit “Everybody Wants to Rule The World”, one of their most popular songs.
(Do you like 80s albums? Then you’ll like our article on 70s albums, click here. Or how about Love Songs of the 70s, click here.)
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