Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by **Henrik** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:57 am

The diversity of the AMF polls continues. Very nice to see Orchestra Baobab, Astor Piazzolla and Philip Glass (at #49!) in the top 100.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:31 pm

My latest attempt to continue the results:

45. New Order – Power, Corruption and Lies (1983)

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/Current/A579.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1357.39

Biggest fans:
ChrisK (13/150), Honorio (15/150)

Not a fan:
LiveinPhoenic (115/120)

Comments:
"The resurrection on the third album, after 'Still' and 'Movement' they were able to find its own voice in the shape of moody dance-pop." Honorio

"The sound of a band finding its sound. Even without 'Blue Monday' this is their very peak, in my book." Moonbeam

"I always loved this group as a singles act and not so much their albums. Their first one sounds like they’re still hung over from the demise of Joy Division. Who wants to listen to a hangover? No. 122" RockyRaccoon

"It boggles my mind that this album can make the top 50, while 'Technique' barely makes the top 100." Listyguy

Place in 1983 poll: 6

Place in the 2008 poll: 60 (+15)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 69

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 472

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:32 pm

44. Peter Gabriel – So (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/0863e56666a6d2 ... 468551.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1359.93

Biggest fans:
Henry (2/150) JamieW (6/150), Listyguy (10/150)

Not a fan:
Otisredding (83/83), Mindrocker (144/150), Jirin (119/128)

Comments:
"For the most part, I could take or leave Peter Gabriel. This album is the one exception. 'Sledgehammer,' with its cool video, is a great centrepiece, but pretty much most of Gabriel’s good songs are all here. No. 56" RockyRaccoon

"Best discovery of the poll. I don't think there's a bad song on this one." Listyguy

Place in 1986 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 78 (+34)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 34

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 225

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:32 pm

43. U2 – Boy (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/aab043b20479e6 ... 267185.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1379.77

Biggest fans:
Mindrocker (2/150), Henry (3/150)

Not a fan:
DocBrown (60/60)

Comments:
"The signs are here, potential bubbling at the surface but not yet boiling over, especially on 'I Will Follow.' I’m probably one of the bigger U2 fans on this forum, but not quite yet. No. 117" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 11

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 144

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 843

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:33 pm

42. Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes (1983)

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/Current/A587.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1386.91

Biggest fans:
Nassim (2/116), JamieW (3/150)

Not a fan:
Greg (133/145)

Comments:
"The organic, amateurish and street-musician sound of the album supposed a breeze of fresh air in the context of the synth-pop reign of the early eighties." Honorio

“A fantastically fun album about being an awkward person” Nassim

"Brian Ritchie’s energetic, bouncy acoustic bass and Gordon Gano’s smart-ass vocals compliment each other well to give this album a very unique sound. There really wasn’t anything else like it around in 1983. Holds up pretty well today, too. No. 75" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1983 poll: 4

Place in the 2008 poll: 55 (+13)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 47

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 312

41. Madonna – Like a Prayer (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/a187291a482ba7 ... 282355.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1388.55

Biggest fans:
Moonbeam (5/150), JamieW (7/150), Henry (11/150), DocBrown (12/60), Bruno (13/50)

Not a fan:
Michel (128/139), Otisredding (76/83)

Comments:
" The most ambitious effort from the Blond Ambition (and that's saying a lot), focusing on personal subjects but not losing her controversial edge." Honorio

"One of the most accomplished albums by a pop artist ever. The sequence from ''Till Death Do Us Part' to 'Oh Father' may be my favorite sequence of 5 songs ever on record." Moonbeam

"True Blue Part II. Okay, so that’s not entirely fair, she does sound more mature here. But other than that not a big departure, and it really didn’t have to be. Solid enough, and it has a Prince collaboration as a bonus. No. 95" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 6

Place in the 2008 poll: 73 (+32)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 61

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 393

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:20 pm

Ok, so it's top 40 time. To start it off, we'll see an album that was the top album of it's year. (I think we all know what year it is)

40. Kraftwerk – Computerwelt (Computer World) (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/967394872d0193 ... 893288.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1389.91

Biggest fans:
Henrik (1/148), Nassim (3/116), Kingoftonga (5/150), Dan (11/150)

Not a fan:
RockyRaccoon (142/150), Listyguy (138/150), Jirin (122/128)

Comments:
"While the last two tracks don't quite match the quality of what comes before, the first side of this album is undeniably perfect, and 'Computerliebe' is possibly the best song the band's ever done. Of course it's in the canon of Three Great Kraftwerk Albums, but recently it's pushed aside DIe Mensch-Maschine to become my second favorite." Kingoftonga

“It should be noted that this album contains the greatest song about a calculator ever written.” Mattcienicram

"By 1981, the synthesized worlds that Kraftwerk pioneered had taken over the airwaves, but they still showed themselves to be at the forefront with 'Computer World'. 'The Man Machine' may be more consistent, but the 1-2 punch of the sacred 'Computer Love' and superfun 'Pocket Calculator' make this my favorite." Moonbeam

"It occurred to me while I was listening to this ONE MORE TIME that maybe they’re just joking. If that’s the case, maybe I like it more than I thought. Then I remembered they’re German. No. 142" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1981 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 47 (+7)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 78

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 504

39. Bruce Springsteen – The River (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/af65c3730fc577 ... 212471.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1392.11

Biggest fans:
Stephan (2/139), Honorio (9/150), Greg (9/145)

Not a fan:
Bruno (46/50)

Comments:
"The splendid double album of Springsteen is also probably his more personal effort, dealing with the conflictive relationship with his father on 'Independence Day' and reflecting the real story of his sister told from the point of view of his brother-in-law on the title track. Never before and after his scenes of broken heroes were so real." Honorio

“I might regret this low ranking later on, given how the songwriting qualities are obvious here, but I got what one of my friend would call the 'Best of You' syndrom, he hates this Foo Fighters song because Dave Grohl's constant screaming gives him headache. I won't go this far, but the tendency of Springsteen for out of touch screamings prevents me from enjoying this one. Thus Nebraska, with basically the same qualities but far less screaming, ranks 45 places higher in my list.” Nassim

"A mixed bag, to be sure, but my favorite of the four Bruce albums here, likely because its obvious heart makes the album, well, heart-warming! 'Point Blank' is the biggest surprise for me here, now competing with 'Dancing in the Dark' for the honor of my favorite Bruce song." Moonbeam

"A double album that justifies its length by carrying its weight. There’s more good stuff here than on most acts’ greatest hits collections. With only a couple of weaker tracks, this album highlights well the Springsteen hallmarks from epic ballads to arena rockers and everything in between. No. 29" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 29 (-10)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 42

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 279

38. Pretenders – Pretenders (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/f0f023aa6b0930 ... 285371.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1411.07

Biggest fans:
Harold (4/145), Nassim (13/116), Brad (14/150)

Not a fan:
Miguel (95/102)

Comments:
"There is not just 'one Pretenders album' – in fact, I’d say that Chrissie Hynde topped this a few years later with Learning to Crawl. Nevertheless, the Pretenders’ first album does have some of their better moments (and I do mean 'their,' thanks to the guitar work of James Honeyman-Scott, not long before he dropped dead)." LiveinPhoenix

"One of the best debut albums ever made. The last four tracks in particular are utterly outstanding!" Moonbeam

"Chrissie Hynde is cool almost to the point of aloofness. But isn’t hard-to-get sexier? The music’s really just straight-forward rock ‘n’ roll embellished with hints of pop and punk, but it’s pretty damn great rock ‘n’ roll. Hynde’s vocals are the obvious weapon, James Honeyman-Scott’s guitar is the secret weapon. Almost just as effective. No. 20" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 10

Place in the 2008 poll: 62 (+24)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 25

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 161

37. Elvis Costello – Imperial Bedroom (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/18b0aae3040085 ... 282361.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1411.80

Biggest fans:
Brad (1/150), DocBrown (15/60)

Comments:
"Another genre hop, and this time Costello’s mining classic pop like he was born to it. Embellished with jazz undertones and given a high-sheen studio polish, it might be Costello’s most cohesive album. It’s also one with the most subtle pleasures, making it a real grower. No. 47" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 5

Place in the 2008 poll: 26 (-11)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 37

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 244

36. Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/13bb9f45f38277 ... 252839.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1414.78

Biggest fans:
Gillingham (5/31), Sonofsamiam (6/150), DaveC (10/150), Mattcienicram (11/73), Kingoftonga (15/150)

Not a fan:
Miguel (96/102), Romain (139/149), Superfurry (114/125)

Comments:
"More to discover each time I listen." Kingoftonga

“One of the most innovative albums in post-rock. These guys paved the way for acts like Sigur Ros and Godspeed You Black Emperor!” Mattcienicram

“During the risky and adventurous search of their own sound, Mark Hollis found an abstract, unique and strange kind of beauty.” Honorio

"It’s hard to believe this is the same band that perpetrated The Colour of Spring. This one aims for setting a mood, and does it. No. 88" RockyRaccoon

"The transformation from sytnh-pop to art-pop was completed with this album, and it was done with elegance, mystery, and style." Listyguy

Place in 1988 poll: 5

Place in the 2008 poll: 33 (-3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 62

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 400

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:43 pm

In this next group, we'll have the Smiths make their first actual appearance, as well as the top album that wasn't in our previous top 100.

35. The Cure – The Head on the Door (1985)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/89b9b286915ba0 ... 666043.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1431.30

Biggest fans:
Honorio (8/150), JamieW (13/150), Moonbeam (13/150), Henrik (13/148)

Not a fan:
Nassim (107/116)

Comments:
"Usually darker efforts like 'Pornography' or 'Disintegration' get all the acclaim, but my favourite album by The Cure is their most accessible too. Many of the album charms rely on catchy tunes but it never sounds conventional, Robert Smith knew how to retain his trademark weirdness and eccentricity, and also his emotional drive." Honorio

"With 'The Head on the Door', The Cure found a perfect mix of pop, post-punk and psychedelia. It's no wonder it served as their commercial breakthrough!" Moonbeam

"If Robert Smith wasn’t so whiney, and his lyrics didn’t sometimes delve into goth-girl eighth-grade poetry depths, I’d like the Cure a lot more. But this one does have 'In Between Days' and 'Close to Me.' Shit, if they came out with a best-of EP, I might even buy it. No. 121" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1985 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 57 (+22)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 82

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 519

34. R.E.M. – Reckoning (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/4d38f968d0d95d ... 838863.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1433.31

Biggest fans:
Brad (5/150), Kingoftonga (8/150), Maximumbeef (15/88)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (147/150)

Comments:
"For me, it's the best R.E.M. album of the 80s, and on some days I consider it the best R.E.M. album, period. Whereas Murmur hides itself a bit too much in its mystery, Reckoning is more direct, and thus makes a bigger impact." Kingoftonga

"Six R.E.M. albums and no Kano albums makes Moonbeam a sad boy." Moonbeam

"Almost as good as its predecessor, and on a song-for-song basis maybe it is. It doesn’t quite have the atmosphere or feeling of Murmur, but it’s probably unfair to compare it to that great album. Reckoning is a clearer, poppier record, and it marked R.E.M. as a young band that wouldn’t run in place. Great on its own merits. No. 38" RockyRaccoon

"If you ask me (not that anyone is), this it their best album that isn't 'Automatic For the People'. 'Time After Time' and 'So Central Rain' are brilliant songs." Listyguy

Place in 1984 poll: 6

Place in the 2008 poll: 42 (+8)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 109

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 666

33. The Smiths – The Smiths (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/8a7eadb87b2fcc ... 313530.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1447.78

Biggest fans:
Greg (2/145), Otisredding (7/83), Michel (10/139), Craig (11/150)

Not a fan:
Nassim (111/116)

Comments:
"The jangly guitars, the falsettos, the poetic but provocative lyrics are the main weapons of one of the best debut albums ever." Honorio

"The first half is just a little too light-weight, wishy-washy for my tastes. It’s pleasant enough, and has its moments, but much of it just drifts past my ears without much impact, and Morrissey warbles too much. But something happens when it reaches 'This Charming Man,' and the album improves significantly. Maybe because the music hardens up just a notch and the chords seem to have more of a point. No. 85" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1984 poll: Tied for 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 24 (-9)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 32

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 205

32. Arvo Pärt – Tabula Rasa (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/d184bcaf99f885 ... 160450.png[/imgsize]

Score:
1459.84

Biggest fans:
Jirin (2/128), Sonofsamiam (3/150), Michel (4/139), Mattcienicram (9/73)

Not a fan:
Craig (147/150), Listyguy (143/150), Harold (131/145)

Comments:
"Absolutely stunning display of modern classical music." Mattcienicram

“I don't know much about classical music, so all I can say is : I really enjoyed that.” Nassm

"It certainly is a beautiful piece of orchestra music. No. 81" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1984 poll: 5

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 458

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 2559

31. De La Soul – 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/1580649b124a1f ... 751141.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1460.36

Biggest fans:
Sonofsamiam (5/150), Maximumbeef (10/88), Honorio (11/150), Kingoftonga (11/150), Otisredding (13/83)

Not a fan:
DaveC (147/150), Listyguy (145/150), Henry (141/150), Miguel (98/102), Romain (138/149), Superfurry (116/125)

Comments:
"This album was one of the peaks of hip hop and its main revitalization, pulling away the many clichés that it was piling up during its then relatively brief existence." Honorio

"If we were making a list of the most fun albums ever, this one would have to be in the conversation. There’s no shortage of creative samples, clever, witty rhymes and ass-moving grooves. It still stands up as one of the most inventive hip-hop albums ever made. No. 27" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 5

Place in the 2008 poll: 11 (-20)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 14

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 76

Post by **Henrik** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:45 pm

Listyguy wrote: 40. Kraftwerk – Computerwelt (Computer World) (1981)

Comments:
"By 1981, the synthesized worlds that Kraftwerk pioneered had taken over the airwaves, but they still showed themselves to be at the forefront with 'Computer World'. 'The Man Machine' may be more consistent, but the 1-2 punch of the sacred 'Computer Love' and superfun 'Pocket Calculator' make this my favorite." Moonbeam

"The Man Machine" used to be my favorite Kraftwerk album, but that suddenly changed a few years ago. Now "Computer World" is in my top 5 all-time while "The Man Machine" has dropped considerably. Reason: I find "Computer World" incredibly consistent, while "Spacelab", "Metropolis" and "Neon Lights" have become weaker to my ears.

Listyguy wrote:"It occurred to me while I was listening to this ONE MORE TIME that maybe they’re just joking. If that’s the case, maybe I like it more than I thought. Then I remembered they’re German. No. 142" RockyRaccoon

Not sure I got this. Germans can't be fun? Anyway, I'd say they created a "serious fun" platform for their music which I find truly fascinating, and that works incredibly well for each of their themes/albums.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:05 pm

30. The Cure – Seventeen Seconds (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/6b2cd77549c963 ... 277830.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1471.29

Biggest fans:
JamieW (4/150), Michel (5/139), Henrik (5/148), Craig (6/150), Moonbeam (8/150), Nassim (10/116)

Not a fan:
LiveinPhoenix (112/120)

Comments:
"Skeletal, bleak and snowy, 'Seventeen Seconds' forged an archetype from which The Cure could build their sound, but there is something about the economy here that is really appealing - it communicates the emptiness better than any other Cure record while still drawing me in with its simple stories and allegories." Moonbeam

"I’ve warmed to the Cure a little over the past couple of years, if the word 'warmed' can be used in conjunction with the Cure. That being said, I still don’t like ’em that much. What’s recommended here is the catchy 'Play for Today' and the last two songs. The rest is lugubrious dreck. No. 129" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 4

Place in the 2008 poll: 36 (+6)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 105

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 631

29. R.E.M. – Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e620dcb3fbe204 ... 837612.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1479.77

Biggest fans:
Michel (7/139), Miguel (14/102), Brad (15/150)

Comments:
"Six R.E.M. albums and no Kim Wilde albums makes Moonbeam a sad boy." Moonbeam

"Their clearest and most rock-oriented album to date. Lots of great stuff here for rock and pop enthusiasts, and it’s got Southern chiming guitars and great harmonies going for it, too. My only question, how come the drummer gets to be on the cover? No. 49" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1986 poll: 6

Place in the 2008 poll: 34 (+5)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 123

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 742

28. The Smiths – Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/9c47bb052af316 ... 171195.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1484.64

Biggest fans:
ChrisK (5/150), DaveC (8/150), superfurry (11/125), Brad (13/150), Moonbeam (15/150)

Not a fan:
Miguel (94/102)

Comments:
"With three of my top five Smiths songs ('Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me', 'A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours' and 'Death of a Disco Dancer') leading their most consistent set of songs, this swansong is relatively unheralded but easily my favorite of theirs." Moonbeam

"Pleasant enough, subject matter aside, in a feckless sort of way. This was the end. And while some see it as them pulling together one last time, I hear it as they went on for one album too many. Not bad, but not all that good. No. 125" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 5

Place in the 2008 poll: 52 (+24)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 97

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 594

27. David Bowie – Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/359656dd3e1214 ... 435869.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1487.67

Biggest fans:
Romain (4/149), Moonbeam (10/150), Otisredding (11/83), Honorio (13/150), Jirin (13/128)

Comments:
"Bowie made a decided step into the 80s with an album that supposed the culmination of all sides of 70s Bowie: avant-garde, cold funk and glamorous." Honorio

"Easily my favorite Bowie album, it bristles with a taut energy that no other Bowie album does." Moonbeam

"'Ashes to Ashes' caries this one. Not that the rest is bad, it’s a pretty good consolidation of Bowie up to that point, but it can’t live up to the standout track, which, without, it would be a lesser album. No. 91" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 7

Place in the 2008 poll: 39 (+12)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 79

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 505

26. R.E.M. – Document (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/aea01f4f99f0b8 ... 516411.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1510.29

Biggest fans:
RockyRaccoon (6/150)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (140/150)

Comments:
"Six R.E.M. albums and no Blondie/Debbie Harry albums makes Moonbeam a sad boy." Moonbeam

"This one just sounds big to me. Maybe it’s because they hadn’t rocked this hard before, and rarely since, or maybe it’s because each song sounds like its own mini epic, or maybe it’s because the lyrics take on a clearer, grittier purpose, or maybe it’s because the whole thing just hits my ears right. Whatever the reason, this one is always battling it out in my mind with Automatic for the People as R.E.M.’s greatest album. No. 6" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 6

Place in the 2008 poll: 23 (-3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 55

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 359

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:06 pm

To summarize this poll so far:

Listyguy wrote:Biggest fans:
RockyRaccoon (6/150)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (140/150)

Rocky Raccoon · Post by **Rocky Raccoon** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:31 pm

Henrik wrote:
Listyguy wrote: 40. Kraftwerk – Computerwelt (Computer World) (1981)

Comments:
"By 1981, the synthesized worlds that Kraftwerk pioneered had taken over the airwaves, but they still showed themselves to be at the forefront with 'Computer World'. 'The Man Machine' may be more consistent, but the 1-2 punch of the sacred 'Computer Love' and superfun 'Pocket Calculator' make this my favorite." Moonbeam
"The Man Machine" used to be my favorite Kraftwerk album, but that suddenly changed a few years ago. Now "Computer World" is in my top 5 all-time while "The Man Machine" has dropped considerably. Reason: I find "Computer World" incredibly consistent, while "Spacelab", "Metropolis" and "Neon Lights" have become weaker to my ears.

Listyguy wrote:"It occurred to me while I was listening to this ONE MORE TIME that maybe they’re just joking. If that’s the case, maybe I like it more than I thought. Then I remembered they’re German. No. 142" RockyRaccoon
Not sure I got this. Germans can't be fun? Anyway, I'd say they created a "serious fun" platform for their music which I find truly fascinating, and that works incredibly well for each of their themes/albums.

It's just a joke playing off the commonly held misconception that Germans don't have a sense of humor.

DocBrown · Post by **DocBrown** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:34 pm

Listyguy wrote:To summarize this poll so far:

Listyguy wrote:Biggest fans:
RockyRaccoon (6/150)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (140/150)

Actually there's a third polarity, Listyguy:

luvulongTIM wrote:So much of the 80s I despised the only reason I contemplated voting ...

Substitute MJ for Depeche Mode and I'm in LuvulongTIM's camp.

DocBrown · Post by **DocBrown** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:39 pm

Biggest fans:
Sonofsamiam (5/150), Maximumbeef (10/88), Honorio (11/150), Kingoftonga (11/150), Otisredding (13/83)

Not a fan:
DaveC (147/150), Listyguy (145/150), Henry (141/150), Miguel (98/102), Romain (138/149), Superfurry (116/125)

Is this the most polarizing album of the '80's?

Sweepstakes Ron · Post by **Sweepstakes Ron** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:45 pm

Moonbeam's comments about R.E.M. keep making me think of this scene from The Simpsons.
I can only imagine...

Moonbeam: "6 R.E.M. albums and no Gap Band albums make Moonbeam something something."
Rocky Raccoon: "...'go crazy'?"
Moonbeam: "Don't mind if I do! LET'S GO CRAZY! LET'S GET NUTS! LET'S LOOK FOR THE PURPLE BANANA 'TIL THEY PUT US IN THE TRUCK, LET'S GO!"

Rocky Raccoon · Post by **Rocky Raccoon** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:51 pm

Sweepstakes Ron wrote:Moonbeam's comments about R.E.M. keep making me think of this scene from The Simpsons.
I can only imagine...

Moonbeam: "6 R.E.M. albums and no Gap Band albums make Moonbeam something something."
Rocky Raccoon: "...'go crazy'?"
Moonbeam: "Don't mind if I do! LET'S GO CRAZY! LET'S GET NUTS! LET'S LOOK FOR THE PURPLE BANANA 'TIL THEY PUT US IN THE TRUCK, LET'S GO!"

Coincidentally my No. 1 song of the '80s.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:53 pm

25. Pixies – Surfer Rosa (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/bc674ef0cd7117 ... 735834.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1519.77

Biggest fans:
Jirin (3/128), DaveC (7/150), Harold (9/145), Craig (10/150), ChrisK (12/150)

Not a fan:
Miguel (101/102), Moonbeam (143/150)

Comments:
"At the end of the 80s decade they came with an original sound, something so difficult (even then) in guitar-based rock. They crystallized indie-rock, a style that's here to stay." Honorio

“I love Doolittle, I love most bands inspired by the Pixies, I love Kim Deal's attitude, I love raw music, punk, indie... I still fail to enjoy this album somehow...” Nassim

"It’s hookier than I remember, but it still seems like it meanders a little to me. I like it, I just think it’s overrated. There is a naked woman on the cover, though, I can appreciate that. No. 99" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 12 (-13)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 19

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 103

24. Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/ef221f07e67c7c ... 942632.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1533.22

Biggest fans:
Bruno (3/50), Listyguy (5/150), Kingoftonga (9/150), DocBrown (13/60), Craig (13/150), RockyRaccoon (15/150)

Not a fan:
Gillingham (31/31), DaveC (145/150)

Comments:
"I really hated hair metal in my high school days, so at first I wrote these guys off as another in a long line of stoner pinups. But it wasn’t long before I begrudgingly had to pay attention to the sound of their mighty hard rock. Slash’s guitar and Axel’s vocals are hard rock. No. 15" RockyRaccoon

"This album has a special place in my heart. It has the song that introduced me to rock ('Welcome to the Jungle') and my favorite song of all time ('Sweet Child O' Mine')." Listyguy

Place in 1987 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 41 (+17)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 11

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 62

23. Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/8dac88ec03ca0f ... 292863.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1564.40

Biggest fans:
Nassim (1/116), Kingoftonga (2/150), Sonofsamiam (4/150), Maximumbeef (4/88), Jimmyjazz (6/88), Harold (14/145), Bruno (15/50), Superfurry (15/125)

Not a fan:
Henry (142/150), DaveC (146/150), Greg (137/145), Honorio (143/150), Romain (143/149)

Comments:
" The first time I heard this I was baffled, but with each listen it grows in my estimation. What could have easily been a novelty record is instead a postmodern masterpiece, bursting with wit, creativity, and irreverance for nearly everything." Kingoftonga

“Hands down my favorite album of the decade : refusing to get stuck in the success of the brilliant Licensed to Ill, Ad-Rock, MCA and Mike D decided to challenge expectations by recruiting the Dust Brothers to revolutionize sampling. It has to be pointed out that the Dust Brothers work here is as important as the one from the Beastie Boys, but that should not undermine the prowess of the MCs who exchange rhymes like never before or after. Most of all it is a relentlessly fun and creative album, one I go back to often and still discover new twists and subtleties.” Nassim

"For the most part, I have liked Beastie Boys' singles far more than their albums, but this album is the excpetion in that it feels like more than the sum of its parts." Moonbeam

"1989 was a great year for rap. After Public Enemy broke the sonic barrier the year before, groups like the Beastie Boys, Jungle Brothers and De La Soul expanded its boundaries with pure creativity. At this point it was becoming abundantly clear rap wasn’t just a passing fad, it was here to stay because of its growing musical palette. It wasn’t just a one-trick pony. This album is as good an example of this as any other. No. 44" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 4

Place in the 2008 poll: 19 (-4)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 23

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 127

22. U2 – War (1983)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/c9a7226f42b354 ... 524873.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1618.15

Biggest fans:
Listyguy (1/150), LiveinPhoenix (6/120), Gillingham (9/31), Craig (15/150)

Comments:
"Well, I was 18 years-old in 1983 and this album offered me just what I needed: despair, anger and passion. Just like any other 18 years old guy would need." Honorio

“You feel as if they cut this album in the unforgiving cold depicted in the album photos. They’ve gone on to bigger things, but I don’t think they’ve ever blown past this early highpoint, either.” LiveinPhoenix

"The first U2 album I really like, and probably because it hits hard with its arena-ready anthems. Yeah, I’m a sucker for big U2. You could even argue it’s their best album, but I wouldn’t go that far. No. 21" RockyRaccoon

"Of course it has angry 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and the ballad 'New Year's Day', but there are also many great acoustic songs, including 'Seconds' and 'Drowning Man'. Not to mention the bizarre-but-amazing 'Red Light'." Listyguy

Place in 1983 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 30 (+8)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 44

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 299

21. Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/a024ea193862a5 ... 666088.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1630.07

Biggest fans:
Dan (1/150), Nicolas (3/150), Gillingham (7/31), Stephan (10/139), Craig (12/150), Jimmyjazz (13/88) Greg (14/145)

Comments:
"Portraits of crime and desperation, nude and chilling songs, a dark album whose stature and influence is getting bigger and bigger every year." Honorio

“These desolate songs with their sparse, acoustic arrangements were intended to be demos for future recordings with the E-Street band. Springsteen did in fact re-record the songs with the E-Street Band, but he eventually decided to go with the original demo recordings. As a result, the album’s sound was bleak, the themes were dark and the soul of the working-class man was laid bare. I have yet to hear a simple, uncompromising album that moves me in the same way.” Dan

"An album that I find much easier to respect than personally enjoy." Moonbeam

"Bruce Springsteen doing an entire album of acoustic music. Yep, it does sound as good as you’d think. Stripped down to the bare essentials, Springsteen’s songs about the trials and tribulations of the everyday American sound even more immediate. No. 39" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 18 (-3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 22

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 122

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:55 pm

Rocky Raccoon wrote: It's just a joke playing off the commonly held misconception that Germans don't have a sense of humor.

I thought the comment was pretty funny.

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:56 pm

It seems as if Rocky and I had similarly unpleasant experiences going through the 80s discographies of bands we don't like. His highest-ranked Cure album so far is 121, I believe, and my highest-ranked R.E.M. album is 133. I can say without question now that I find R.E.M. to be easily the most overrated artist of the 80s.

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:57 pm

Henrik wrote: "The Man Machine" used to be my favorite Kraftwerk album, but that suddenly changed a few years ago. Now "Computer World" is in my top 5 all-time while "The Man Machine" has dropped considerably. Reason: I find "Computer World" incredibly consistent, while "Spacelab", "Metropolis" and "Neon Lights" have become weaker to my ears.

Those might be my top 3 songs on The Man Machine!

JimmyJazz · Post by **JimmyJazz** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:06 pm

Rocky, it is kinda funny that you're are taking a dump on Robert Smith's lyrics with the old clichéd goth crap, when I can recall learning at one point that he actually hates goth culture intensely, and that he really doesn't like that label being applied to their music. I, for one, don't generally see it myself, either. I see them as a quintessential 80s alt. band, just as much as The Smiths, and their aesthetic choices were simply harkening back to the glam rock era, and his songwriting is simply slightly darker than other alternative bands (which tend to be dark as it is, although I also see you aren't a big Pixies fan either. How do you feel about Nirvana, then?).

Post by **Henrik** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:08 pm

This may sound weird, but after each of the last years, when we have focused on a particular decade, I have had a period where I've got a bit tired of its music. What I mean is that when we have listened to decade x I have had more of "it feels great to move on to decade y" than "I really love this decade that I've spent so much time with". This year however, where I made a top 100 songs list for each year of the '80s, has been different. I have generally upgraded both music that I grew up with and have a nostalgic eye to, and music I have discovered later. It now seems clear to me that the '80s has just as much great music to offer to my ears as the '60s and the '70s do. Well, I will find out during 2014 when I will make top 100 songs lists for the '70s years, if those are even easier to fill with songs I love.

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:08 pm

VERY happy that:

Like a Prayer almost made the top 40!
Computer World made the top 40!
The R.E.M. albums are dropping like flies.
My favorite album has yet to appear!

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:10 pm

Henrik wrote:This may sound weird, but after each of the last years, when we have focused on a particular decade, I have had a period where I've got a bit tired of its music. What I mean is that when we have listened to decade x I have had more of "it feels great to move on to decade y" than "I really love this decade that I've spent so much time with". This year however, where I made a top 100 songs list for each year of the '80s, has been different. I have generally upgraded both music that I grew up with and have a nostalgic eye to, and music I have discovered later. It now seems clear to me that the '80s has just as much great music to offer to my ears as the '60s and the '70s do. Well, I will find out during 2014 when I will make top 100 songs lists for the '70s years, if those are even easier to fill with songs I love.

So happy to hear this sentiment! This forum is great in that it celebrates music of all decades. The 80s have too long been regarded as the redheaded stepchild of the rock and roll era.

Post by **Henrik** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:11 pm

Rocky Raccoon wrote:It's just a joke playing off the commonly held misconception that Germans don't have a sense of humor.

Yeah, I guess I knew this misconception. I probably would have enjoyed your joke more if it wasn't about my #1 album...

Kingoftonga · Post by **Kingoftonga** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:17 pm

Henrik wrote: "The Man Machine" used to be my favorite Kraftwerk album, but that suddenly changed a few years ago. Now "Computer World" is in my top 5 all-time while "The Man Machine" has dropped considerably. Reason: I find "Computer World" incredibly consistent, while "Spacelab", "Metropolis" and "Neon Lights" have become weaker to my ears.

I don't know...I think Computerwelt has better hits than Die Mensch-Maschine ("Computerliebe" and the title track are both classics), but I always considered Die Mensch-Maschine to be slightly more consistent. "Heimcomputer" and "It's More Fun To Compute" strike me as weaker than anything on Mensch-Maschine. Although, like Moonbeam, I feel the need to point out that "Metropolis" and "Neon Lights" are two of the strongest songs on that album!

Gillingham · Post by **Gillingham** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:18 pm

Listyguy, I was wondering why I'm not listed as a hater of Appetite for Destruction, since it was one of my lowest placed albums (of not the lowest). Am I listed as a hater for any album?

Looking forward to the top 20 now.

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:20 pm

Sweepstakes Ron wrote:Moonbeam's comments about R.E.M. keep making me think of this scene from The Simpsons.
I can only imagine...

Moonbeam: "6 R.E.M. albums and no Gap Band albums make Moonbeam something something."
Rocky Raccoon: "...'go crazy'?"
Moonbeam: "Don't mind if I do! LET'S GO CRAZY! LET'S GET NUTS! LET'S LOOK FOR THE PURPLE BANANA 'TIL THEY PUT US IN THE TRUCK, LET'S GO!"

Awesome!

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:56 pm

Gillingham wrote:Listyguy, I was wondering why I'm not listed as a hater of Appetite for Destruction, since it was one of my lowest placed albums (of not the lowest). Am I listed as a hater for any album?

Sorry about that, I must have missed it. I'll add you. The haters are the bottom 10% of any voter's list (which would only be 29-31 for you).

Zorg · Post by **Zorg** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:04 am

Henrik wrote:
Listyguy wrote: 40. Kraftwerk – Computerwelt (Computer World) (1981)

Comments:
"By 1981, the synthesized worlds that Kraftwerk pioneered had taken over the airwaves, but they still showed themselves to be at the forefront with 'Computer World'. 'The Man Machine' may be more consistent, but the 1-2 punch of the sacred 'Computer Love' and superfun 'Pocket Calculator' make this my favorite." Moonbeam
"The Man Machine" used to be my favorite Kraftwerk album, but that suddenly changed a few years ago. Now "Computer World" is in my top 5 all-time while "The Man Machine" has dropped considerably. Reason: I find "Computer World" incredibly consistent, while "Spacelab", "Metropolis" and "Neon Lights" have become weaker to my ears.

CRAZY!! The Man Machine is the only one I listen to any more (though I adore them all, of course). Neon Lights is so glittery!

Zorg · Post by **Zorg** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:09 am

Moonbeam wrote:
Henrik wrote:This may sound weird, but after each of the last years, when we have focused on a particular decade, I have had a period where I've got a bit tired of its music. What I mean is that when we have listened to decade x I have had more of "it feels great to move on to decade y" than "I really love this decade that I've spent so much time with". This year however, where I made a top 100 songs list for each year of the '80s, has been different. I have generally upgraded both music that I grew up with and have a nostalgic eye to, and music I have discovered later. It now seems clear to me that the '80s has just as much great music to offer to my ears as the '60s and the '70s do. Well, I will find out during 2014 when I will make top 100 songs lists for the '70s years, if those are even easier to fill with songs I love.
So happy to hear this sentiment! This forum is great in that it celebrates music of all decades. The 80s have too long been regarded as the redheaded stepchild of the rock and roll era.

As one of those people who regards the 80s relatively negatively (though mainly because I haven't heard much from it at all - the things I have heard, I love), I have to say the comments make me really really want to listen to the 80s. It seems more colourful and wacky and zany and varied. I think it's time to spend some time listening to solely 80s music, and fill in the massive blanks in my knowledge.

Starting now. Introductory Cure album. Go.

Jirin · Post by **Jirin** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:12 am

Listy, you counted my #2 ranking of Tabula Rasa, right? It was one of the mistakes on my original ballot that I corrected when you pointed out the missing numbers.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:22 am

Jirin wrote:Listy, you counted my #2 ranking of Tabula Rasa, right? It was one of the mistakes on my original ballot that I corrected when you pointed out the missing numbers.

Yes, I did. I have two copies of everyone's list-one that to tabulate the points with and another to make the lover/hater lists. I used your corrected list for tabulating and the non-corrected one when filling out the biggest fans. I've changed the biggest fans to include your vote.

Jirin · Post by **Jirin** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:56 am

Listyguy wrote:
Jirin wrote:Listy, you counted my #2 ranking of Tabula Rasa, right? It was one of the mistakes on my original ballot that I corrected when you pointed out the missing numbers.
Yes, I did. I have two copies of everyone's list-one that to tabulate the points with and another to make the lover/hater lists. I used your corrected list for tabulating and the non-corrected one when filling out the biggest fans. I've changed the biggest fans to include your vote.

Cool. It's awesome a classical album landed that high!

Henry · Post by **Henry** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 4:50 am

Three of my five least favorite albums on the list are in the top 20. I would guess that there is a very good chance that 4 of my 11 least favorite albums will be in the top 10 of the poll. I've listened to each of these albums multiple times and they just don't seem to get any more enjoyable for me.

Gillingham · Post by **Gillingham** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:11 pm

Listyguy wrote:
Gillingham wrote:Listyguy, I was wondering why I'm not listed as a hater of Appetite for Destruction, since it was one of my lowest placed albums (of not the lowest). Am I listed as a hater for any album?
Sorry about that, I must have missed it. I'll add you. The haters are the bottom 10% of any voter's list (which would only be 29-31 for you).

No problem and thanks.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 8:43 pm

Ladies and gentlemen...wait who am I kidding? Gentlemen, it is time to begin the countdown of the top 20 albums of the decade:

20. Prince – 1999 (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/8517014313d72b ... 345886.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1632.79

Biggest fans:
Moonbeam (1/150), Romain (7/149), Stephan (8/139), RockyRaccoon (12/150), Listyguy (12/150), Henry (15/150)

Comments:
"I may not have rated this as high as others will on the forum. I just find that it has too many overly long songs that don't reman interesting enough to justify it's acclaim." Mattcienicram

"I can never decide whether my favorite genre is synth pop or funk. With this album, I don't have to choose - it has everything that I could ever want in an album - its neon purple future-funk utopia/dystopia is a world unto itself that has been a welcome haven for me from childhood days of establishing my own identity through the difficulty of adolescence at which time I could look to it to find my own inner strength to in a roundabout way leading me to my wife and life here in Australia. I can honestly say that I don't know who I would be without this album, and I can't think of any greater praise than that." Moonbeam

"It’s got one great song after another. The opening trifecta of '1999,' 'Little Red Corvette' and 'Delirious' match any album ever made. It moves, it grooves, it funks, it rocks, and Prince widens his thematic scope. A double album that feels like it goes by in the time of a single album. No. 12" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 25 (+5)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 27

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 190

19. The Replacements – Let it Be (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/41384c086033c6 ... 092030.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1654.89

Biggest fans:
Harold (1/145), Maximumbeef (3/88), Nassim (4/116), Greg (7/145), Jirin (10/128), Brad (11/150)

Not a fan:
Miguel (93/102), Henrik (136/148)

Comments:
"Rock and Roll the way it was supposed to be: guitar, drums, bass and vocals played, and sung, loud and loose and far from perfect. In fact, it’s almost perfect in its imperfections. It comes from the gut, and the heart, and probably other parts of the human anatomy (tonsils, boners, anyone?). No. 18" RockyRaccoon

"A fun album at time, but at other times very anguished. Case in point: 'Answering Machine', one of the best closers to an album." Listyguy

Place in 1984 poll: Tied for 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 27 (+8)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 33

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 223

18. Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A. (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/3109d53637a14f ... 806886.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1665.30

Biggest fans:
LiveinPhoenix (1/120), Listyguy (2/150), Dan (2/150), RockyRaccoon (3/150), Bruno (6/50), DocBrown (9/60), Stephan (12/139), Greg (13/145)

Not a fan:
Romain (140/149), Mindrocker (138/150), Jimmyjazz (84/88)

Comments:
"You’d have to look up which songs were NOT Top Ten smashes. Bruce no longer always leans hard on the dramatic moments, and lines like, 'Some heading home to their families, some looking to get hurt' are stunning in their tossed-off delivery. This album earned itself a space in rock n’ roll Valhalla before it even got around to the highlight, 'Dancing in the Dark,' eleven songs into the album (and then there’s still 'My Hometown')." LiveinPhoenix

"My favorite Bruce album, and it’s all because of the songs, there isn’t a dud among them. The music is massive, and it’s deceptive because it hides his tales of disenfranchisement in the land of the free behind the raucous tunes. Those willing to listen knew what he was talking about. Reagan didn’t. No. 3" RockyRaccoon

"This was my favorite of the decade for a while, and what's not to love? Almost every song is either a smash hit or a dark leftover from 'Nebraska'." Listyguy

Place in 1984 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 22 (+4)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 26

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 162

17. The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/b3417d667ff2e7 ... 431357.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1713.15

Biggest fans:
Kingoftonga (1/150),Craig (4/150), Jirin (5/128), Mattcienicram (5/73), ChrisK (6/150), Brad (9/150)

Not a fan:
Otisredding (80/83)

Comments:
"Maybe someday my eyes will open and I'll be able to appreciate this for the masterpiece it apparently is. But it wasn't this time; 'Teen Age Riot' aside, this album somehow manages to strike me as both needlessly abrasive and boring. I'm come around on "Sister," but not this one for some reason." Kingoftonga

"The first time I heard this I was surprised by how derivative it was considering I’d read what a groundbreaking, influential album it was. I like it well enough, I just don’t get the whole best-album-of-the-year-possibly-decade hype. 'I Wanna Be Adored' is a killer opening track, though, and it’s still in my personal top 20 of the year. But when I’m in the mood, I’m more likely to listen to the Byrds. No. 77" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 14 (-3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 9

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 56

16. Paul Simon – Graceland (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/a4b0cedaa8995d ... 143782.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1761.86

Biggest fans:
Stephan (1/139), Miguel (1/102), Gillingham (2/31), DocBrown (3/60), Dan (4/150), Nicolas (4/150), RockyRaccoon (8/150), Michel (14/139), Kingoftonga (14/150)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (148/150), Romain (135/149)

Comments:
"Much of what I love about African music is captured in this album: isicathamiya, mbaqanga , soukous, splendid a cappella harmonies. But is it a flawed and egotistic attempt at African music by a white American man? Oh, please. As another fan of the album around here once alluded to: it’s a sincere and beautiful marriage of Africa and folk. And thank fuck for such a beautiful marriage." Dan

"It takes a lot to make African music sound boring, but Paul Simon managed to do just that." Moonbeam

"Simon’s best album, and it probably came as a surprise to a lot of people at this point in his career. The song writing is what makes it so good and provides a solid foundation for the Soweto and Bayou sounds he incorporates to embellish and improve the overall sound of the album. No. 8" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1986 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 13 (-3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 15

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 78

PlasticRam · Post by **PlasticRam** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:00 pm

"Being nothing like popular music at the time, Graceland is something very special; a phenomenal musical achievement." PlasticRam

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:38 pm

We start off this next set with a major jumper:

15. Kate Bush – Hounds of Love (1985)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/4c38fe1b64618c ... 288422.png[/imgsize]

Score:
1767.40

Biggest fans:
DocBrown (1/60), Kingoftonga (6/150), Mindrocker (7/150), Nassim (7/116), Sonofsamiam (9/150), Dan (12/150), Henrik (12/148), Listyguy (13/150), Mattcienicram (13/73)

Comments:
"I’ve never figured out what to make of most of the second half of this album, but Hounds of Love is eccentric genius babe Kate Bush at her most eccentric (well, maybe) and most genius. As 'Cloudbusting' opens, I feel small even being in her recorded presence. Sometimes I wish 'And Dream of Sheep' would happen to me, under the delusion that I could enjoy the song just a little extra." LiveinPhoenix

"While I prefer 'Never for Ever', it's hard to deny 'Hounds of Love' as amazing in its own right. 'Cloudbusting' in particular is the stuff of gods." Moonbeam

"Big and bold, musically, lyrically and vocally. Sometimes her reach exceeds her grasp, like on 'Waking the Witch,' but for the most part it works well, and her risk taking deserves applause. No. 82" RockyRaccoon

"This one took a few listens to 'get', but now I love it." Listyguy

Place in 1985 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 37 (+22)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 29

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 197

14. The Cure – Disintegration (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/32e81fd1031bc4 ... 981256.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1795.44

Biggest fans:
Greg (1/145), JamieW (1/150), Moonbeam (3/150), Gillingham (4/31), Jimmyjazz (9/88)

Not a fan:
RockyRaccoon (147/150)

Comments:
"Thank you, Robert Smith, for making me like the Cure as much as I’d always wanted to, this one time. (And for defeating Mecha-Streisand.) This album was frankly drug-influenced, and once you get past the idea of the songs ever ending, they do have a certain hypnotic pull to them." LiveinPhoenix

"A perfect capstone to a decade in which they showed such a massive spectrum of tones, 'Disintegration' is without flaw. Every song here features at least three melodies strong enough to carry a song in their own right played on different instruments." Moonbeam

"This is supposedly the band’s best album, but since I don’t get the appeal of this band in general, I don’t get the appeal of this album. Do people like vapid lyrics, warbly vocals and monotonous, dull music? No. 147" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 21 (+7)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 57

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 379

13. Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones (1983)

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/Current/A571.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1808.45

Biggest fans:
Gillingham (1/31), Honorio (1/150), Henrik (3/148), Superfurry (5/125), Jirin (9/128), Miguel (11/102), Dan (13/150), Mindrocker (15/150), Nicolas (15/150), Jimmyjass (15/88)

Not a fan:
Henry (150/150)

Comments:
""A precious pile of junk", that's the way Roger Roca described the album for Rockdelux. Waits seemed to manufacture his album with materials from demolished buildings (as vintage jazz, Berlin cabaret, New Orleans parade music or lunatic Delta blues), rummaging among the debris to find a terrific new sound not tied at all with the sound of his contemporaries." Honorio

"The sound of stumbling through an eerie carnival in your dreams. Few albums have overcome my general sonic barriers quite like this." Moonbeam

"The album that set the blueprint for another thirty years and counting of Tom Waits albums. So either you like it or you don’t. I tend to like it, even if I prefer Rain Dogs slightly. They’re a pretty good one-two punch for the ’80s. No. 63" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1983 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 15 (+2)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 18

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 101

12. U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/ccceb18dec5186 ... 936787.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1835.70

Biggest fans:
ChrisK (1/150), RockyRaccoon (2/150), Bruno (2/50), Craig (3/150), Stephan (3/139), Gillingham (6/31), Dan (9/150), Miguel (10/102), LiveinPhoenix (10/120), Michel (13/139), DaveC (14/150), Mattcienicram (14/73)

Not a fan:
Brad (145/150), Maximumbeef (85/88)

Comments:
"U2 suxx!!!" Maximumbeef

“There is nothing short of a spiritual experience when listening to this outstanding effort from U2.” Mattcienicram

"This album consumed my junior year in high school. The music is almost epic to biblical proportions. Yes, sometimes Bono gets wrapped up in his own significance. But to me, that’s part of the point. No. 2" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 17 (+5)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 6

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 38

11. Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/62b6f1b6a7da22 ... 666135.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1855.56

Biggest fans:
Superfurry (1/125), Maximumbeef (5/88), DaveC (6/150), Mattcienicram (6/73), LiveinPhoenix (8/120), RockyRaccoon (9/150), Harold (10/145), Mindrocker (14/150), Jimmyjazz (14/88)

Not a fan:
(Bottom 15 or none)

Comments:
"Sonic Youth tapped into a generations energy, while turning noise into an artform." Mattcienicram

"Goo was my first Sonic Youth album, and one of the first CD’s I bought once I had a player. I’d heard about the band and this album through Rolling Stone’s top albums of the ’80s list. When Goo was released and getting good reviews, I thought I’d give it a try. It was great, I really enjoyed it, and therefor had to backtrack and buy Daydream Nation. I was in no way prepared for the alternative feedback and rock majesty of the album. It still captivates me every time I listen to it. No. 9" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 8 (-3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 13

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 70

Rocky Raccoon · Post by **Rocky Raccoon** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:03 pm

I think I'm also a "biggest fan" of Daydream Nation.

JimmyJazz · Post by **JimmyJazz** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:16 pm

I think I'm also a "biggest fan" of Hounds of Love.

Jirin · Post by **Jirin** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:25 pm

Rain Dogs still in.

RESPECT THE GROWL!

Gillingham · Post by **Gillingham** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:27 pm

Some bonafide gems in this batch. But that's not very strange since we are getting closer to the top. Even so, I don't think the top ten wel beat these ten when it comes to the amount of absolute classics (for me).

Gillingham · Post by **Gillingham** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:29 pm

Jirin wrote:Rain Dogs still in.

RESPECT THE GROWL!

Would have thought those two would end even closer to one another. Although I prefer Swordfishtrombones, I'm glad Waits made it to our top 10!

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:54 pm

10. Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/2507293db61b68 ... 575387.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1861.25

Biggest fans:
Sonofsamiam (2/150), Otisredding (3/83), Mindrocker (4/150), RockyRaccoon (5/150), Jimmyjazz (5/88), Dan (6/150), Bruno (7/50), Kingoftonga (7/150), Maximumbeef (8/88), Mattcienicram (7/73), Harold (13/145), ChrisK (15/150)

Not a fan:
Romain (149/149),Miguel (102/102), Henry (146/150), DaveC (139/150)

Comments:
"A lot of rap music from this era sounds very dated to me, but Public Enemy still sounds like a breath of fresh air - who knew that angry political music could sound this good?" Kingoftonga

“This is hip-hops finest moment” Mattcienicram

“The big leap forward for hip hop, both for its (conscious) lyrical content and for its powerful, innovative and well-constructed music collage.” Honorio

"Best rap album ever. The one that made me think rap had staying power rather than being a novelty. The dense production made it sound like nothing else before and was the perfect accompaniment to Chuck D’s sinister, on-point political rhymes. Flava Flav is a great second fiddle, providing a stark, comedic contrast. Believe the hype. No. 5" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 9 (-1)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 1

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 18

9. Prince – Sign “O” the Times (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e8ee33d9179000 ... 924249.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1907.43

Biggest fans:
Romain (1/149), Jimmyjazz (1/88), Harold (2/145), RockyRaccoon (4/150), Jirin (4/128), Moonbeam (6/150), Dan (7/150), Nicolas (8/150), Sonofsamiam (8/150), Bruno (10/50), Henrik (11/148), Honorio (12/150), Mindrocker (13/150)

Not a fan:
Gillingham (30/31)

Comments:
"A succulent banquet of contemporary music, displaying a varied amount of delicacies cooked with inventiveness, craft and inspiration." Honorio

"Prince manages to capture just about everything he does so well across 80 minutes. I can understand why this is the consensus favorite for that reason alone even if there are a couple Prince albums I prefer - it neatly answers the question of "'makes Prince so great?' in the most diverse way." Moonbeam

"It’s as if Prince is just showing off here. A remarkable double album of such scope, Prince eases from once style of music to another and shows he’s a master of all of them. He also shows of a more mature and sophisticated side of himself in the lyrics. One of the few instances where a double album wouldn’t be better if you cut it down to a single album. No. " RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 3 (-6)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 2

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 26

8. R.E.M. – Murmur (1983)

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/Current/A572.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1962.17

Biggest fans:
Brad (2/150), ChrisK (3/150), Harold (5/145), LiveinPhoenix (5/120), Superfurry (6/125), Jimmyjazz (8/88), Stephan (9/139), Michel (9/139), DocBrown (10/60), Greg (12/145), Kingoftonga (12/150), RockyRaccoon (13/150), Jirin (15/128), Otisredding (15/83)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (142/150), Gillingham (29/31)

Comments:
"Typically I demand that songs make a bit of sense (unless you’re going psychedelic). Where’s the emotional content, otherwise? Amazingly, R.E.M. chose a form of expression independent of that whole business, and debuted on LP with enough talent and confidence to expect you to come to them, instead of the other way around, basing a 30-year career off that principle." LiveinPhoenix

"Six R.E.M. albums and no Siouxsie and the Banshees albums makes Moonbeam a sad boy." Moonbeam

"The music inside is just how you would imagine it sounds from looking at the art on the cover. It’s an earthy, dreamy experience to listen to, emphasis on 'experience.' All the songs stand out and none of the songs stand out, making it an almost perfect whole. The proof is that it finished second in our poll without any songs other than 'Radio Free Europe' (from 1981) finishing in the top 15. No. 13" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1983 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 7 (-1)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 12

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 68

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:55 pm

If your name is missing from one of the biggest fans sections, I probably just missed it and will add it if you tell me.

@Jimmyjazz: Hounds of Love was 16 on your list. Biggest fans are top 15.

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:06 pm

1999 in the top 20 is awwwwwwesome! Glad to see bumps for Kate, The Cure, and Swordfishtrombones. Speaking of Tom Waits, I think Rain Dogs is ok, but it is totally demolished by its predecessor, in my mind. Maybe it'll take a few more listens for Rain Dogs to make an impression, but Swordfishtrombones takes me on such a strangely wonderful journey.

Moonbeam · Post by **Moonbeam** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:09 pm

RockyRaccoon wrote:This is supposedly the band’s best album, but since I don’t get the appeal of this band in general, I don’t get the appeal of this album. Do people like vapid lyrics, warbly vocals and monotonous, dull music? No. 147"

I guess this forum likes vapid lyrics, warbly vocals and monotonous, dull music in about equal proportion to pretentious lyrics, disgustingly nasal vocals and an endless monochrome jangle from Hell!

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:11 pm

7. Joy Division – Closer (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/5819f0da26306c ... 334740.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
1972.47

Biggest fans:
Michel (1/139), LiveinPhoenix (2/120), Romain (6/149), ChrisK (7/150), Superfurry (7/125), Jimmyjazz (7/88), Mattcienicram (7/73), Listyguy (8/150), Mindrocker (8/150), Greg (11/145), DaveC (13/150), JamieW (15/150)

Comments:
"Dark, almost unremittingly so. A bit hard to take at times, but definitely deserving of the praise." Kingoftonga

“What a tragedy that this would be Joy Divison's last work.” Mattcienicram

"I imagine it’s hard for some people to separate the music on this album from the event that preceded its release. Since my own interest in music started a few years afterward, I have no such problem. Standing on its own merits, it sounds brooding, engrossing, mesmerizing and of course melancholy, to put it mildly. What’s that all equal? A great album that may be a little overrated because of circumstance. Too bad it was the last. No. 31" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 2

Place in the 2008 poll: 10 (+3)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 7

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 41

6. Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/458d793f8f1f2d ... 694187.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
2061.63

Biggest fans:
Henry (1/150), Bruno (1/50), LiveinPhoenix (4/120), Stephan (4/139), Henrik (7/148), Craig (8/150), Jirin (8/128), Dan (8/150), JamieW (8/150), Nicolas (9/150), Honorio (10/150), Jimmyjazz (12/88), RockyRaccon (14/150), Listyguy (14/150), Nassim (15/116)

Comments:
"A good album, and certainly an influential one, but I was never totally on board with it's 'Best of All Time' status, mostly because I can't stand 'The Girl Is Mine.' Still, the four song run of Thriller - Beat It - Billie Jean - Human Nature is perhaps one of the best of the decade." Kingoftonga

“It could possibly be a bit overated, but there is no argument that it is the most influential pop record of all time.” Mattcienicram

“The best-selling album ever deserves for sure to be in the top 10. There are enough evidences throughout the album to support that: the stronger set of songs on Jackson career, the wide range of styles displayed, the crossover appeal capable to satisfy both the most exigent critic and the casual listener and, of course, the meticulous production of Quincy Jones.” Honorio

“Once upon a time, Michael Jackson was gracious enough to supply the planet with its official Best-Selling Album Ever. This is the one album where if you out-sell it at any point, you’re actually an asshole. Unlike the Eagles’ first greatest hits album, whose success brings to mind a plague of suburbanites, Thriller swoops up every demographic it brushes past. (The lilywhite MTV channel soon became MJ's playground, once they let 'Billie Jean' on.)” LiveinPhoenix

"Everyone knows how massive this album was, and what all the big hits were. And for the most part it deserved to be. There are a couple of soft spots here and there, which is why I rate it a little lower than conventional thought, but it’s still epic. No. 14" RockyRaccoon

"Deservingly massive, but dragged down by the terrifyingly awful 'The Girl Is Mine' and the dull 'The Lady in My Life'." Moonbeam

Place in 1982 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 16 (+10)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 4

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 28

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:21 pm

It's now time for the top 5!

5. Talking Heads – Remain in Light (1980)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/45fa2c8085d8a2 ... 553048.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
2102.63

Biggest fans:
Mindrocker (1/150), Michel (2/139), Dan (3/150), Kingoftonga (3/150), DaveC (4/150), ChrisK (4/150), Honorio (5/150), Miguel (6/102), RockyRaccoon (7/150), Gillingham (8/31), Greg (10/145), Jimmyjazz (10/88), Henrik (10/148), Otisredding (10/83), Romain (13/149), Stephan (13/139)

Comments:
"The album that sounds like nothing else -- not even anything else in the Talking Heads' catalog. Come for the catchy melodies, stay for the polyrhythms lurking under the surface." Kingoftonga

“The confluence of the angular pop of their first offerings and their peculiar brand of cold-funk created this groundbreaking work of art. Influences of world music, synth-pop, goth rock and ambient music (courtesy of producer Brian Eno) added more interesting textures to the mix. Music for dancing with your brain.” Honorio

“Strangely, I’ve not been able to love any other Talking Heads album nearly as much as this one. The reason for loving 'Remain in Light' as much is that I feel it fully captures the essence of new wave. And I guess anything that precedes or follows a genre-defining album will pale in comparison.” Dan

"Listening to it now, nothing’s changed my opinion that this is an album greater than the sum of its parts. That’s saying a lot, because its parts are pretty fantastic. An incessant groove, and sometimes beat, propelled by just slightly off kilter Afro rhythms make it a unique listen to my ears to this day. And a great one. The first four songs are perfect. The second four aren’t quite as good, but they still beat most. No. 7" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1980 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 4 (-1)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 5

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 36

4. Tom Waits – Rain Dogs (1985)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e451814ab9add8 ... 867327.jpg[/imgsize]

Score:
2107.77

Biggest fans:
Nicolas (1/150), Jirin (1/128), Gillingham (3/31), Listyguy (4/150), Jimmyjazz (4/88), Kingoftonga (4/150), Dan (5/150), Greg (6/145), Craig (7/150), DocBrown (8/60), Henrik (8/148), Superfurry (8/125), Sonofsamiam (13/150), Stephan (15/139), Mattcienicram (15/73)

Not a fan:
Henry (149/150), Nassim (112/116)

Comments:
"An album with such a remarkable variety of styles, genres, and songwriting techniques that it's almost impossible to pick out a favorite. It's rather cliche to describe an album as 'greater than the sum of its parts,' but in the case of this one it's certainly true. While each song on Rain Dogs stands on its own, together, they create one of the most phenomenally diverse records to come out the decade." Kingoftonga

“From polka to tango, from country to cabaret, from blues to power ballads, the strong music personality of Waits could effortlessly stick it together.” Honorio

"My favorite Waits album, it has all the elements that has made him so good (well, for the most part) for the last thirty years. And it’s got 'Downtown Train.' No. 34" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1985 poll: 1

Place in the 2008 poll: 6 (+2)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 21

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 114

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:22 pm

And we're down to three: Pixies, Prince and the Smiths! Feel free to take a stab at the order; expect results in a half an hour.