Albums of the 80s: Results!

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Listyguy
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Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

Welcome back the show! It's time for the second part of the 80s final poll, this time with the albums.

We have a compilation (are those allowed?) of the top 15 albums from each year, as voted by you, and then ranked again to determine the best of the decade.

Here are the 33(!) voters who helped make this list possible:
Brad
Bruno
ChrisK
Craig
Dan
DaveC
DocBrown
Gillingham
Greg
Harold
Henrik
Henry
Honorio
JamieW
JimmyJazz
Jirin
Kingoftonga
Listyguy
LiveinPhoenix
Mattcienicram
Maximumbeef
Michel
Miguel
Mindrocker
Moonbeam
Nassim
Nicolas
Otisredding
RockyRaccoon
Romain
Sonofsamiam
Stephan
Superfurry

A special thanks to those who listened to all of the albums, and an even great thanks to RockyRaccoon, who added comments for all 150 albums!

Please be aware that unlike Moonbeam, I will be going through the list rather slowly due to time restraints on my end.

Anyway, it's time to begin the countdown:
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

150. Whitney Houston – Whitney (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/537f1cf88e44f1 ... 799094.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
968.24

Biggest fans:
Henry (12/150), Bruno (12/50)

Not a fan:
Sonofsamiam (150/150), JamieW (150/150), Listyguy (150/150), Mindrocker (150/150), Brad (150/150), Superfurry (125/125), Nicolas (149/150), Honorio (148/150), RockyRaccoon (146/150), ChrisK (145/150), Kingoftonga (145/150), Dan (141/150), Michel (136/139), DocBrown (56/60), Henrik (139/148)

Comments:
"This album sounded very eighties even in the eighties. Not necessarily a good thing. It’s mostly wet pap with only Houston’s voice and a couple of good songs to redeem it at all. No. 146" RockyRaccoon

"The only real justice about this album being on this list is that it finished last." Listyguy

Place in 1987 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: Not Ranked




149. George Michael – Faith (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/a5a450ade557f2 ... 707375.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
986.12

Biggest fans:
Bruno (26/50)

Not a fan:
JimmyJazz (88/88), Michel (138/139), Honorio (145/150), Sonofsamiam (143/150), Brad (140/150), DaveC (137/150), Superfurry (120/125), Stephan (128/139)

Comments:
"The title track is great, the rest ranges from good to a couple of tracks that are merely okay. But Michael shows he can slip into various styles of music (pop, rock, dance, soul) and wear them all rather well. No. 78" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 101

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 616




148. Madonna – True Blue (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/22efdfbdae0f92 ... 726983.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1047.66

Biggest fans:
JamieW (25/150)

Not a fan:
Mindrocker (148/150), Michel (135/139), Brad (142/150), DocBrown (55/60), Honorio (139/150), JimmyJazz (86/88)

Comments:
"The perfect gateway between her bubblegum triumph of 'Like a Virgin' and her great artistic leap in 'Like a Prayer', 'True Blue' ensured she wouldn't be locked away as a flash-in-the-pan. Tracks like 'Papa Don't Preach' and 'Live to Tell' showed great growth, while 'Open Your Heart' kept her atop the dancefloor throne." Moonbeam

"A nice collection of Madonna songs. I’m not a big Madonna fan, but I can’t say that she doesn’t put out music I don’t mind listening to more than once. At least not at this point of her career. No. 102" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1986 poll: 11

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 253

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1389




147. Kate Bush – The Sensual World (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/99bced57803066 ... 329859.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1048.06

Biggest fans:
DocBrown (20/60)

Not a fan:
Craig (150/150)

Comments:
"Kate's weakest 80s album is still quite good in its own right. The madness has given way to a more mature sensuality here, and Kate delivers it perfectly." Moonbeam

"A little more straight forward than Hounds of Love, and therefore, for me, not quite such an interesting listen. It’s not something I’d go back to by choice. No. 131" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 327

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1791




146. Prince – Lovesexy (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/b9f8c044b4a2e1 ... 361573.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1062.58

Biggest fans:
Moonbeam (2/150)

Not a fan:
Stephan (129/139), ChrisK (142/150), Jirin (117/128), Superfurry (118/125), Michel (129/139)

Comments:
"The most ecstatic album ever made, it has served as a spiritual and personal companion throughout my life." Moonbeam

"Prince just doing his thing again. Throughout the ’80s he had a knack for making each of his albums sound distinct from one another while still being distinctly Prince. This one’s not as strong as some, but it’s got the funky-ass 'Alphabet St.' and hard driving 'Dance On' to recommend it. No. 61" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: 13

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 318

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1760
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Henrik »

The end of the AMF pop era...
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Live in Phoenix »

Thanks in advance, Rocky Raccoon, for all 150 of your comments! I was hoping someone would do that.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

145. Living Colour – Vivid (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/25f7d174c88fcc ... 384267.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1071.44

Biggest fans:
Miguel (7/102)

Not a fan:
Superfurry (124/125), Dan (149/150), DaveC (141/150), Harold (138/145), Henrik (144/148)

Comments:
"It's sad that by 1988, guitars were essentially seen as 'white people's music'. Thankfully, Living Colour burst onto the seen with some of the most roaring funk and funkiest rock since Funkadelic." Moonbeam

"These guys were a breath of fresh air when they first surfaced. A black hard rock group that actually rocked and weren’t anything like the hair metal bands of the day. They even got MTV play time and display plenty of variety from songs such as 'Cult of Personality' to 'Glamour Boys.' No. 32" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: Tied for 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 247

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1340




144. Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/1360fe93f903a0 ... 808858.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1079.42

Biggest fans:
Nicolas (7/150)

Not a fan:
Stephan (126/139), Honorio (146/150), DaveC (143/150), Dan (143/150), Listyguy (142/150), ChrisK (140/150), Superfurry (113/125)

Comments:
"The silly monster imagery made me write off Iron Maiden a long time ago, but the guitar work here is outstanding and often quite fun." Moonbeam

"They’re almost as calculating as a packaged boy band, although with a different audience. Their image was created and nary a riff was out of place. Sounds tame now, only good for a chuckle. No. 128" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 12

Place in the 2008 poll: 93

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 64

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 421




143. Nirvana – Bleach (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/0a945b896c4f8c ... 346127.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1082.26

Biggest fans:
DocBrown (11/60), LiveinPhoenix (13/120)

Not a fan:
JamieW (142/150), Sonofsamiam (141/150), Stephan (133/139), Honorio (137/150), Mindrocker (136/150), Henrik (135/148)

Comments:
"Still a developing band. And yet by 'developing band,' I mean change some things by next time—drummer, production, more time on the lyrics, some acoustic touches--and you have my favorite album ever, so this was still my favorite album of ’89." LiveinPhoenix

"This one sounds like it’s ahead of the curve for a debut album, and we all know what came next. It’s fair to say this one shows promise, but it’s only half correct. The other half of the time they’re already there. No. 92" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 13

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 210

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1133




142. Duran Duran – Rio (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/216893eb067bed ... 580772.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1092.48

Biggest fans:
Kingoftonga (19/150)

Not a fan:
Michel (139/139), Brad (148/150), Superfurry (123/125), DaveC (138/150), Nicolas (138/150)

Comments:
"Of course it’s a guilty pleasure, but made less guilty by the fact this light-weight new wave actually has tunes worth listening to. Simon LeBon’s lyrics aren’t terrible, either. No. 90" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 11

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 150

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 872




141. Prince – Around the World in a Day (1985)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/b6b2e8588d2bcc ... 885821.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1095.77

Biggest fans:
Romain (20/149)

Not a fan:
LiveinPhoenix (119/120)

Comments:
"I'll keep it positive--I like two songs." LiveinPhoenix

'A very brave effort on the heels of 'Purple Rain', this impressionistic, kaleidoscopic explosion of color confused fans and critics alike, but it showed that he wasn't afraid to make sacrifices for his art.'' Moonbeam

"I pretty much like everything Prince did in the ’80s, but even I have to admit this is a pick-and-choose album. 'Raspberry Beret' is especially worthy of taking, the last two songs are worthy of leaving. No. 120" RockyRacoon

Place in 1985 poll: 11

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 217

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1167
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Great presentation, Listyguy!

I'm very very dismayed by our bottom 5, though. Pop is not a dirty word, people! How any of these could place below Mary Margaret O'Hara, Roy Orbison, Traveling Wilburys, at least one of the endless R.E.M. albums or freaking AC/DC is something I'll never understand.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Did I really just mistake "seen" for "scene"? That's what I get for typing up my comments in a rush at the last minute!

None of my bottom 25 have yet to appear, but 2 of my top 25 are already gone, as well as 2 others in my top 40. Boo!
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by JimmyJazz »

Moonbeam wrote:Great presentation, Listyguy!

I'm very very dismayed by our bottom 5, though. Pop is not a dirty word, people! How any of these could place below Mary Margaret O'Hara, Roy Orbison, Traveling Wilburys, at least one of the endless R.E.M. albums or freaking AC/DC is something I'll never understand.
To be honest, I simply enjoy the other two Madonna albums more than True Blue. I am dismayed that Kate and Joey Coco are already placing this low, though :(
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

JimmyJazz wrote:
Moonbeam wrote:Great presentation, Listyguy!

I'm very very dismayed by our bottom 5, though. Pop is not a dirty word, people! How any of these could place below Mary Margaret O'Hara, Roy Orbison, Traveling Wilburys, at least one of the endless R.E.M. albums or freaking AC/DC is something I'll never understand.
To be honest, I simply enjoy the other two Madonna albums more than True Blue. I am dismayed that Kate and Joey Coco are already placing this low, though :(
I prefer Madonna and Like a Prayer as well, but being the third best by an artist hasn't yet tapered R.E.M.'s endless stream of 80s mediocrity yet.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

140. Donald Fagen – The Nightfly (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/2b3ce2c12eacad ... 499952.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1098.30

Biggest fans:
Henry (4/150)

Not a fan:
ChrisK (144/150), Jirin (118/128), Superfurry (119/125), Brad (138/150), Kingoftonga (137/150), Moonbeam (136/150)

Comments:
"This album sounds like a random venture into a restaurant at 8pm with a lounge act performing to provide some "atmosphere". A mixture of a little pop, a dash of jazz, a hint of funk, and a whole lot of boring." Moonbeam

"I like the loose, jazzy vibe, but sometimes it still comes across a little too much like muzak. Good muzak, but muzak nonetheless. No. 111" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 6

Place in the 2008 poll: 89 (-51)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 48

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 315




139. Echo and the Bunnymen – Porcupine (1983)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e761c9c6235070 ... 994647.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1101.80

Biggest fans:
Brad (12/150)

Not a fan:
JamieW (144/150), Henrik (141/148)

Comments:
"My favorite Echo and the Bunnymen effort doesn't have the majesty of 'Ocean Rain' or the rev of 'Crocodiles'. Instead, every element that makes them such a good band is on display here in knotty and twisted glory." Moonbeam

"I don’t really get this band, so I don’t really have a basis on which to say anything about them. I didn’t want to turn this album off, but I didn’t want to listen to it again, either. No. 127" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1983 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 427

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 2390




138. This Mortal Coil – It’ll End in Tears (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/eb0511a8feed37 ... 781839.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1110.75

Biggest fans:
Mindrocker (16/150)

Not a fan:
RockyRaccoon (144/150), Harold (134/145), Greg (131/145), Listyguy (137/150), Maximumbeef (82/88)

Comments:
"I had never listened to anything by this band before. Judging from their name, I thought I was going to hate it. When I first started listening to it, I thought, 'Hey, this isn’t so bad,' but then I made the mistake of continuing to listen to it. My first impression was right. Every bit as pretentious as their name suggests. Did it 'End in Tears?' No, but if I had to listen to it again it might. No. 144" RockyRaccoon

"I really just don't get this genre at all" Listyguy

Place in 1984 poll: 12

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 243

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1328




137. Grace Jones – Nightclubbing (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/88add48e9dc306 ... 461555.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1115.77

Biggest fans:
Moonbeam (16/150)

Not a fan:
Brad (141/150), Listyguy (140/150), Harold (133/145)

Comments:
"Cool, murky freak-funk courtesy of one of the most charismatic artists ever. If you told me Grace Jones was immortal, I would believe it with albums like this, 'Warm Leatherette' and 'Living My Life'." Moonbeam

"To my mild surprise, a quite good and varied collection of songs with divergent influences coming together well. Still, probably not something I’ll listen to again. No. 110" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1981 poll: 10

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 135

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 793




136. Eric B. and Rakim – Paid in Full (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e3c845dfdb6486 ... 988449.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1119.24

Biggest fans:
Sonofsamiam (11/150)

Not a fan:
Romain (147/149), Listyguy (136/150), Henrik (145/148)

Comments:
"Rakim's cool and the sparse production make this really stand out." Moonbeam

"I enjoy it to a certain degree, and I understand its importance in the history and evolution of rap, but it also sounds dated to me. Better rap debuts like LL Cool J and Run D.M.C. should have made the poll ahead of this one. No. 105" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 9

Place in the 2008 poll: 72 (-64)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 46

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 305
Last edited by Listyguy on Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:08 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Mattceinicram »

Iron Maiden's low placement disappoints me :?
Check out my music review blog! Matt and Music! mattandmusic.blogspot.com
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

In defense of Nightclubbing.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

Ok, here's the last five for today:

135. Rick James – Street Songs (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/1993c23e39cd9e ... 728832.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1120.22

Biggest fans:
Maximumbeef (7/88)

Not a fan:
Mattcienicram (73/73), Brad (149/150), ChrisK (147/150), Harold (139/145), Romain (137/149)

Comments:
"Gritty and ridiculous funk jams, Rick's panache sells these outlandish tales, carving out a larger-than-life persona that lived on long after his music stopped selling. On 'Street Songs', though, he earned that long shadow." Moonbeam

"Them streets sure are funky, and more than just a little freaky. Also with a healthy dose of rock, the way I like it. No. 96" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1981 poll: 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 259

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1449




134. U2 – The Unforgettable Fire (1984)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e4a3b219717308 ... 472951.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1120.39

Biggest fans:
Gillingham (12/31)

Not a fan:
OtisRedding (79/83)

Comments:
"Boo!!!! Get off the stage!" Maximumbeef

"Okay, so maybe their pretentions start to get the better of them a little bit on this one, well, at least Bono’s. But honestly, his heart’s in the right place, so I’m willing to forgive him, especially when he’s got a sonic canvas so beautifully lush to work with. No. 57" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1984 poll: 13

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 72

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 480




133. The Cure – Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/db8000482cf786 ... 479394.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1121.03

Biggest fans:
Miguel (31/102)

Not a fan:
Honorio (138/150)

Comments:
"Featuring some of their happiest and darkest songs, 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me' showcases The Cure's full palate perhaps better than any other album." Moonbeam

"What’s worse than a Cure album? Two Cure albums. Just kidding, sort of. A double album is entirely too much Robert Smith for me, but it does have its moments, notably 'Just Like Heaven,' but that’s obvious. No. 123" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 12

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 375

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 2077




132. Prince – Controversy (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/87e634c6036a58 ... 317265.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1121.25

Biggest fans:
Moonbeam (9/150)

Not a fan:
ChrisK (148/150), Harold (137/145), Brad (139/150), Honorio (136/150)

Comments:
"'Controversy' saw Prince dabble with new wave, expand upon the social subversion of 'Dirty Mind' (particularly the politial slant) and inject a key component that would go on to define his ethos - the marriage of race, gender, sexuality, and God all in one funky chicken-scratched stew in the form of the title track. It also saw him deliver his first grade-A ballad in 'Do Me, Baby'. The height of the Rude Boy era!" Moonbeam

"Controversy is a good name to follow up Dirty Mind. It’s kinda more of the same – no bad thing – with a couple of political songs thrown in. He’s better when he sticks to his favorite subject, but even then this album’s not as good as its predecessor. Still pretty good, though. No. 64" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1981 poll: 9

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: Bubbling




131. Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/e7befc3d8a6a00 ... 430572.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1121.98

Biggest fans:
DocBrown (19/60)

Not a fan:
Henry (136/150), Sonofsamiam (137/150), Stephan (135/139)

Comments:
"There's a very endearing quality here in the fact that you can almost imagine Trent Reznor alone in his basement making some music, we're far for the luxurious production of his 90s albums and in a way it's for the best." Nassim

"For the most part, I can only take Trent Reznor in small doses. In this case the dose is the first three songs. No. 135" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 12

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 91

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 565
Last edited by Listyguy on Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:13 am, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

The good albums are dropping like flies. :(
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by JimmyJazz »

I am also saddened that Janet Jackson didn't get a single song or album in the two lists.

I must say it is funny to read the comments by Moonbeam and Rocky, which are so often quite disparate (i.e. Kiss Me kiss Me Kiss Me).
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

JimmyJazz wrote:I am also saddened that Janet Jackson didn't get a single song or album in the two lists.
Indeed! Rhythm Nation 1814 was close, but judging by the results so far, it would have finished 149 or 150.
JimmyJazz wrote:I must say it is funny to read the comments by Moonbeam and Rocky, which are so often quite disparate (i.e. Kiss Me kiss Me Kiss Me).
:D Looks like most are siding with his view when there is a disparity! I don't understand why Dirty Mind is viewed as being so superior to Controversy.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Kingoftonga »

Great rollout so far! Does nobody else appreciate Duran Duran like I do?

I hate to be "that guy," but I actually had This Heat at #24, and Controversy at #120.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

Kingoftonga wrote:Great rollout so far! Does nobody else appreciate Duran Duran like I do?

I hate to be "that guy," but I actually had This Heat at #24, and Controversy at #120.
I like Duran Duran.
On the other matter, it appears that a few of your album IDs got messed up. Fortunately it's only about 5 of them. I'll edit the results after I fix that.

Edit: List fixed. Only changes that show in the results so far are that This Heat is no longer in the bottom 20 and Controversy moves up a few places.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Glad to see Deceit climb, but I'm sure it won't be too far.

Pretty Hate Machine is kind of hilarious, in a teenage tantrum way.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Rocky Raccoon »

Live in Phoenix wrote:Thanks in advance, Rocky Raccoon, for all 150 of your comments! I was hoping someone would do that.
No prob, I hope they're at least of some minimal entertainment value. It was quite a chore. I did it for the '00s poll and thought I'd do the same for the '80s, forgetting that there were 50 extra albums this time. I was about halfway through and wondering why it was taking so damn long, then all of a sudden it dawned on me. Oh, well, I figured I was committed to it, and I might need to be committed when it was all over.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Jirin »

I have nothing against pop music, but I think some of the pop music that's already come up are lifeless technical gloss and schmaltzy manipulation. The kind of songs written around being shown on MTV. Prince is pop too but he's anything but lifeless and schmaltzy.

You don't like Mary Margaret O'Hara MB? I have her in my top five. ;)

I think Deceit may have won over some hearts and minds in the MA games.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Jirin wrote:I have nothing against pop music, but I think some of the pop music that's already come up are lifeless technical gloss and schmaltzy manipulation. The kind of songs written around being shown on MTV. Prince is pop too but he's anything but lifeless and schmaltzy.
The only album I can see that remotely applying to is Whitney.
Jirin wrote:You don't like Mary Margaret O'Hara MB? I have her in my top five. ;)
Different strokes, I guess. I was looking forward to this album but ended up bitterly disappointed. The folky-alternachick 90s thing was a massive put-off for me even if there were moments on the album where she showed some promise. Still, by weighted song average, it came out as a 4.739/10, so slightly below average overall.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Nassim »

Well I didn't expect Faith and Whitney to rank much higher (though I have only listened to the later) and I didn't feel much support for True Blue on the first round.
Rio is more of a surprise, I find the 2nd half packed with great songs.
Street Songs and on a lesser extend Nightclubbing were both very nice surprise, I can't say I am shocked to see them on the bottom 10 but I was hoping for a batter fare.

I haven't listened to any of those Prince's albums but I did not expect any to rank this low, except maybe Lovesexy, just because I thought like R.E.M. or Springsteen he had some support around here whatever he does (and I mean more than just Moonbeam's support)

I have given up any hope of Reign in Blood not ending in the bottom 10, so so far so good... Looks like Nicolas's ranking and mine did push it up a bit.

No (longer any) album from my bottom 20 and no album from my top 20 have shown yet (21 is gone though, that was close).

What I liked the most by listening to the albums for this poll is how 5 artists ended up with albums in both my top quarter and my bottom quarter, so even with artists I know, I never was quite sure what to expect in any album.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Jirin »

Moonbeam wrote:
Jirin wrote:I have nothing against pop music, but I think some of the pop music that's already come up are lifeless technical gloss and schmaltzy manipulation. The kind of songs written around being shown on MTV. Prince is pop too but he's anything but lifeless and schmaltzy.
The only album I can see that remotely applying to is Whitney.
Duran Duran and Madonna were huge "Music for video" acts, both at times much more interested in the artist's image than the the artist's sound. I'd also include George Michael.

The two Prince albums, paradoxically probably wound up lower for being less poppy.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Jirin wrote: Duran Duran and Madonna were huge "Music for video" acts, both at times much more interested in the artist's image than the the artist's sound. I'd also include George Michael.
They certainly were hugely popular in part because of their image, but I wouldn't say that their sound ever came second to the image. True Blue was a massive leap forward from Like a Virgin artistically and thematically. Also, dance-pop tracks circa 1986 don't get much better than "Open Your Heart" or "Where's the Party". Duran Duran had a sound unto themselves as well with Rio, and George Michael's songwriting chops and vocal delivery were real high points of the late 80s and a massive step forward from Wham!
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

Something else to consider is that a lot of pop artists were song-oriented. Of course, Prince (and Like a Prayer) is the exception, and MJ was so good at writing hits that his albums were destined to be good. But for the most part, singles were the way that pop artists earned their stripes. Look at Faith. The title track is excellent, but most of the other songs are crappy filler.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Gillingham »

Listyguy wrote:Something else to consider is that a lot of pop artists were song-oriented. Of course, Prince (and Like a Prayer) is the exception, and MJ was so good at writing hits that his albums were destined to be good. But for the most part, singles were the way that pop artists earned their stripes. Look at Faith. The title track is excellent, but most of the other songs are crappy filler.
Is that (mostly) true for pop artists in general? As much then as today.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Henrik »

Two comments:

Saying that artists interested in their image don't focus on the music is like saying that artists who puts a lot of thoughts in the lyrics can't have great melodies.

I don't think of Faith as singles-oriented. It has a quite unique atmosphere throughout the album. However, the song that differs the most from the rest is the title track with its guitar, and if you only like that song I see where you're coming from.
(I assume you meant singles-oriented Listyguy. Isn't almost every album in this poll more or less song-oriented.)


The best albums out already IMO:

#23 The Number of the Beast
#37 Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me
#47 The Nightfly
#51 Nightclubbing
#57 It'll End in Tears
#69 Street Songs
#72 Pretty Hate Machine
#73 Faith
#74 True Blue
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

"Faith" is my least favorite single on its parent album. It's all about "Father Figure", "One More Try", "Monkey", "Hard Day" and "I Want Your Sex" for me!
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

And we're back for day two of the result!

130. Elvis Costello – Trust (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/f7a020ce6203ca ... 804682.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1122.88

Biggest fans:
Craig (9/150)

Not a fan:
JimmyJazz (87/88), Kingoftonga (142/150), Mindrocker (140/150)

Comments:
"Some of Costello’s best lyrics are right here, and when their mixed with some of his tightest songwriting, rock that rocks and pop that pops, the results are another winning album. One of his underrated ones. No. 65" RockyRaccoon

Place in (1981) poll: 12

Place in the 2008 poll: 77 (-53)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 203

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1101




129. Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/464cb1474d6598 ... 444713.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1123.93

Biggest fans:
Henry (1/150), Bruno (4/50)

Not a fan:
Sonofsamiam (148/150), Mattcienicram (72/73), ChrisK (146/150), Nicolas (136/150), Michel (137/139)

Comments:
"This ended up right next to Thriller in my list, although Thriller ultimately won out. I suppose Bad isn't as acclaimed because it's trying too hard, and sounds a little bit too calculated, but at times I think it sounds more consistent than its predecessor. I ultimately gave Thriller the nod because it has my favorite of all MJ songs ('Wanna Be Starting Something')." Kingoftonga

“This one is oozing with filler.” Mattcienicram

"The very essence of MJ: over-the-top bombast broadcast with peerless catchiness. The final trio of 'Dirty Diana', 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Leave Me Alone' is a veritable countdown of the greatest three songs on the album. Never has an album ended on such a bang!" Moonbeam

"It was almost as massive as Thriller, and with all the hits, it’s easy to see why. Even if I’d never listened to the album, I would be familiar with 8 out 11 songs thanks to repeated radio and MTV play back in the day. That being said, I’m not the biggest Jackson fan. No. 103" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 8

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 292

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1603




128. The Clash – Combat Rock (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/5da6d408d45c16 ... 563106.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1124.64

Biggest fans:
Brad (18/150)

Not a fan:
Harold (140/145), Nicolas (140/150)

Comments:
"Overpowered by funk!!!" Moonbeam

"I like this one better than Sandinista! because while they’re still experimenting with different sounds, at least they’re not as all over the place on only one disc. In fact, it’s quite a tight collection, and of course there are those two great tracks. No. 60" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: 95 (-33)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 207

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1120




127. Traveling Wilburys – Volume 1 (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/8b47159fc1fef5 ... 577540.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1124.78

Biggest fans:
Listyguy (15/150)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (149/150), Romain (141/149), Maximumbeef (84/88), Henrik (143/148)

Comments:
"I still feel scarred by these songs decades after they were repeatedly foisted upon me by my otherwise kind parents. My disdain is encapsulated perfectly by lead single 'Handle With Care', with George Harrison's 4-syllable plural noun/3-syllable adjective verses instigating a stir in my stomach and Petty and Dylan's grotesque 'Evry bahhhhdy's got sum bahhhhdy ta leeeeeeeeeeeen awwwwwn! Putcher bahhhhhdy nexta mahhhhhhhhhhhne en dreeeeeeeeeeem awwwwn!' chorus leading to a violent expulsion. That and Jivebunny and the Mixmasters' 'Swing the Mood' are probably the most horrifying musical weapons my parents unwittingly launched in my direction. I normally at least was at least ambivalent to the stuff they liked and genuinely enjoy quite a bit of it, but yikes..." Moonbeam

"This prevents Bob Dylan's decade from being a total disaster. 'Tweeter and the Monkey Man' is one of his best songs." Listyguy

"There was no way this band was going to be equal to the sum of its parts (although maybe Lynne counts as subtraction), especially since all but Petty were past their prime. But this album is still better than anyone had a right to expect, and a lot of fun to boot. No. 59" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: Tied for 10

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 320

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1771




126. Slayer – Reign in Blood (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/53fbb832d2d3ee ... 742603.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1125.85

Biggest fans:
Mindrocker (6/150), Nicolas (12/150)

Not a fan:
DaveC (150/150), Dan (150/150), Listyguy (149/150), Kingoftonga (148/150), Brad (143/150), Henry (138/150), Michel (133/139), JimmyJazz (81/88), Henrik (140/148)

Comments:
"One of the finest examples of extreme metal music." Mattcienicram

"One of the most polarizing albums on the list." Listyguy

"I feel like I have to take a deep breath when it’s over, that’s how hard it rocks. And it almost avoids monotony, too. The lyrics can be ridiculous at times, even more so if you don’t think they’re joking. But this did blaze a trail, for better or worse, and figuratively and literally. No. 101" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1986 poll: 10

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 45

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 302
Last edited by Listyguy on Sat Jan 18, 2014 1:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

To see Traveling Wilburys above all of those great pop albums is very disturbing. I enjoyed the Slayer and King Sunny Ade albums quite a bit, though!
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

My favorites out so far:

2. Lovesexy
9. Controversy
16. Nightclubbing
25. Around the World in a Day
33. Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
37. Porcupine
38. Faith
39. True Blue
43. Street Songs
61. The Unforgettable Fire
63. Rio
64. Vivid
68. Combat Rock
69. It'll End in Tears
74. The Sensual World
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Rocky Raccoon »

[quote=Comments:
"Wonderfully intricate rhythms occasionally joined by synths from outer space or wicked organ solos, this is a great discovery!" Moonbeam

"The gentle West African rhythms simultaneously wash over you and get inside you. I’ve known about this album for a long time, but until now never actually got around to listening to it. Glad I did. No. 66" RockyRaccoon[/size][/quote]

See, Moonbeam and I don't disagree all the time. I think we're even on the same page with Lovesexy, just he's at the top of the page while I'm at the bottom.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by DocBrown »

Moonbeam wrote:To see Traveling Wilburys above all of those great pop albums is very disturbing. I enjoyed the Slayer and King Sunny Ade albums quite a bit, though!
As much as I enjoy your commentary, Moonbeam, it occurs to me more and more that we are almost complete opposites. For me '80's pop is the nadir of music in my lifetime, and yet the eighties gave us little rays of hope, like the Travelling Willburys and Nine Inch Nails. Fortunately, we agree on Kate Bush, so it won't have to come to blows.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Mattceinicram »

Slayer and Iron Maiden are both pretty low on this list. Why is metal so disliked on this forum? :|
Check out my music review blog! Matt and Music! mattandmusic.blogspot.com
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

DocBrown wrote:
Moonbeam wrote:To see Traveling Wilburys above all of those great pop albums is very disturbing. I enjoyed the Slayer and King Sunny Ade albums quite a bit, though!
As much as I enjoy your commentary, Moonbeam, it occurs to me more and more that we are almost complete opposites. For me '80's pop is the nadir of music in my lifetime, and yet the eighties gave us little rays of hope, like the Travelling Willburys and Nine Inch Nails. Fortunately, we agree on Kate Bush, so it won't have to come to blows.
I didn't hate Pretty Hate Machine - I ranked it 112th, which is actually not too bad. Your assertion that 80s pop is the nadir of music is very distressing though - I think it's the very pinnacle of recorded music!
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Mattceinicram wrote:Slayer and Iron Maiden are both pretty low on this list. Why is metal so disliked on this forum? :|
I enjoyed both of those albums a lot more than Master of Puppets. Perhaps there are plenty of people like me who enjoyed those metal albums but not enough to compete with their favorites. The point system really rewards a few high placements, so a consensus of "pretty good" would generally lead to low scores.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by DocBrown »

Nadir of music IN MY LIFETIME. I really hate doo wop, too, but that was (just slightly) before my time.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

125. King Sunny Adé – Juju Music (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/da570e9ad7b3fb ... 517344.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1129.50

Biggest fans:
Mindrocker (5/150)

Not a fan:
Harold (132/145), Craig (142/150), LiveinPhoenix (109/120)

Comments:
"Wonderfully intricate rhythms occasionally joined by synths from outer space or wicked organ solos, this is a great discovery!" Moonbeam

"The gentle West African rhythms simultaneously wash over you and get inside you. I’ve known about this album for a long time, but until now never actually got around to listening to it. Glad I did. No. 66" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 88

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 543




124. Run-DMC – Raising Hell (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/045e2605c3be23 ... 666461.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1132.55

Biggest fans:
Bruno (14/50)

Not a fan:
Romain (148/149), Henry (143/150), DaveC (140/150), Stephan (130/139), Greg (132/145)

Comments:
"Bringing guitar to rap. Sorry, Beastie Boys, they were here first in 1984, and now they fully explored the possibilities. A pioneering rap album that deserves its kudos. Chuck D once referred to them as rap’s Beatles. I’ll go with that. No. 25" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1986 poll: 13

Place in the 2008 poll: 74 (-50)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 28

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 194




123. Game Theory – The Big Shot Chronicles (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/dd7863e5b7b5ad ... 446258.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1136.94

Biggest fans:
Listyguy (9/150), Harold (11/145)

Not a fan:
Craig (149/150), Nassim (115/116), ChrisK (139/150), Sonofsamiam (136/150), Henry (137/150)

Comments:
"Given the hype here on AM, I was expecting a lot more. The music doesn't seem that special, and the vocals are downright irritating." Moonbeam

"Some good jangly, college pop-rock. Nothing more, nothing less. One of the most overlooked bands of the eighties. Glad to see them get some props here. No. 89" RockyRaccoon

"I can see why others aren't fans, but I love them. Almost every song on this album is a gem. 'Erica's Word' is as close as Game Theory came to a hit, and 'Like a Girl Jesus' is downright brilliant." Listyguy

Place in 1986 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: Not Ranked




122. Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/d6553b6e6468a5 ... 404284.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1138.40

Biggest fans:
OtisRedding (6/83)

Not a fan:
Harold (144/145), Nicolas (147/150), RockyRaccoon (141/150), Sonofsamiam (138/150)

Comments:
"Every time I hear this album I ask myself why it has been so long since I last played it." Moonbeam

"Zzzzzz. How does this make it but ABC’s Lexicon of Love doesn’t? No. 141" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 13

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 160

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 901




121. N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton (1988)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/3c5d071abb7310 ... 732286.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1142.17

Biggest fans:
Maximumbeef (13/88), Dan (15/150)

Not a fan:
DaveC (148/150), Listyguy (146/150), Henry (145/150), Romain (146/148), Henrik (133/148)

Comments:
"I found this album more enjoyable and fun when it arked back to old(er) school hip-hop (Run DMC, Licensed to Ill's era Beastie Boys...) than when it brings gangsta defining songs !" Nassim

"It sounded fresh in its day, and still holds up reasonably well today. The standout tracks are obvious, but there are a couple of flat spots. It was certainly an influential album, but sometimes influence can outstrip actual quality. No. 74" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1988 poll: 12

Place in the 2008 poll: 82 (-39)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 20

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 106
Last edited by Listyguy on Sat Jan 18, 2014 1:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

To continue the dichotomy that sometimes pops up, I like New Gold Dream a lot more than The Lexicon of Love. Glad it made the cut, but I wouldn't have minded ABC making it in, either.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

120. Roy Orbison – Mystery Girl (1989)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/73cce2b417db5f ... 214137.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1144.78

Biggest fans:
Nicolas (2/150)

Not a fan:
Sonofsamiam (146/150), Moonbeam (138/150), ChrisK (137/150)

Comments:
"There’s a timeless quality to his music and especially his voice. This one starts out great with 'You Got It,' but after that it’s a little up and down, and sometimes he can get a little too schmaltzy for my taste. No. 109" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1989 poll: 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 311

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1725




119. The Rolling Stones – Tattoo You (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/26e7afef538b38 ... 213447.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1148.52

Biggest fans:
Henry (8/150), Gillingham (10/31)

Not a fan:
Sonofsamiam (149/150), Kingoftonga (144/150), Mattcienicram (68/73)

Comments:
"I think this one gets a little short-changed when it comes to the Rolling Stones canon. Not because it compares to any of their masterpieces, but because in its own right it’s a really good album. I said really good, not great, but they haven’t made one better since. No. 45" RockyRaccoon

"I know I keep spitting on 1981, but the fact that one of it's five best albums couldn't make out top 100 shoudl say something." Listyguy

Place in 1981 poll: Tied for 5

Place in the 2008 poll: 100 (-19)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 220

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1175




118. XTC – English Settlement (1982)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/255cdf14c56a95 ... 815903.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1149.78

Biggest fans:
Romain (19/149)

Not a fan:
JamieW (145/150), Kingoftonga (139/150), Henrik (138/148)

Comments:
"I wish every album this band made was as good as Skylarking, but they’re not. Still, I don’t not enjoy it when it’s playing. No. 116" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1982 poll: 10

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 166

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 942




117. Game Theory – Lolita Nation (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/2246945cfa3f7c ... 520417.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1151.13

Biggest fans:
Listyguy (3/150), Brad (10/150)

Not a fan:
Craig (143/150), Henry (139/150)

Comments:
"No standout song, overlong, lack of personality... That's still a miraculous improvement compared to the Big Shot Chronicles" Nassim

"Better and more interesting than 'The Big Shot Chronicles', but the vocals are still a big drawback." Moonbeam

"Scott Miller was a talented guy. I’m not sure I think he was as talented as some of his biggest fans, or that his talent could spread over a double album, but he had some big ambitions with this album and almost pulled them off. No. 72" RockyRaccoon

"This is the definition of an opus. It's a sprawling masterpiece, and while I will admit most of the 1-minute songlets are pointless, it's hard to deny the beauty and amazingness of 'Mammoth Gardens' and 'The Waist and the Knees'." Listyguy

Place in 1987 poll: 13

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: Not Ranked




116. X – Wild Gift (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/ee30c2de4ef39f ... 386019.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1152.04

Biggest fans:
Harold (20/145)

Not a fan:
Mindrocker (139/150), Stephan (132/139)

Comments:
"By expanding their musical palette and digging deeper with their lyrical approach, X managed to top their impressive debut; not an easy thing to do. No. 23" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1981 poll: 3

Place in the 2008 poll: 96 (-20)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 94

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 577
Last edited by Listyguy on Sat Jan 18, 2014 1:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by DaveC »

Only two of my top 50 gone so far: Mystery Girl(25) & Trust(43). The song results had many songs I like at the bottom the rankings, so these results are very pleasing.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

Again I seem to be the odd one out, but 1981 is amazing - in the discussion for top 3 years ever for me.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Listyguy »

And here's the last five for today:

115. This Heat – Deceit (1981)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/ef2f93d29ef98d ... 790198.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1154.28

Biggest fans:
Sonofsamiam (7/150)

Not a fan:
Nicolas (150/150), Kingoftonga (146/150), Henrik (146/148), Greg (142/145), Stephan (131/139), Harold (135/145), Dan (142/150), Honorio (140/150), Nassim (113/116)

Comments:
"First time listening to this album - I don't know what I just heard, but I think I liked it?" Kingoftonga

"I'm kind of surprised this album gets so little love, especially from a year as barren as 1981." Listyguy

"They’re on to something most of the time, they pull it off some of the time, and the rest of the time they sound like they’re banging their heads against the wall. Or is that just how I feel listening to some of these songs? No. 112" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1981 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: 63 (-52)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 295

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1618




114. Sonic Youth – EVOL (1986)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/be7818fdf60343 ... 169209.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1158.08

Biggest fans:
Maximumbeef (2/88), Superfurry (10/125)

Not a fan:
Dan (146/150)

Comments:
"This is where it sounds like Sonic Youth turn the corner and are ready to go on an incredible run that included Sister, Daydream Nation and Goo. All their trademark sounds are here, ready for expansion. No. 83" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1986 poll: 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 119

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 734




113. Bruce Springsteen – Tunnel of Love (1987)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/4d78cc56957d6e ... 857115.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1160.32

Biggest fans:
Greg (4/145), LiveinPhoenix (9/120)

Not a fan:
Mindrocker (147/150), Moonbeam (144/150), Otisredding (81/83)

Comments:
"Bruce had one last torment: not the outside world and its many ills, but his own backyard. After this was settled (marrying his back-up singer, whom he’s been with since), I’d argue he was never gripped by anything so much again. Still, a different kind of hit album, considering how often the pop charts get by on never growing up and facing the rest of your life." LiveinPhoenix

"The last of Springsteen’s great albums, and I think it’s a little underrated. The title track and 'Brilliant Disguise' are among the best songs in his catalogue. The rest is very solid as he puts relationships, mainly his own deteriorating ones, under the microscope. It was a refreshing change from his usual character studies. No. 41" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1987 poll: 10

Place in the 2008 poll: 67 (-46)

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 130

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 781




112. Marillion – Misplaced Childhood (1985)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/804469b767c9b1 ... 511200.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1160.61

Biggest fans:
Miguel (2/102), Stephan (6/139)

Not a fan:
RockyRaccoon (150/150), Nicolas (148/150), Honorio (147/150), Dan (145/150), Harold (143/145), ChrisK (138/150)

Comments:
"I feel like I 'misplaced' 40 minutes of my life listening to this. I’d never heard of this band before. Now I wish it had stayed that way. No. 150 (lower if I could)" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1985 poll: 15

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 370

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 2053




111. R.E.M. – Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)

[imgsize 250x250]http://rymimg.com/lk/s/l/6eefb7aaf1f95a ... 242795.jpg[/imgsize]


Score:
1162.80

Biggest fans:
Brad (8/150)

Not a fan:
Moonbeam (141/150), Henrik (134/148)

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

"The only R.E.M. album of the eighties I’m not a big fan of. Not a single bad song, but no standout ones either. Feels like a transition between Reckoning and Life’s Rich Pageant. No. 113" RockyRaccoon

Place in 1985 poll: 14

Place in the 2008 poll: Not Ranked

Acclaimed Music 1980s rank: 190

Acclaimed Music all-time rank: 1043
Last edited by Listyguy on Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Moonbeam »

After yesterday's disaster where I lost lots of favorites, today was much better, as I only lost one top 50 album (New Gold Dream) and finally an album in my top 10 bowed out (actually 3 did!). I look forward to seeing what's next!
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Live in Phoenix »

I voted 114/120 for Little Creatures, in case it got missed
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Nassim »

"Zzzzzz. How does this make it but ABC’s Lexicon of Love doesn’t? No. 141" RockyRaccoon

I kinda agree, I didn't dislike New Gold Dreams as much as you apparently did but I still find it a big disappointment and quite repetitive.

At #324 all time, ABC's Lexicon of Love is the highest ranked album who did not make it to our final 150, and I would say the most surprising one.

The 51 albums that would have made the critics list and didn't make our are as follow (with their decade rank) :
49 : ABC - Lexicon of Love
50 : Dexys Midnight Runners - Searching for the Young Soul Rebels
51 : Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruits for Rotten Vegetables
52 : Black Flag - Damaged (#3 of its year, the album with the highest year rank not to make it to the final round)
54 : Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking
70 : The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms
71 : The Fall - This Nation's Saving Grace
73 : The Clash - Sandinista
80 : Lloyd Cole and The Commotions - Rattlesnake
83 : Mötörhead - No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith
84 : Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush the Show
85 : Soul II Soul - Club Classics Vol. One/Keep On Movin'
86 : Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded
87 : Peter Gabriel - Peter Gabriel (III)
89 : Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963
92 : Dinosaur Jr. - You're Living All Over Me
95 : The Smiths - Hatful of Hollow
98 : Hüsker Dü - Warehouse: Songs and Stories
99 : Metallica - Kill 'Em All
102 : Pet Shop Boys - Actually
108 : The Smiths - Meat is Murder
110 : Def Leppard - Hysteria
112 : Laurie Anderson - Big Science
114 : Run D.M.C. - Run D.M.C.
117 : Tina Turner - Private Turner
118 : Faith No More - The Real Thing
120 : John Hiatt - Bring the Family
122 : The Go-Betweens - 16 Lover Lane
124 : Anita Baker - Rapture
125 : Les Rita Mitsouko - The No Comprendo
126 : LL Cool J - Radio
129 : ZZ Top - Eliminator
132 : Janet Jackson - Control
133 : Def Leppard - Pyromania
136 : Bad Brain - I Against I
137 : Lucinda Williams - Lucinda Williams
138 : John Cale - Music for a New Society
147 : The Neville Brothers - Yellow Moon
149 : Rush - Moving Pictures
152 : Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five - The Message
154 : Boogie Down Productions - By All Means Necessary
159 : Japan - Tin Drum
162 : Aerosmith - Pump
164 : Squeeze - East Side Story
168 : The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues
170 : The The - Soul Mining
191 : Police - Ghost in the Machine
192 : Rickie Lee Jones - Pirates
196 : Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood
197 : Black Uhuru - Red
201 : Minor Threat - Out of Step EP
Lots of punk, hard rock, rap and prog rock though it does cover all genres in the end. Quite surprising to see The Smiths twice !
Moonbeam wrote:
DocBrown wrote:For me '80's pop is the nadir of music in my lifetime, and yet the eighties gave us little rays of hope, like the Travelling Willburys and Nine Inch Nails. Fortunately, we agree on Kate Bush, so it won't have to come to blows.
Your assertion that 80s pop is the nadir of music is very distressing though - I think it's the very pinnacle of recorded music!
I really like the 80s though in a very different way from Moonbeam whose passion for synthpop I do not share (though I really love a small part of it). But it's a rich decade with great rap, house, metal, hardcore punk and those quirky guitar bands I really like like Violent Femmes and the Replacements.
The nadir of modern music for me is the middle of the 70s, the 72-76 period more precisely, there is very little music I enjoy there... I find 76 so bad that I might consider Boston as the best album of the year, and that's still a year I would rank above 74.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Jirin »

Henrik wrote:Two comments:

Saying that artists interested in their image don't focus on the music is like saying that artists who puts a lot of thoughts in the lyrics can't have great melodies.
Of course not, but let's look at the four combinations:
1) Image oriented, focus on songwriting
2) Not image oriented, focus on songwriting
3) Image oriented, no focus on songwriting
4) Not image oriented, no focus on songwriting

To be successful, one must fall in the top three groups. So, there are certainly some image focused artists who also focus on songwriting (Michael Jackson being a huge example), but if somebody does not focus on songwriting and is successful, you know they must have put a lot of effort into image.

Acts that focus on writing their songs to be a hit specifically in current culture tend to end up with songs that sound good when they come out but have no staying power, and sound awkward and dated just a few years later when culture has changed. Whereas when artists are just focused on writing a good song in their own style, the songs have much more staying power. Duran Duran was laser-focused on being part of MTV culture.

I would also add that artists who do not write their own songs tend to usually have a couple good songs per album and mostly filler, because if the record company is giving you music, they're not going to give all their A material to one act when they only need a handful of hits to sell the album.
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Re: Albums of the 80s: Results!

Post by Henrik »

Listyguy wrote: 138. This Mortal Coil – It’ll End in Tears (1984)

"I really just don't get this genre at all" Listyguy
Listyguy, could you please add this comment for me when you get to the Hüsker Dü albums? Thanks!
Everyone you meet fights a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.
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