80s

"The Queen is Dead" by the Smiths

The British indie rock classic celebrates its 40th anniversary.

“So” by Peter Gabriel

A Top 10 1980s album turns 40.

“Face Value” by Phil Collins

The British titan's solo debut turns 45.

“Master of Puppets” by Metallica

I look back at the greatest thrash metal album of all time.

“Moving Pictures” by Rush

The Canadian trio's commercial apex celebrates its 45th anniversary.

“Control” by Janet Jackson

One of the most important pop albums of the 1980s turns 40 (!).

Why the Clash’s “Sandinista!” Deserves Way More Respect

I explore the multitudes contained in the British punk outfit’s monstrous 3 LP extravaganza.

Why "Rain Dogs" is Peak Tom Waits

I examine one of Tom Waits' most revered texts for its 40th anniversary.

Why "Remain in Light" is an Experimental New Wave Masterpiece

One of the best albums of the 80s turns 45.

Why "Hotter Than July" is an Underrated Stevie Wonder Gem

I explore Stevie Wonder’s first, deceptively complex, studio album of the 1980s.

“The Head on the Door” by the Cure

Dissecting the Cure’s most pop-oriented offering for its 40th anniversary.

“Back in Black” by AC/DC

It's still got the power to rock your socks off, 45 years after its initial release.

“Hysteria” by Def Leppard

Let's step back into the 80s, in the name of loooovvveeeeeee.

“Steve McQueen” by Prefab Sprout

This album review pays tribute to one of the best pop albums of the 1980s as it commemorates its 40th anniversary.

John Williams' "The Empire Strikes Back" Soundtrack Is the Best Sequel in Music History

I look back at one of my favorite childhood movie experiences through music.

“Be Yourself Tonight” by Eurythmics

Flat-out one of the best pop-rock records from the 80s.

“Duke” by Genesis

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Genesis' first stab at pop music stardom.

“Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston

Dim the lights, light a candle or two, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Whitney Houston's glittering debut album.

“Modern Love” by David Bowie

Throwing it back to one of the best pop-rock tracks in Bowie's catalog.

Is Phil Collins’ No Jacket Required Secretly the Best Pop Record of the 80s?

The rock icon deserves consideration for the 80s pop music crown.

“Permanent Waves” by Rush

A prog rock classic that brought Rush's sound fully into their peak period.

“Synchronicity” by the Police

The Police's final album is also arguably their finest from a pop craft point of view.

“Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits

An out-of-nowhere 80s rock smash hit turns 40 years old in 2025.

“Kick” by INXS

One of the most entertaining pop-rock LPs of the 80s.

“90” by 808 State

An acid house classic that has endured for 35 years.

“Freeway of Love” by Aretha Franklin

Drop the pedal and go with the Queen of Soul!

“Reckless” by Bryan Adams

One of the most formative albums from my teenage years turns 40!

“Why Can’t I Be You?” by the Cure

An undeniably infectious toe-tapper from the new wave greats.

“Forever Young” by Alphaville

A synth-pop gem turns 40.