Top 10 Number 1 Albums of the 80's
Looking back at the albums that hit number one status in the US Pop charts,
we take a brief look at one from each year, from 1980 - 1989...
1. Pink Floyd - The Wall
Pink Floyd's unlikely hit single in 1979, "Another Brick in the Wall," helped propel
this album to number one status in the late 70s. Despite it's bleak lyrical themes of
self-isolation as a means for self-preservation.
2. REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity
A testament to Arena Rock, REO Speedwagon's success with Hi Infidelity was one that
was well-deserved, since the band had been hitting to arena circuit for many years,
with little success. This album garnered two of the most memorable of the era,
"Keep on Loving You" and "Take It on the Run."
3. Men At Work - Business As Usual
An international blockbuster, Men At Work's 1982 release Business as Usual garnered
them not only two international number one hit songs with "Who Can It Be Now?" and
"Down Under," but they were also honoured with the Grammy recognition of "Best New
Artist of the Year."
4. Michael Jackson - Thriller
A massive success for the youngest Jackson son, this album, produced by Quincy Jones,
combined Funk, Hard Rock, Pop, R&B and smooth Soul ballads. After thirty seven weeks
on the Album charts, the album shook out seven Top Ten singles.
5. Prince and the Revolution - Purple Rain
Hands down, one of the finest releases of the 80s, Purple Rain was the soundtrack to
the semi-autobiographical film about Prince's life. Still one of the most affecting
albums, it's songs are still unconventional and weave a rich tapestry of influences,
from Psychedelic to R&B.
6. Madonna - Like a Virgin
Often debated, rarely paralleled, Madonna's 1985 release, "Like A Virgin," solidified
her place as a pop diva. Her catchy tunes, paired with sexy videos and her in-your-face
personality, made her an instant success on the pop charts and spawned a generation of
Madonna "Wannabes," young girls who wanted to emulate the sexy singer. The album
contains the iconic "Material Girl," the title track, "Like a Virgin" and the dance
hit, "Dress You Up."
7. Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston
The debut album, Whitney Houston, is the wonder stuff legends are made of. Racking up
a slew of hits singles, "How Will I Know," "Saving All My Love" and "The Greatest Love
of All," this album paved a path of pop diva success for Whitney.
8. U2 - The Joshua Tree
While U2 were not an up and coming group, this album was their first to open them to a
whole new audience of Popular music. They had built up their following with previous
releases of "Boy," October" and "The Unforgettable Fire," and upon the release of The
Joshua Tree, were greeted with warm reception by critics, who proclaimed this album to
be a masterpiece. It contains the bands first number one hit singles, "With Or Without
You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."
9 George Michael - Faith
Achieving his early success as half of the British pop duo, Wham, George Michael's debut
solo venture, proved to be his ticket to international stardom. Garnering hits with "I
Want Your Sex," "Father Figure" and the title track, "Faith," this album successfully
mixed elements of Pop, R&B and Dance.
10. Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl
Released in 1989, Paula's rise from LA Laker cheerleader, to International Pop star is
a dream few could ever achieve. Paula's farsightedness to work with producers who were
savvy and could find songs with solid pop and dance hooks, led to much of her success.
This album featured the hit singles, "Straight Up," "Forever Your Girl" and "Opposite
Attract."
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