My 16-20 group features four bands from the U.K., again, and one from Australia. That was probably a spoiler. All these artists are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so that's something. Let's do this thing.
20. Judas Priest - British Steel ( 4.5 Stars )
When I began to pencil in my Top 25 for 1980, British Steel was going to be #25. As I thought about it more, I decided to move it up the list. This was an important album in the history of Heavy Metal, particularly the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. If I were to make a Mt. Rushmore of Heavy Metal vocalists, it would be Rob Halford, Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy and Bruce Dickinson. In the 80's, I was all about Heavy Metal and Prog, I felt like I needed to "keep it real" to 1980. British Steel featured the metal classics, "Breakin' the Law" and "Living After Midnight". Hard to top that. Screaming for Vengeance is still my favorite Priest album, but this is a close second.
19. Queen - The Game ( 4.5 Stars )
In 1980, this album was everywhere, due largely to their massive hit single, "Another One Bites the Dust". However, this whole album is great. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is my favorite. "Don't Try Suicide" may be a little cringe in 2025, but I liked it quite a bit back in the day. "Save Me" is one of those bombastic Freddie Mercury showcases that every Queen album seems to have. Love it.
18. Dire Straits - Making Movies ( 4.5 Stars )
I played the shit out of this record. The songwriting is beautiful and Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is exquisite. "Tunnel of Love", "Romeo and Juliet", "Skateaway", "Expresso Love", and "Solid Rock" are all 10/10 songs. The other two tracks keep it from being a 5 Star album, but it's pretty close regardless. "Romeo and Juliet", in particular, is a brilliant, modern update to the Shakespeare play. The melody and dynamics are cinematic. "Skateaway" was the only minor hit from Making Movies and it always disappointed me that Brothers in Arms would become their huge hit album when this is far superior (as were the debut and Communique). It's cool, but a little surprising, that they were inducted into the Rock Hall.
17. Genesis - Duke ( 4.5 Stars )
Duke was an important transitional album, both for the band and Phil Collins. Genesis was standing on the doorstep of international superstardom while Collins' marriage was dissolving. And that is the theme of Duke. This is a great Genesis record. There's still some prog element, but also some tight hit singles. "Misunderstanding" is the big hit, but my favorite, and possibly my favorite song of the 80's, is "Turn it On Again". I'm a sucker for a good count-in. "All I need is a TV show, that and a radio". The album opener, "Behind the Lines", is an excellent mashup of prog-pop. Phil Collins is in top form on vocals and Rutherford and Banks are great at blending their prog chops with a pop sensibility.
16. AC/DC - Back in Black ( 4.5 Stars )
I hadn't intended to put Back in Black on my list. These songs are constantly on the radio to this day. I forced myself to listen to the whole album again and I was Mutt Lange-d. You have to be a dickhead to deny this is a great rock album. I can only take Brian Johnson on Back in Black and For Those About to Rock, but that's good enough. This was a huge comeback album following the death of original lead singer, Bon Scott. And they came out swinging with hard rock staples like, "Hell's Bells", "Back in Black", "Shoot to Thrill", "You Shook Me All Night Long", "Have a Drink on Me", and "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution". If I were being objective this would probably be much higher on the list. "1980 Me" wants to punch "2025 Me" in the face. And who can blame him. Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment