Vinyl records are making a comeback, and for good reason. They provide a listening experience that cannot be matched by digital formats. The 80s were a pivotal time for vinyl records, with many of the greatest albums of all time being released during that decade. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 best 80s vinyl record albums to own.
Criteria for Selection
When selecting the albums for this list, we considered several factors. First, we looked at the cultural significance of the albums. Second, we considered their commercial success. Third, we analyzed the critical acclaim each album received. Finally, we examined the albums’ impact on the music industry.
Quick List: Top 10 Best 80s Vinyl Records to add to every collection
- Thriller – Michael Jackson
- Purple Rain – Prince
- Appetite for Destruction – Guns N’ Roses
- Like a Virgin – Madonna
- Graceland – Paul Simon
- Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
- Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits
- The Joshua Tree – U2
- Synchronicity – The Police
- Faith – George Michael
The Best 80s Vinyl Record Albums To Own
1. Thriller – Michael Jackson (1982)
This iconic album was released in 1982 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It spent 37 weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 66 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album of all time. Featuring hits such as “Billie Jean” and “Beat It”, Thriller cemented Michael Jackson’s status as the King of Pop.
2. Purple Rain – Prince (1984)
Released in 1984, Purple Rain was Prince’s sixth studio album and the accompanying film of the same name was a huge success. The album spent 24 weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. With classic tracks such as “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain”, the album showcases Prince’s unique blend of rock, pop, and funk.
3. Appetite for Destruction – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Appetite for Destruction was Guns N’ Roses’ debut album and was released in 1987. The album spent five weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. With hard-hitting tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, Appetite for Destruction is regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
4. Like a Virgin – Madonna (1984)
Like a Virgin was Madonna’s second studio album, released in 1984. The album spent six weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 21 million copies worldwide. Featuring hits such as “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl”, Like a Virgin solidified Madonna’s status as a pop icon.
5. Graceland – Paul Simon (1986)
Released in 1986, Graceland was Paul Simon’s seventh studio album and featured collaborations with African musicians. The album spent two weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 16 million copies worldwide. With tracks such as “You Can Call Me Al” and “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”, Graceland is a fusion of world music and pop that remains a classic.
6. Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen (1984)
Born in the USA was Bruce Springsteen’s seventh studio album, released in 1984. The album spent seven weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. With hits such as the title track and “Dancing in the Dark”, Born in the USA is a socially conscious album that captured the spirit of the times.
7. Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits (1985)
Brothers in Arms was Dire Straits’ fifth studio album, released in 1985. The album spent 14 weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. With hits such as “Money for Nothing” and “Walk of Life”, Brothers in Arms showcased the band’s signature sound of laid-back rock and blues.
8. The Joshua Tree – U2 (1987)
Released in 1987, The Joshua Tree was U2’s fifth studio album and is widely regarded as their masterpiece. The album spent two weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. With classic tracks such as “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, The Joshua Tree is a timeless album that captures the essence of U2’s sound.
9. Synchronicity – The Police (1983)
The UK charts and has sold over 8 million copies worldwide. With hits such as “Every Breath You Take” and “Wrapped Around Your Finger”, Synchronicity was a critical and commercial success that showcased The Police’s blend of new wave, reggae, and rock.
10. Faith – George Michael (1987)
Faith was George Michael’s debut solo album, released in 1987. The album spent 12 weeks at No.1 on the UK charts and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. With hits such as the title track and “Father Figure”, Faith showcased George Michael’s impressive songwriting skills and his soulful voice.
Why These 80s Albums Are Essential to Every Collection
Each of these albums is essential to any vinyl collection. Michael Jackson’s Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, and its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. Prince’s Purple Rain is a masterpiece that established him as one of the most important artists of the 80s. Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction is a raw and powerful album that redefined hard rock. Madonna’s Like a Virgin is a pop classic that helped define the sound of the 80s. Paul Simon’s Graceland is a landmark album that blended African rhythms with Western pop. Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA is a political and social commentary that remains relevant today. Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms is a sonic masterpiece that showcased the potential of digital recording. U2’s The Joshua Tree is a timeless album that captures the spirit of the American West. The Police’s Synchronicity is a masterful fusion of rock, reggae, and new wave. George Michael’s Faith is a pop classic that established him as a solo artist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 80s produced some of the greatest albums of all time, and these 10 albums are essential to any vinyl collection. They are cultural touchstones that continue to influence music today. If you are looking to build your vinyl collection, these albums are a great place to start.
