An Online Chronology of Rock & Roll History
Recordings and concerts to benefit charity are supported by many music artists including Band Aid, We Are The World, plus the Live Aid and Farm Aid concerts.
The introduction of the CD (Compact Disc) in 1982, the first widely available digital audio format, would hasten the demise of the vinyl album by the end of the decade.
Rap / Hip Hop:
Grandmaster Flash, Schoolly D, Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Salt n Pepa, Public Enemy, Ice T, NWA, Tone Loc, Beastie Boys, De la Soul, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Eric B. & Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest
Grandmaster Flash, Schoolly D, Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Salt n Pepa, Public Enemy, Ice T, NWA, Tone Loc, Beastie Boys, De la Soul, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Eric B. & Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest
1: Prince
2: Madonna
3: U2
4: Michael Jackson
5: Bruce Springsteen
6: Phil Collins
7: Dire Straits
8: Queen
9: The Police
10: The Rolling Stones
11: Billy Joel
12: The Eurythmics
13: The Cure
14: David Bowie
15: Whitney Houston
16: Elton John
17: Duran Duran
18: Iron Maiden
19: Barbra Streisand
20: The Smiths
21: Lionel Richie
22: Paul McCartney
23: AC/DC
24: Van Halen
25: Depeche Mode
2: Madonna
3: U2
4: Michael Jackson
5: Bruce Springsteen
6: Phil Collins
7: Dire Straits
8: Queen
9: The Police
10: The Rolling Stones
11: Billy Joel
12: The Eurythmics
13: The Cure
14: David Bowie
15: Whitney Houston
16: Elton John
17: Duran Duran
18: Iron Maiden
19: Barbra Streisand
20: The Smiths
21: Lionel Richie
22: Paul McCartney
23: AC/DC
24: Van Halen
25: Depeche Mode
John Lennon is shot to death by a fan in 1980 just as he was coming back into the public eye with a new album. MTV (Music Television) is launched on 300 U.S. cable TV systems in 1981. MTV plays music videos 24 hours a day and provides daily rock news clips. By 1983 MTV is available on 2,000 cable systems. VH1 is launched in 1984 with a more classic rock format.
The prevalance of music videos as a 24/7 marketing tool is influential
in bringing numerous new bands and music styles into the mainstream, including a resurgence in heavy metal, the emergence of synthpop, and the growth in new wave, rap and hip hop. The number of successful female artists, across many genres, is reflected in singles and album sales.
The prevalance of music videos as a 24/7 marketing tool is influential
in bringing numerous new bands and music styles into the mainstream, including a resurgence in heavy metal, the emergence of synthpop, and the growth in new wave, rap and hip hop. The number of successful female artists, across many genres, is reflected in singles and album sales.
Urban / R&B:
Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Keith Sweat, Al B. Sure!
Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Keith Sweat, Al B. Sure!
Pop:
Madonna, Bryan Adams, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Taylor Dayne, Millie Vanilli, Paula Abdul, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Kenny Rogers, Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue, Expose, Huey Lewis, New Edition, Wham!, Paul Young
Madonna, Bryan Adams, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Taylor Dayne, Millie Vanilli, Paula Abdul, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Kenny Rogers, Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue, Expose, Huey Lewis, New Edition, Wham!, Paul Young
New Wave:
Talking Heads, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Eurythmics, Berlin, Simple Minds, Psychedelic Furs, Echo & The Bunnymen, Love & Rockets, Blondie, Squeeze, The Police, The Bangles, The Go Go's, Nena
Talking Heads, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Eurythmics, Berlin, Simple Minds, Psychedelic Furs, Echo & The Bunnymen, Love & Rockets, Blondie, Squeeze, The Police, The Bangles, The Go Go's, Nena
Synthpop / Electronic:
Devo, Soft Cell, The Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Gary Numan, The Human League, Swing Out Sister, Ultravox, Orchestral Manuevers In The Dark, Japan, Men Without Hats
Devo, Soft Cell, The Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Gary Numan, The Human League, Swing Out Sister, Ultravox, Orchestral Manuevers In The Dark, Japan, Men Without Hats
Mainstream Rock:
Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Tom Petty, Toto, Asia, Aerosmith, Journey, Rush, Bon Jovi, INXS, Genesis, Loverboy, Melissa Etheridge, J.Geils Band, Steve Winwood, Foreigner, Europe
Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Tom Petty, Toto, Asia, Aerosmith, Journey, Rush, Bon Jovi, INXS, Genesis, Loverboy, Melissa Etheridge, J.Geils Band, Steve Winwood, Foreigner, Europe
Heavy Metal:
Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Skid Row, Tesla, AC/DC, Queensryche, Krokus, Scorpions, Accept, Pantera, Twisted Sister, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard
Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Skid Row, Tesla, AC/DC, Queensryche, Krokus, Scorpions, Accept, Pantera, Twisted Sister, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard
Hair / Glam Metal:
Motley Crue, Poison, Warrant, Quiet Riot, WASP, Bon Jovi, Stryper, L.A. Guns, Guns & Roses, Cinderella, Winger, Whitesnake, White Lion, Europe, Britny Fox
Motley Crue, Poison, Warrant, Quiet Riot, WASP, Bon Jovi, Stryper, L.A. Guns, Guns & Roses, Cinderella, Winger, Whitesnake, White Lion, Europe, Britny Fox
Thrash / Speed Metal:
Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, Sepultura, Overkill, Gwar, Pantera, Testament, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church
Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, Sepultura, Overkill, Gwar, Pantera, Testament, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church
Top 50 Music Artists of the 1980's
Based on Worldwide Sales
Top 50 Music Artists of the 1980's
Based on Worldwide Sales
26: Genesis
27: Bon Jovi
28: Rod Stewart
29: Simple Minds
30: Culture Club
31: Tina Turner
32: John Lennon
33: Talking Heads
34: REM
35: Diana Ross
36: John Cougar Mellencamp
37: Foreigner
38: George Michael
39: Elvis Costello
40: Tears For Fears
41: The Pet Shop Boys
42: Pat Benatar
43: Def Leppard
44: Peter Gabriel
45: Stevie Wonder
46: Abba
47: Kiyoko Matsuda
48: Wham!
49: Guns n' Roses
50: Pink Floyd
27: Bon Jovi
28: Rod Stewart
29: Simple Minds
30: Culture Club
31: Tina Turner
32: John Lennon
33: Talking Heads
34: REM
35: Diana Ross
36: John Cougar Mellencamp
37: Foreigner
38: George Michael
39: Elvis Costello
40: Tears For Fears
41: The Pet Shop Boys
42: Pat Benatar
43: Def Leppard
44: Peter Gabriel
45: Stevie Wonder
46: Abba
47: Kiyoko Matsuda
48: Wham!
49: Guns n' Roses
50: Pink Floyd
Goth / Gothic Rock:
Bauhaus, The Cure, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Killing Joke, Theatre of Hate, The Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, The Lords Of The New Church, Peter Murphy
Bauhaus, The Cure, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Killing Joke, Theatre of Hate, The Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, The Lords Of The New Church, Peter Murphy
Punk / Hardcore:
Black Flag, The Dead Kennedys, Fear, X, The Descendents, The Misfits, Bad Religion, The Circle Jerks, The Germs, Bad Brains, Minutemen, Social Distortion, Husker Du, Meat Puppets
Black Flag, The Dead Kennedys, Fear, X, The Descendents, The Misfits, Bad Religion, The Circle Jerks, The Germs, Bad Brains, Minutemen, Social Distortion, Husker Du, Meat Puppets
New Wave / Alternative Rock:
R.E.M., Violent Femmes, Camper Van Beethoven, The Pixies, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Smiths, Soul Asylum, Jane's Addiction, The Feelies, The Replacements, Sonic Youth
R.E.M., Violent Femmes, Camper Van Beethoven, The Pixies, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Smiths, Soul Asylum, Jane's Addiction, The Feelies, The Replacements, Sonic Youth
Rockabilly / Ska Revival:
The Stray Cats, Matchbox, The Rockats, The Cramps, The Blasters, The Specials, Madness, The Beat, The Selecter
The Stray Cats, Matchbox, The Rockats, The Cramps, The Blasters, The Specials, Madness, The Beat, The Selecter
Eighties Music: CD's, Synths, and the Rise of MTV
Eighties Music: CD's, Synths, and the Rise of MTV
1980's in Rock Music History
1980's in Rock Music History
The first MTV Video Music Awards are held in New York City and Madonna's suggestive performance of "Like A Virgin" draws attention. Motown star Marvin Gaye is shot and killed in an argument with his father. Sting leaves the Police. Prince releases the soundtrack for Purple Rain which charts at #1 US for 24 weeks...
MTV launches a sister station, VH1, with a more classic rock sound targeted at an older age group. 40 artists gather to record "We Are The World" for African famine relief. The Live Aid concert for famine relief is held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia and broadcast live worldwide...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame holds it's first induction ceremony honoring eight rock music pioneers. In May Cleveland, Ohio is selected as the site for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum.
Rock and soul veterans return with hits including James Brown, The Moody Blues, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Boston and The Monkees...
1987 - Click for Details by Month
Rap music continues to grow in popularity. Whitney Houston becomes the first female artist to debut at #1 with her second album. Aretha Franklin is the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cassette singles emerge to replace vinyl 45's. MTV Europe is launched...
Rap music continues to grow in popularity. Whitney Houston becomes the first female artist to debut at #1 with her second album. Aretha Franklin is the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cassette singles emerge to replace vinyl 45's. MTV Europe is launched...
In 1988 CD's outsell vinyl albums for the first time, but cassette tapes remain as the top selling medium for music. Atlantic Records holds a 40th Anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden with many past and present label artists including a reunited Led Zeppelin. Rap/hip hop and alternative music grow...
Janet Jackson and Bobby Brown continue to drive the growth of New Jack Swing, which merges hip hop with R&B. German pop duo Milli Vanilli are stripped of their Best New Artist Grammy when it is revealed they didn't sing on their records. Michael Jackson begins referring to himself as the King of Pop...
The US hard core punk rock scene grows. Rap music makes the US charts. As punk rocks popularity declines in the UK, the so-called New Wave of British Heavy Metal begins - with new metal bands adapting the intensity and speed of punk. John Lennon is shot to death by a deranged fan in New York City....
Synthpop emerges with success for UK acts including Soft Cell, Human League and others. Rockabilly and ska enjoy brief revivals. Reggae star Bob Marley dies of cancer. Diana Ross leaves Motown for RCA making her the highest paid artist of the time. Country artists enjoy crossover success on the US Top 100...
The "Second British Invasion" emerges with numerous UK synth and new wave bands scoring hits in the U.S. driven by exposure on MTV. The Tube is launched on BBC Television with live performances of new UK music artists. Michael Jackson's album Thriller is released, going on to become the best selling album of all time...
1983 - Click for Details by Month
Michael Jackson unveils the moonwalk dance move on the Motown 25th Anniversary TV Special. MTV music video plays drive sales of singles and heavily influence radio play. The Rolling Stones set a new record high for recording contracts. Michael Jackson releases his elaborate Thriller video....
Michael Jackson unveils the moonwalk dance move on the Motown 25th Anniversary TV Special. MTV music video plays drive sales of singles and heavily influence radio play. The Rolling Stones set a new record high for recording contracts. Michael Jackson releases his elaborate Thriller video....
Music Genres of the 1980's
Key Artists & Music Styles
Music Genres of the 1980's
Key Artists & Music Styles
Best Selling Singles of the 1980's
Based on Worldwide Sales
Best Selling Singles of the 1980's
Based on Worldwide Sales
1 Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall (part 2) - 1980
2 Irene Cara - Flashdance... What a Feeling - 1983
3 Michael Jackson - Billie Jean - 1983
4 The Police - Every Breath You Take - 1983
5 Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes - 1981
6 Madonna - Like a Prayer - 1989
7 Survivor - Eye of the Tiger - 1982
8 Stevie Wonder - I Just Called to Say I Love You - 1984
9 Barbra Streisand - A Woman in Love - 1980
10 USA For Africa - We Are the World - 1985
11 George Michael - Careless Whisper - 1984
12 John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over - 1980
13 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock 'n' Roll - 1982
14 Culture Club - Karma Chameleon - 1983
15 Lipps Inc - Funkytown - 1980
16 Diana Ross - Upside Down - 1980
17 The Human League - Don't You Want Me - 1982
18 Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise - 1989
19 Prince - When Doves Cry - 1984
20 Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody - 1987
21 Michael Jackson - Beat It - 1983
22 Los Lobos - La Bamba - 1987
23 Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up - 1987
24 David Bowie - Let's Dance - 1983
25 Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - 1984
26 Culture Club - Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? - 1983
27 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder - Ebony & Ivory - 1982
28 Men At Work - Down Under - 1982
29 A-Ha - Take On Me - 1985
30 Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes - (I've Had) the Time of My Life - 1987
31 Blondie - Call Me - 1980
32 U2 - With Or Without You - 1987
33 Berlin - Take My Breath Away - 1986
34 Dexys Midnight Runners - Come On Eileen - 1982
35 Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy - 1988
36 Starsound - Stars On 45 - 1981
37 Phil Collins - A Groovy Kind of Love - 1988
38 Falco - Rock Me Amadeus - 1986
39 The Bangles - Eternal Flame - 1989
40 Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love - 1981
41 Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra - 1982
42 Bon Jovi - Livin' On a Prayer - 1987
43 Madonna - Papa Don't Preach - 1986
44 Soft Cell - Tainted Love - 1981
45 Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting - 1989
46 J Geils Band - Centrefold - 1982
47 Nena - 99 Red Balloons - 1983
48 Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart - 1983
49 UB40 - Red Red Wine - 1983
50 Tina Turner - What's Love Got to Do With It? - 1984
51 The B52s - Love Shack - 1989
52 George Michael - Faith - 1987
53 Roxette - The Look - 1989
54 Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - 1984
55 Olivia Newton-John - (Let's Get) Physical - 1981
56 Queen - Another One Bites the Dust - 1980
57 Foreigner - I Want to Know What Love Is - 1985
58 Guns n' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine - 1988
59 Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy - 1989
60 Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas? - 1985
61 The Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls - 1986
62 Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Relax - 1984
63 Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong - 1982
64 Dionne Warwick & Friends - That's What Friends Are For - 1986
65 John Lennon - Woman - 1981
66 Jefferson Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - 1987
67 U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - 1987
68 Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love - 1980
69 Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra - Xanadu - 1980
70 Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers - Swing the Mood - 1989
71 Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight - 1981
72 Phil Collins - Against All Odds - 1984
73 Prince - Batdance - 1989
74 Irene Cara - Fame - 1980
75 Van Halen - Jump - 1984
76 F R David - Words - 1982
77 Tears For Fears - Shout - 1985
78 Musical Youth - Pass the Dutchie - 1982
79 U2 - Desire - 1988
80 Madonna - Like a Virgin - 1984
81 The Bangles - Walk Like an Egyptian - 1986
82 Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer - 1986
83 Tiffany - I Think We're Alone Now - 1988
84 Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters - 1984
85 Billy Ocean - Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car - 1988
86 Lionel Richie - All Night Long (All Night) - 1983
87 Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place On Earth - 1988
88 Kaoma - Lambada - 1989
89 Kenny Loggins - Footloose - 1984
90 Abba - The Winner Takes it All - 1980
91 Chicago - Hard to Say I'm Sorry - 1982
92 Lionel Richie - Hello - 1984
93 Kool & The Gang - Celebration - 1981
94 INXS - Need You Tonight - 1988
95 Michael Jackson - Thriller - 1984
96 Madonna - Who's That Girl? - 1987
97 The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - 1983
98 Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson - Say Say Say - 1983
99 Europe - The Final Countdown - 1986
100 Lionel Richie - Say You, Say Me - 1985
2 Irene Cara - Flashdance... What a Feeling - 1983
3 Michael Jackson - Billie Jean - 1983
4 The Police - Every Breath You Take - 1983
5 Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes - 1981
6 Madonna - Like a Prayer - 1989
7 Survivor - Eye of the Tiger - 1982
8 Stevie Wonder - I Just Called to Say I Love You - 1984
9 Barbra Streisand - A Woman in Love - 1980
10 USA For Africa - We Are the World - 1985
11 George Michael - Careless Whisper - 1984
12 John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over - 1980
13 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock 'n' Roll - 1982
14 Culture Club - Karma Chameleon - 1983
15 Lipps Inc - Funkytown - 1980
16 Diana Ross - Upside Down - 1980
17 The Human League - Don't You Want Me - 1982
18 Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise - 1989
19 Prince - When Doves Cry - 1984
20 Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody - 1987
21 Michael Jackson - Beat It - 1983
22 Los Lobos - La Bamba - 1987
23 Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up - 1987
24 David Bowie - Let's Dance - 1983
25 Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - 1984
26 Culture Club - Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? - 1983
27 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder - Ebony & Ivory - 1982
28 Men At Work - Down Under - 1982
29 A-Ha - Take On Me - 1985
30 Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes - (I've Had) the Time of My Life - 1987
31 Blondie - Call Me - 1980
32 U2 - With Or Without You - 1987
33 Berlin - Take My Breath Away - 1986
34 Dexys Midnight Runners - Come On Eileen - 1982
35 Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy - 1988
36 Starsound - Stars On 45 - 1981
37 Phil Collins - A Groovy Kind of Love - 1988
38 Falco - Rock Me Amadeus - 1986
39 The Bangles - Eternal Flame - 1989
40 Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love - 1981
41 Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra - 1982
42 Bon Jovi - Livin' On a Prayer - 1987
43 Madonna - Papa Don't Preach - 1986
44 Soft Cell - Tainted Love - 1981
45 Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting - 1989
46 J Geils Band - Centrefold - 1982
47 Nena - 99 Red Balloons - 1983
48 Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart - 1983
49 UB40 - Red Red Wine - 1983
50 Tina Turner - What's Love Got to Do With It? - 1984
51 The B52s - Love Shack - 1989
52 George Michael - Faith - 1987
53 Roxette - The Look - 1989
54 Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - 1984
55 Olivia Newton-John - (Let's Get) Physical - 1981
56 Queen - Another One Bites the Dust - 1980
57 Foreigner - I Want to Know What Love Is - 1985
58 Guns n' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine - 1988
59 Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy - 1989
60 Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas? - 1985
61 The Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls - 1986
62 Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Relax - 1984
63 Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong - 1982
64 Dionne Warwick & Friends - That's What Friends Are For - 1986
65 John Lennon - Woman - 1981
66 Jefferson Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - 1987
67 U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - 1987
68 Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love - 1980
69 Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra - Xanadu - 1980
70 Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers - Swing the Mood - 1989
71 Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight - 1981
72 Phil Collins - Against All Odds - 1984
73 Prince - Batdance - 1989
74 Irene Cara - Fame - 1980
75 Van Halen - Jump - 1984
76 F R David - Words - 1982
77 Tears For Fears - Shout - 1985
78 Musical Youth - Pass the Dutchie - 1982
79 U2 - Desire - 1988
80 Madonna - Like a Virgin - 1984
81 The Bangles - Walk Like an Egyptian - 1986
82 Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer - 1986
83 Tiffany - I Think We're Alone Now - 1988
84 Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters - 1984
85 Billy Ocean - Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car - 1988
86 Lionel Richie - All Night Long (All Night) - 1983
87 Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place On Earth - 1988
88 Kaoma - Lambada - 1989
89 Kenny Loggins - Footloose - 1984
90 Abba - The Winner Takes it All - 1980
91 Chicago - Hard to Say I'm Sorry - 1982
92 Lionel Richie - Hello - 1984
93 Kool & The Gang - Celebration - 1981
94 INXS - Need You Tonight - 1988
95 Michael Jackson - Thriller - 1984
96 Madonna - Who's That Girl? - 1987
97 The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - 1983
98 Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson - Say Say Say - 1983
99 Europe - The Final Countdown - 1986
100 Lionel Richie - Say You, Say Me - 1985
1 Michael Jackson - Thriller - 1982
2 Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms - 1985
3 U2 - The Joshua Tree - 1987
4 Bruce Springsteen - Born In The USA - 1984
5 Michael Jackson - Bad - 1987
6 Prince - Purple Rain - 1984
7 The Police - Synchronicity - 1983
8 Paul Simon - Graceland - 1986
9 Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston - 1986
10 Phil Collins - No Jacket Required - 1985
11 Guns n' Roses - Appetite For Destruction - 1987
12 Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down - 1983
13 George Michael - Faith - 1987
14 Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet - 1986
15 Original Soundtrack - Dirty Dancing - 1987
16 Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman - 1988
17 Def Leppard - Hysteria - 1987
18 AC/DC - Back In Black - 1980
19 Madonna - True Blue - 1986
20 U2 - Rattle & Hum - 1988
21 Whitney Houston - Whitney - 1987
22 John Lennon - Double Fantasy - 1980
23 Madonna - Like A Prayer - 1989
24 Original Soundtrack - Flashdance - 1983
25 Phil Collins - ... But Seriously - 1989
26 Madonna - Like A Virgin - 1984
27 Prince - Sign 'O' The Times - 1987
28 Culture Club - Colour By Numbers - 1983
29 Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair - 1985
30 The Rolling Stones - Tattoo You - 1981
31 Bryan Adams - Reckless - 1985
32 Peter Gabriel - So - 1986
33 Barbra Streisand - Guilty - 1980
34 Bruce Springsteen - The River - 1980
35 Men At Work - Business As Usual - 1982
36 Paul McCartney - Tug Of War - 1982
37 The Police - Ghost In The Machine - 1981
38 Bob Marley - Legend, The Best Of Bob Marley - 1984
39 Bruce Springsteen - Tunnel Of Love - 1987
40 The Beastie Boys - Licensed To Ill - 1986
41 Phil Collins - Face Value - 1981
42 Sting - The Dream Of The Blue Turtles - 1985
43 Original Soundtrack - Footloose - 1984
44 Sting - ...Nothing Like The Sun - 1987
45 U2 - The Unforgettable Fire - 1984
46 Toto - Toto IV - 1982
47 David Bowie - Let's Dance - 1983
48 Wham! - Make It Big - 1984
49 Fine Young Cannibals - The Raw & The Cooked - 1989
50 Roxy Music - Avalon - 1982
51 INXS - Kick - 1988
52 ZZ Top - Eliminator - 1983
53 U2 - War - 1983
54 Asia - Asia - 1982
55 Tina Turner - Private Dancer - 1984
56 The Human League - Dare! - 1981
57 The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead - 1986
58 Billy Joel - Glass Houses - 1980
59 Foreigner - 4 - 1981
60 Bon Jovi - New Jersey - 1988
61 Queen - Queen's Greatest Hits I - 1981
62 The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta - 1980
63 Terence Trent D'Arby - Introducing The Hardline - 1987
64 Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual - 1984
65 Pink Floyd - The Final Cut - 1983
66 The Cure - Disintegration - 1989
67 Traveling Wilburys - Volume I - 1988
68 Original Soundtrack - Top Gun - 1986
69 REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity - 1981
70 Foreigner - Agent Provocateur - 1985
71 Sade - Promise - 1985
72 Janet Jackson - Control - 1986
73 Prince - Batman - 1989
74 Prince - Lovesexy - 1988
75 Sade - Diamond Life - 1984
76 Rick Astley - Whenever You Need Somebody - 1988
77 The Eurythmics - Be Yourself Tonight - 1985
78 Kate Bush - Hounds Of Love - 1985
79 Dire Straits - Love Over Gold - 1982
80 Bruce Springsteen - Live 1975-1985 - 1986
81 Van Halen - 5150 - 1986
82 The Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue - 1980
83 Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl - 1989
84 Van Halen - 1984 (mcmlxxxiv) - 1984
85 Genesis - Genesis - 1983
86 Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814 - 1989
87 Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra - Xanadu - 1980
88 Queen - The Game - 1980
89 Paul Young - No Parlez - 1983
90 Billy Joel - An Innocent Man - 1983
91 Prince - Around The World In A Day - 1985
92 Fleetwood Mac - Tango In The Night - 1987
93 Abba - Super Trouper - 1980
94 Dire Straits - Making Movies - 1980
95 Prince - 1999 - 1982
96 Electric Light Orchestra - Time - 1981
97 Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert In Central Park - 1982
98 The Eurythmics - Touch - 1983
99 Genesis - Invisible Touch - 1986
100 Huey Lewis & The News - Sports - 1984
2 Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms - 1985
3 U2 - The Joshua Tree - 1987
4 Bruce Springsteen - Born In The USA - 1984
5 Michael Jackson - Bad - 1987
6 Prince - Purple Rain - 1984
7 The Police - Synchronicity - 1983
8 Paul Simon - Graceland - 1986
9 Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston - 1986
10 Phil Collins - No Jacket Required - 1985
11 Guns n' Roses - Appetite For Destruction - 1987
12 Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down - 1983
13 George Michael - Faith - 1987
14 Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet - 1986
15 Original Soundtrack - Dirty Dancing - 1987
16 Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman - 1988
17 Def Leppard - Hysteria - 1987
18 AC/DC - Back In Black - 1980
19 Madonna - True Blue - 1986
20 U2 - Rattle & Hum - 1988
21 Whitney Houston - Whitney - 1987
22 John Lennon - Double Fantasy - 1980
23 Madonna - Like A Prayer - 1989
24 Original Soundtrack - Flashdance - 1983
25 Phil Collins - ... But Seriously - 1989
26 Madonna - Like A Virgin - 1984
27 Prince - Sign 'O' The Times - 1987
28 Culture Club - Colour By Numbers - 1983
29 Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair - 1985
30 The Rolling Stones - Tattoo You - 1981
31 Bryan Adams - Reckless - 1985
32 Peter Gabriel - So - 1986
33 Barbra Streisand - Guilty - 1980
34 Bruce Springsteen - The River - 1980
35 Men At Work - Business As Usual - 1982
36 Paul McCartney - Tug Of War - 1982
37 The Police - Ghost In The Machine - 1981
38 Bob Marley - Legend, The Best Of Bob Marley - 1984
39 Bruce Springsteen - Tunnel Of Love - 1987
40 The Beastie Boys - Licensed To Ill - 1986
41 Phil Collins - Face Value - 1981
42 Sting - The Dream Of The Blue Turtles - 1985
43 Original Soundtrack - Footloose - 1984
44 Sting - ...Nothing Like The Sun - 1987
45 U2 - The Unforgettable Fire - 1984
46 Toto - Toto IV - 1982
47 David Bowie - Let's Dance - 1983
48 Wham! - Make It Big - 1984
49 Fine Young Cannibals - The Raw & The Cooked - 1989
50 Roxy Music - Avalon - 1982
51 INXS - Kick - 1988
52 ZZ Top - Eliminator - 1983
53 U2 - War - 1983
54 Asia - Asia - 1982
55 Tina Turner - Private Dancer - 1984
56 The Human League - Dare! - 1981
57 The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead - 1986
58 Billy Joel - Glass Houses - 1980
59 Foreigner - 4 - 1981
60 Bon Jovi - New Jersey - 1988
61 Queen - Queen's Greatest Hits I - 1981
62 The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta - 1980
63 Terence Trent D'Arby - Introducing The Hardline - 1987
64 Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual - 1984
65 Pink Floyd - The Final Cut - 1983
66 The Cure - Disintegration - 1989
67 Traveling Wilburys - Volume I - 1988
68 Original Soundtrack - Top Gun - 1986
69 REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity - 1981
70 Foreigner - Agent Provocateur - 1985
71 Sade - Promise - 1985
72 Janet Jackson - Control - 1986
73 Prince - Batman - 1989
74 Prince - Lovesexy - 1988
75 Sade - Diamond Life - 1984
76 Rick Astley - Whenever You Need Somebody - 1988
77 The Eurythmics - Be Yourself Tonight - 1985
78 Kate Bush - Hounds Of Love - 1985
79 Dire Straits - Love Over Gold - 1982
80 Bruce Springsteen - Live 1975-1985 - 1986
81 Van Halen - 5150 - 1986
82 The Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue - 1980
83 Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl - 1989
84 Van Halen - 1984 (mcmlxxxiv) - 1984
85 Genesis - Genesis - 1983
86 Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814 - 1989
87 Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra - Xanadu - 1980
88 Queen - The Game - 1980
89 Paul Young - No Parlez - 1983
90 Billy Joel - An Innocent Man - 1983
91 Prince - Around The World In A Day - 1985
92 Fleetwood Mac - Tango In The Night - 1987
93 Abba - Super Trouper - 1980
94 Dire Straits - Making Movies - 1980
95 Prince - 1999 - 1982
96 Electric Light Orchestra - Time - 1981
97 Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert In Central Park - 1982
98 The Eurythmics - Touch - 1983
99 Genesis - Invisible Touch - 1986
100 Huey Lewis & The News - Sports - 1984
Worldwide sales information is from Tsort and uses a formula based on splitting the world into four regions based on sales, the USA (about 35%), other English speaking countries (about 20%), the rest of Europe (about 25%) and the rest of the world (about 20%). We feel this is the best methodology available to show the global impact of a song or album. More detailed chart info is available on the Tsort website.
Best Selling Albums of the 1980's
Based on Worldwide Sales
Best Selling Albums of the 1980's
Based on Worldwide Sales