Top 10 Best 80s Rock Albums

These are the rock albums that defined a decade. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at enduring 1980s rock albums. Our countdown of the best 80s rock albums includes “Slippery When Wet”, "Back in Black", “Purple Rain”, and more! Which 1980s album do YOU think helped define the decade? Let us know in the comments!

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[WatchMojo]

Which 1980s album do YOU think helped define the decade? Let us know in the comments!

[jp]

So many multi-platinum rock albums released in 1987: Appetite for Destruction, The Joshua Tree, Hysteria, Permanent Vacation, Whitesnake, Tango in the Night, Kick, etc... Slippery When Wet also continued its massive success from the previous year.

[Edd]

Recently bought 'The Joshua Tree'.
God damn, that's a good album!

[Vampanthem]

I got an 80s dad and am very glad he introduced me to this magical era

[natesylvester]

"Invisible Touch" has a killer bass line. Thanks, Mike... :3

[RoseGma]

The '80s rock songs are what defined my generation! I love every single one of these! But I have to say that Prince and U2 are still my favorite!

[nunyabizness]

Appetite for Destruction, The Joshua Tree, Hysteria, INXS Kick, Prince's Sign o The Times, George Michael's Faith, Michael Jackson's Bad, Aerosmith's Permanent vacation and REM's Document all came out in the SAME YEAR. You can't get that many good albums in a decade these days. I'm really getting old.

[Tesoro]

The Joshua Tree is a masterpiece. I have followed the band for over 40 years and traveled the world to see their shows. Their music fills my soul!

[aleccopile]

I think all these rock bands mentioned have something in common. They are still popular today, can play in arenas and stadiums all over the world and the songs from these albums are still played on the radio.

[itsbecauseimbatman]

When he said “…and speaking of arms…” at 3:47, I would have bet my left arm that he was going to cleverly slip into a Def Leppard segue. 😂

[bernerandgoldenmom]

I do have a few others I would have suggested that better fit the genre: Bob Seger released 3 albums including Against the Wind; the Kinks had their comeback in the 80s, releasing 5 albums, the first of which was Give the People What They Want; David Bowie had his most successful commercial success during that time with the Let’s Dance album; ZZ Top had Eliminator that went Diamond with 11 million records sold and 4 Billboard hits.

[Bo_D_Hansen]

The 1980's music was simply the best decade for music ❤

[KylorsMetalFan]

Possibly the best decade for music! If only it were the same today.

[Amber_xo_]

5. U2 - War
4. Van Halen - 1984
3. Motörhead - AOS
2. Warlock - TAS
1. Metallica - RTL

[trinaq]

I can thank my dearly departed mother for introducing me to Phil Collins, and by extension, Genesis, and I was instantly hooked.

[tammylynnbeatricedoyle]

What a flashback 🎉 great list 👌 Motley Crue and Prince 🤴 ❤ 4ever

[Agemus]

The opening disclaimer immediately delegitimizes the list.

[paulkowald]

Maybe it’s me, but living on a prayer seems to be the new sweet Caroline. You hear fans singing it all the time at sporting events.

[dolljuliet_h]

Ok but if you’re going to include Prince and Kate Bush, I honestly think Talking Heads’ Remain in Light should be on here

[huntermyers]

I think all of the 1980s rock albums helped define the decade