(1988)Joshua Tree had an amazing sound but this semi-live album covers all of the musical bases with blues ("Desire", "When Love Comes To Town"), ballads ("Van Dieman's Land", "All I Want is You") and live versions of their biggest hits ("Pride", "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For").

(1982)Actually my favorite Prince album is his 1992 release whose title is that weird symbol that he now goes by but this soundtrack was his best work of the decade.

(1983)Several good Pretenders albums to choose from but this one wins because it features some of their most varied music like "Back on the Chain Gang", "2000 Miles", "Middle of the Road" and the punkish "Watching the Clothes".

(1983)Another arists exploring his roots, this time finding them in the doo wop and Motown sounds of the 60's. Includes alot of great Billy songs like "The Longest Time", "Keeping The Faith", "Uptown Girl" and the title track.

(1981) With it's high energy rockers like "Start Me Up" and "Hang Fire" as well as one of their greatest ballads, "Waiting on a Friend", this was the Stones best album of the 80's - a decade when they seemed in danger of creative bankrupcy - only to return with a vengance with 1994's Voodoo Lounge.

(1982)Probably the least well known album on this list, it does feature the hit "Come On Eileen" but unlike many of the one-hit-wonders of the decade, Dexy's could actully make an entire album of interesting material. Surprisingly, with the exception of Eileen, most of Too-Rye-Aye isn't even pop, instead going for a mixture of Irish Celtic music and soul. Especially pay attention to their remake of Van Morrison's "Jacky Wilson Said" and the beautiful ballad "Old".

(1985)Petty makes great singles but here he delivered something deeper - an exploration of his musical roots not unlike the Stones did with Exile on Main St.

(1984)A fully concieved album that delt with growing up during the 50's and 60's and current living conditions during the 1980's. All this while still managing to deliver fist pumping anthems like Glory Days, No Surrender and the infamous title track.

(1989)Sure there were plenty of pop hooks to be found on the album but what made it stand out from the rest was the mixture of religion, confessional songwriting and sexuality.

(1987)Perfect songwriting, singing (by Natalie Merchant) and musical arrangements. Many of there best known songs ("Hey Jack Kerouac", "What's The Matter Here") are here but "Gun Shy" was truly the bands best moment.

Can anyone tell me more about these brilliant people?

William McArthur McKenzie!!! (...AND he's cute. So there.)

So he makes me sick, but he is talented and can dance. Dancing always impresses me. Every song on this album made it to number 1 at one time or another.

"Money For Nothing" I need not say anymore.

"The Search Is Over" says it all.

I think this was the one that had "You're the Inspiration" on it. If not, than it's that one.

All the songs on this one were the best.

I think they only made one album and fell off the face of the earth. It was the one with "Kyrie" and "Broken Wings" on it.

There isn't a song on this album that I don't like. "Shout", "Head Over Heels", and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" bring back the most memories for me.

I think this one is newer, but it's a collection of their hits from the 80's. My favorites on this one are:"Girls on Film", "Rio", "Save a Prayer", "Is there something I Should Know?", "The Reflex", "Wild Boys", "A View To A Kill", and many more hits from the best dacade ever.

This is another hits collection that all comes from the 80's. Some great ones off this one include:"People Are People", "Somebody", and "Master and Servant".

"Every Breath You Take" made song of the year the year this album came out and so many others off this album climbed the charts.

Slickly produced album by the now deceased Alex Sadkin and who could resist the, well irresistable "Hold me now?"

A cohesive sounding album. Every track's a winner.

A fantasic collection of catchy songs. Every one's got a stop and listen lyric and the melodies ... absolutely yummy!

Very Euro pop. If you like Ace of Base then this is for you too.

M's most mature effort of the 80's. Largely an autobiographical collection. The songs give you a feeling of being privy to her innermost emotions....back then.

Every song's a single on this one. "Hard Day (remix)" is particularly a stand out.

It contained "Careless Whisper" and "Everything She Wants." Need I say more?

Why wasn't this album a major US success? Every song's flawless in this fine collection.

Simply a well sung pretty pop collection that covered the spectrum of every aspect of love. Easton's vocals soared as it swung from happy go lucky to jaded know it all to brazen self-confidence/independence to wistful and dying inside torment.

What else?

This album would actually rank higher if this weren't an 80's top ten. The sounds are so fresh that every tune stacks up today. The title track as well as "A Matter of Time" are outstanding and the Steve Berlin sax-driven "I Got Loaded" makes this one of the all time greats.

I know it's extreme pop, but the tunes are so catchy. I found myself walking into the grocery store last week singing...."She reaches in, and GRABS right hold of your heart...."

A bit of an obscure choice but more than worthy. For those of you who don't know, the 'cubes is Icelandic-diva Bjork's old band. The song "Birthday" must be heard to be believed. Bjork's vocals have never sounded better. Even the obnoxious Einer Orn can be tolerated on most of the tracks.

Technically released in '79, Cross' debut includes the soothing strings of "Sailing". "Ride Like the Wind" and "Never Be the Same" are also on the best easy listening album of the 80's.

"Baby it's hard to be-lieve we're in Heaven...." How do you not include an album that sports tunes like "Summer of '69", "Run To You", and the aforemented "Heaven". I even have the sleeveless black "Reckless" tour T-shirt.

I know I sound like the ultimate sell-out, but "Wrapped Around Your Finger", "King of Pain", and "Every Breath You Take" just plain rule!

What would growing up in the 80's have been like if there were no "Weird" Al? The man single handedly gave the entire generation something to laugh about during all of the superficiality of the 80's. "King of Suede", "Yoda", "I Think I'm a Clone Now", "La-sagna", and "Money For Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies" are as memorable as the songs they parody.

A compilation, yes, but a damn good one! Where else can you here Steve Perry belt out "Anyway You Want It" then slow down for a sentimental--albeit cheesey-- "Open Arms"?

Man does this album stand up. "With Or Without You"--probably one of the top two or three songs of the decade. The music is almost as timeless as........

Anytime you feel a little depressed just pop in "Like the Weather"(depressing lyrics with an extremely feel-good beat that would make Bob Dole giddy). Natalie shows us her talent with "What's the Matter Here?". The album just gets better as the tracks go on. "Gun Shy" has a wonderfully ironic ending and "Sister Rose" may be the tune to challenge "Like the Weather". Try to find the rare collector's item first edition with the Cat Stevens song "Peace Train".

Alex Sadkin's production really brings out their slinky style.

Overall good songs, with "Home By The Sea/Second Home By The Sea" a virtual epic.

The ultimate 80's power rock band!

A good jazz/rock sound, just plain nice.

The difinitive 80's new wave album, this was them at their best.

From the time I remember Chicago, they got a pleasable pop/Top 40 sound.

For those who know anything about music theory, most of the songs are in E flat, perhaps the reason I like the album.

All his solid early 80's material, especially the "Nylon Curtain" songs, plus my favorite of his, "You're Only Human (Second Wind)".

Need I say more.

Also my all time favorite album, the use of synths and electronic drums is interesting every time I hear it. Also, I have good memories of the singles from that album.