Here are numbers 6-10:
10. Twisted Sister, Stay Hungry
From the moment I first saw the video for "We're Not Gonna Take It," I was hooked. But how could I not be? The video had huge hulking guys dressed in drag, cartoon violence, Animal House references, cowbell, and featured a song about questioning authority. It was crack for a fourteen year old. Truth be told, I probably played this album more than any other on the list, save our #1. I still know the lyrics to every song, from opener "Stay Hungry" to closer "S.M.F.," and every song in between. In fact, I'm going to dig the CD out right now and give it another spin.--Chris
9. The Cars, Heartbeat City
I really started listening to music on a regular basis when I got my own car. My radio, at least in the mid-'80s, was always tuned to the pop stations, so pop is what's ingrained in my brain from this musical era. I would definitely consider The Cars a step above your standard pop fare. They had a lot of staying power and had already been around for a while by the time Heartbeat City hit the shelves. But for me, this album is the source of most of my favorite Cars tunes--especially "Drive," which is generally a lot more ballad-y than I like. Something about that song, however, just resonates with me. I have to admit that The Cars have always been a greatest hits collection kind of band to me--but, barring the actual greatest hits album, for my money Heartbeat City gets you the best bang for the buck.--Dave
8. Bon Jovi, Bon Jovi
Being a Jersey Girl, I'm a little disappointed this isn't higher, but love that it's on the list. Yes, it's true, we do really love our Bon Jovi in these parts. Now, personally, I'm holding out for 1986 when we get to Slippery When Wet (because that's when we get really good), but you can never discount the debut. "Runaway" is an amazing intro track that every girl wants to speed down the road to, even to this day. The remaining tracks remain high-energy and perfect for a breaking-out '80s rock band. While the best work was still to come from the band, this was our earliest taste of the greatness that would continue to be Bon Jovi.--J-Hawke
7. Spinal Tap, This Is Spinal Tap
I'm a big fan of the game Rock Band. In fact, I'm an absolute junkie when it comes to downloadable content for the game. For the first couple of years after its release, I thought of Tuesday as New Song Download Day. I was always excited to see what songs we'd get a chance to rock out to next. But no downloadable song pack has ever gotten me as excited as the day they released all of the songs from the movie This Is Spinal Tap. (Well, the re-recorded versions. But that's almost as good.)In my opinion, there's never been a "mockumentary" as good as This Is Spinal Tap. The movie is hilarious: pure comedy genius that still holds up almost 30 years after its release. But the music in the movie is what really puts it over the top. The lyrics are ridiculously funny parodies of '80s metal songs set to some rock riffs that are really very good. It's all even more impressive when you realize that the songs were written and played by the actors themselves. They've toured a couple of times, but I've never had the chance to see them live. I'd go in a second; this soundtrack and its two follow-up albums, Break Like The Wind (1992) and Back From The Dead (2009) remain high on my playlist to this day.--Dave
6. Various Artists, Footloose Soundtrack
I'm a sucker for the movie versions of shows I've been in, and even more of one for their soundtracks. This one gave the best of the best, even if none of the songs were performed in the movie (which made me angry at fourteen when I bought it for research for auditions. I got over it, though. Much love, Kevin Bacon.). Every song on here is an '80s classic in its own right. "Let's Hear It For The Boy" and "Holding Out for a Hero" are power songs, albeit in different mindsets toward said boy, that will forever be belting songs for a good '80s night at the bar. Some of the best numbers in the show are covered here as well: "Somebody's Eyes" and "I'm Free" contain the most passionate moments of Beaumont. And of course, the most famous tracks to come from this, "Almost Paradise" and "Footloose" will always have their place on classic radio. For a movie soundtrack, it's rare to see quite so many hits all at once, but Footloose does it and does it beyond well.--J-Hawke| << Nos. 11-15 | Nos. 1-5 >> |
