Eight supremely underrated 1980s debut albums

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As a child of the ’80s, I can confidently say that this decade was rich with musical gems, and these albums are no exception!

The 1980s represented an exciting era for music, marked by the surge of synthesizers, which in turn gave birth to many new musical genres. Some bands during this time showed a notable dislike for these relatively novel tools.

In my gaming world, I’ve often found myself drawn to groups who blend old school charm with a fresh twist – think ’60s pop melodies infused with the vibrant energy of the 1980s, all wrapped up in that jangly, laid-back vibe. It’s like they’re giving center stage to the sweet symphony of melody, but with a dash of modern flair and a subtle nudge towards those rhythm sections to take it easy.

Though numerous remarkable debut albums from the 1980s are known for their outstanding opening tracks, there have been many more that have gone relatively unnoticed over the past four decades. Regardless, they merit a fresh examination, as some of these records hold their ground among the finest of their time. Let’s delve in!

These underrated 1980s debut albums feature top-flight musicianship and terrific songwriting

Of Skins and Heart – The Church – 1981

In the 1980s, the Australian band The Church issued a powerful and memorable appeal to rock music connoisseurs with their debut album, which featured one of the least recognized but most memorable hits of that time: “The Unguarded Moment.”

As a seasoned music lover with over two decades of listening under my belt, I must say that this track is one I won’t soon forget. The guitar riff alone has burrowed its way into my brain like a relentless earworm. The guitar tones are rich and resonant, adding depth to the overall sound. The lyrics are thought-provoking, painting vivid pictures with lines such as “tell those friends with cameras for eyes that their hands don’t make me hang.” It’s a powerful statement, one that speaks volumes about the group’s rebellious spirit. The backing vocals are delivered with fervor, capturing the raw energy that this up-and-coming band seems to exude.

Business As Usual – Men At Work – 1981

It’s quite possible that one of the most financially successful albums in this collection is another Australian gem, which proudly flaunts its roots through various elements – notably, the inclusion of a hit pop song from the decade that became iconic: “Down Under,” a celebration of their homeland, filled with references to Vegemite and abundant Australian colloquialisms.

The album includes three standout songs, “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Be Good Johnny” – catchy new wave pop tunes, and “Underground” and the mesmerizingly beautiful “I Can See It In Your Eyes,” which are also noteworthy tracks.

The Party’s Over – Talk Talk – 1982

Back in the early ’80s, I found myself labeled as part of Britain’s “new romantic” wave, a term that didn’t quite capture the essence of what Talk Talk was about. Our debut album, though, showcased the sleek synth-pop sound that this movement was known for, and it was a delight to listen to – even if there were hints of influences here and there. We truly shone with our 1984 masterpiece, It’s My Life, an album that still resonates today, especially with its iconic title track.

Following the release of that particular album, the band delved into creating hypnotic jazz-inspired rhythms with complex meters and extended track durations, as heard in albums like “Spirit of Eden” and “Laughing Stock”. These were not the direction listeners would have anticipated after hearing the initial album. However, tracks such as “Talk Talk” and the somber “Have You Heard The News” demonstrate that this album remains a powerful introduction to their music.

High Land, Hard Rain – Aztec Camera – 1983

The Scottish band Aztec Camera made a big impact in 1983 with their album, “High Land, Hard Rain.” This record showcased innovative (for its time) jangle-pop production techniques, all while showcasing the exceptional songwriting abilities of lead singer and frontman Roddy Frame, who has one of the most memorable names in pop music.

The upbeat tune “Oblivious,” the introductory track of the debut album, was surprisingly missing from the list of top opening songs from debut albums. Its catchy melody, lively chorus harmonies, and zesty yet rhythmic guitar solo make it a nearly forgotten gem from the early to mid-80s. A must-hear piece that’s rich with enjoyable soundscapes and insightful lyrics penned by Frame.

All Over The Place – The Bangles – 1984

Before they achieved global superstardom with their 1986 album “Different Light” (which included hits like “Manic Monday” and “Walk Like An Egyptian”), The Bangles started off their career with the thoughtfully crafted full-length LP “All Over The Place”. This album showcased a powerful opening track, “Hero Takes A Fall”, and introduced the world to the exceptional songwriting abilities of Susanna Hoffs and Vicki Peterson.

As a child of the ’60s myself, I must say this album is truly remarkable! It transports me back to my youth with its retro-inspired tracks that harken to the British Invasion era. But what sets this group apart is their ability to update their sound for the ’80s without compromising the timeless quality of their harmonies. Tracks like “Live” demonstrate their skill, as their vocal blend could easily rival any group from the ’60s – or any other era for that matter. I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for their talent.

The Dream Academy – The Dream Academy – 1985

Equipped with an impressive collection of timeless dream pop tunes and the expert guidance of Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour as producer, The Dream Academy’s self-titled debut album proved to be a resounding success in 1985 upon its release. Standout tracks such as “Life in a Northern Town” and “The Edge of Forever,” remain unparalleled classics that continue to sound innovative and captivating, just as they did when they were first released nearly 40 years ago.

Besides those two outstanding tracks, there are numerous other captivating songs on the album that are equally charming. For instance, “In Places on the Run” has a haunting quality to it, while “The Love Parade,” the final single from the album, offers an intriguing and moody exploration of love’s trials and tribulations.

London 0 Hull 4 – The Housemartins – 1986

A standout example of jangle pop from the ’80s, this lesser-known debut album highlighted the impressive songwriting abilities of lead singer Paul Heaton. His vocals, which have a slightly nasal quality, fit the music perfectly, as it is filled with catchy pop songs like “Happy Hour” and “Sitting on a Fence.”

Apart from exploring lighter tunes, this collective additionally tackles somber themes (distinct from the ’80s Moody Blues sound), for instance, “Flag Day,” a torch song characterized by a captivating piano motif and a poignant melody in a minor key that beautifully contrasts with the upbeat jangle pop heard elsewhere on the record. It’s worth mentioning that Housemartins bassist Norman Cook later achieved immense fame as the electronic music icon Fatboy Slim during the 1990s.

The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses – 1989

An album that paved the way for England’s pop/rock atmosphere of the 1990s, spearheaded by the influential Britpop movement, The Stone Roses emerged from Manchester and offered rhythmic tunes, showcasing impressive guitar skills from the lead guitarist, John Squire.

As a lifelong music enthusiast, I find The Stone Roses’ self-titled debut album to be a timeless masterpiece that caters to a wide range of musical tastes. With its blend of electronic-leaning dance tracks like “Fools Gold,” epic rock anthems such as “I Am The Resurrection,” and pop-oriented gems like “(Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister” and “She Bangs the Drums,” it’s a testament to the band’s versatility and their ability to appeal to a broad audience. Moreover, the opening track, “I Wanna Be Adored,” is one of the best opening songs from any 1980s album, showcasing the group’s raw talent and artistic vision. The Stone Roses’ debut album remains a staple in my personal music collection and continues to inspire me as both a listener and aspiring musician.

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2024-08-15 13:01