Five superb 1980s debut albums that need to get more respect

by

As a child of the ’80s, I can confidently say that these albums were the soundtrack to my youth. While some may argue that they were widely popular at the time, I believe they deserve more recognition now than ever before.

A great debut album doesn’t always make or break an artist. Some go on to sell in multiple millions, others much less so. They can be the best-selling album an artist will ever have or just a stepping stone to even bigger sellers later on. Of course, many also fall by the wayside too.

Many debut albums from various decades are quite unforgettable, but the 1980s have a significant portion of these standout releases. For instance, “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses and Madonna’s self-titled album are iconic top-selling examples that continue to be popular and frequently played.

Despite their initial success, many debut albums have fallen into obscurity over time, playing fewer and fewer airwaves. These collections boast fantastic tracks, but for various reasons, they’re seldom played now. While some of these albums were commercially successful, sales figures don’t always explain why we don’t hear them as often today.

Five superb 1980s albums that need to be heard more

Here’s a way I could rephrase it as a fan, in the first person:

Nirvana – Bleach

Isn’t it common knowledge that everyone recognizes the band Nirvana? Many individuals likely own either their “Nevermind” album or the “MTV Unplugged In New York” record in their personal collection or playlists. However, I suspect only true Nirvana fans would remember the name of their debut album, which was released in 1989 – Bleach.

One year prior, the band unveiled their single “Love Buzz,” which had a limited release of approximately 1,200 copies. Critics appreciated it, and the positive feedback boosted the band’s confidence to create an album titled Bleach. With a budget of around $600, the album wasn’t polished or professionally produced, but it successfully captured their raw, somewhat messy grunge style.

Initially, Bleach didn’t gain significant popularity; when Nevermind was launched in 1991, it had only sold approximately 40,000 copies. However, the success of Nevermind drew a bit more attention to Bleach as well, propelling it into wider public view. Remarkably, this led to Bleach earning platinum status. While that’s noteworthy, it pales in comparison to Nevermind’s 30 million copies and MTV Unplugged In New York’s 12 million sales, making Bleach relatively obscure by comparison.

Regardless of lower sales figures, Bleach remains a scorching hot album. It captures the genuine Nirvana sound, with fantastic tracks showcasing their unique blend of grunge and punk music at its best. If you’ve been focusing on just their popular hits up until now, I encourage you to give it a listen right away.

Continued on next page

The Christians – The Christians

This first album has nearly reached a million in sales, an impressive feat. However, most of these sales were made in their home country, the UK, where it became a hit, reaching number two on the charts. With its soulful fusion of vocals and music, as well as several outstanding tracks, it truly deserves to be heard by a broader audience.

1987 marked the release of an album that spawned five UK top 40 singles. Gary Christian’s velvety voice harmonized beautifully with the songwriting of keyboard player Henry Priestman and film director Mark Herman, who contributed to the lyrics composition. The songs are skillfully crafted and serve as a poignant reflection on the social issues that emerged during Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative rule in Britain.

Instead of being boisterous and aggressive, these songs carried a powerful message that resonated deeply. To truly appreciate the band or the album, check out any of their five singles: “Forgotten Town,” “Hooverville,” “When the Fingers Point,” “Ideal World,” and “Born Again.” Alternatively, listen to any track from the album; there were no mediocre songs, fillers, or tracks you’d want to skip.

The Silencers – A Letter From St Paul

From the 1980s hailed another rock band based in Scotland, yet many like them experienced only moderate fame. The Silencers and their first studio album, “A Letter To St Paul,” are one such example of this trend. This record was unveiled in 1987 and featured three songs initially produced as demos. One of these tracks, “Painted Moon,” stood out among the rest on the album and even managed to become a modest hit single.

Although the album didn’t garner significant chart success, it has been critically acclaimed. The band’s second and third albums, “A Blues For Buddah” and “Dance To The Holy Man,” have gained more attention. However, they only managed to sell approximately 100,000 copies each. “A Letter to St Paul,” which is arguably the best of the three, is often overshadowed by these and less well-known. If you’re interested in listening, be sure to check out the hauntingly brilliant title track as well.

Continued on next page

The Alarm – Declaration 

It’s hard to resist the stirring music from The Alarm. They play with such energy and passion and are a superb live act. Their best-known song, “Sixty Eight Guns,” leads the list for their debut album Declaration from 1984. But The Alarm is no one song wonders by any means. They’d released four of the tracks from it as singles before the album came out. Each of those is a stunner too,  and generally in a similar style to “Sixty Eight Guns.”

The song “Declaration” reached the top ten in the UK and briefly peaked at number 52 in the US. However, with sales of approximately 60,000 units, it hasn’t quite reached the level of success it deserves. Among other hits like “Sixty Eight Guns,” you might recall songs such as “Marching On,” “The Stand,” “Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?”, and more recently, “The Deceiver.” These tracks, all powerful anthems, may have slipped your memory over time.

Men At Work – Business As Usual

In the 1980s, this album was highly popular and well-received. It didn’t slip under the radar, as its impressive sales figures, numerous awards, and multiple hit singles suggest it wasn’t dismissed or undervalued either. However, as I previously mentioned, that’s often the fate of albums that don’t get their due recognition. They simply aren’t given enough attention or appreciation.

The title of this list is deliberately narrowed down to five songs, as they are albums that deserve repeated listening. Among these, an Australian gem stands out – one I used to play frequently. Its authentic Australian vibe, combined with a touch of quirkiness, really appealed to me. To top it off, the use of saxophone and flute adds depth and richness to the overall sound.

1981 saw the release of this album, followed by its debut in the U.S. a year later in 1982. From beginning to end, it’s an outstanding piece of music with no weak tracks. The singles were fantastic, with “Down Under” and “Who Can It Be Now,” which has a subtle echo effect, being particularly noteworthy. Re-reading about it has made me realize I should add it back to my playlist once more.

Read More

2024-11-13 14:01