Using data to rank best 20 live albums of the 1980s is still contentious

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As a music enthusiast with over four decades of listening under my belt, I must say that this list is a veritable feast for the ears! Each of these albums offers a unique glimpse into the lives and careers of some truly iconic artists.

Recently, I compiled a list that ranked the top 20 greatest live albums ever, backed by research, reasoning, and facts. This approach, however, stirred up some debate since there were certain albums included that some might not anticipate, while others that they may have expected to see were absent from it.

The unique blend of a top-tier live albums ranking supported by solid reasoning created quite an intriguing list. Furthermore, it expanded the scope beyond the typical rock records, providing more diverse content. Keeping this perspective in mind, let’s delve further and focus on a particular era – the 1980s – using the same data-driven approach.

The data for the following list comes directly from BestEverAlbums.com, which compiled over 60,000 greatest album charts along with more than nine million member ratings to generate a collection of top-tier album lists. This includes the original top 20 best live albums ever, as well as the current ranking of the top 20 best live albums from the 1980s that you see here.

The best live albums of the 1980s

It’s quite possible this list will stir up debate and disagreement once more. Some albums included here surprised me by their high ranking, while I thought others from the same era would have made the cut. Interestingly enough, a number of these top ’80s live albums also appeared in the previous list of best live albums ever. Take a look to see which ones have been repeated on this list.

20 – Whitesnake – Live In The Heart Of The City

1980’s Whitesnake album encompasses their initial four studio albums along with additional tracks. The band boasts three key members from Deep Purple: Jon Lord, David Coverdale, and Ian Paice. Notably, it also features several songs originally by Deep Purple. This blending of their respective discographies creates a potent effect on this energetic live album.

19 – Depeche Mode – 101

Towards the end of the decade, Depeche Mode released their 1989 live album, titled “101”, recorded on the final night of their tour at the LA Rose Bowl in 1988. The concert was a sell-out and the audience’s participation enhances the live feel of the record. I found it to be an excellent album, even though I wasn’t expecting it to rank among the top 20, but it is definitely worth a listen.

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18 – Genesis – Three Sides Live

1982 saw the release of this Genesis live album, which followed their album “Abacab” and the subsequent tour. Although this period wasn’t one of their creative peaks, the break from touring allowed them to compensate by assembling a variety of live performances for this record. The title might be slightly perplexing in certain regions. In the UK, the fourth side of the double album included live songs, while other parts contained tracks from a previous EP.

Opinions on this piece were diverse; some found it somewhat dull and uninspired, while others believed it was more concise, clear, and pointed than the extended tracks in the previous “Seconds Out” performance. This shows that pleasing everyone can be challenging. However, its 18th place ranking indicates that a significant number of music enthusiasts appreciated it.

17 – Sting  – Bring On The Night

Sting performs both jazz and live music. His debut solo album, titled “Dream Of The Blue Turtles“, showcased a more jazzy side of him. However, this recording leans heavily into that style. For “Bring On The Night“, he collaborated with jazz musicians for live performances and improvised many tracks from his first album as well as some Police songs. It’s fascinating to experience these familiar tunes in a fresh, live context.

16 – David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust The Motion Picture

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to share my thoughts about a memorable album titled “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie. This masterpiece was created from footage captured during the final leg of his iconic Ziggy Stardust Tour in 1973. Few, if any, other than Bowie himself knew that this marked the end of that specific era. The film immortalizes the moment when he announced the disbanding of his group and the retirement of the Ziggy/Aladdin Sane personas on stage at the Hammersmith Odeon.

15 – Rush – Exit Stage Left

On this 1981 album, Rush delivers an electrifying live performance, with one side recorded in Glasgow and the remaining sides captured in Montreal. Drawing heavily from their previous four albums, the energy is palpable and the result is a thrilling rock experience that’s been masterfully captured here. Many fans might argue about which of Rush’s live albums reign supreme, but this one will undoubtedly be a favorite for many.

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14 – Wishbone Ash – Live Dates Volume Two

In an unexpected turn of events, Wishbone Ash made it to the top 20 list. Known for their fantastic tunes and distinctive dual lead guitar work, they certainly left an impression on this live album. However, “Blowing Free,” one of their most recognized songs, is missing from this collection. Contrary to its title, this isn’t their debut live album but rather the third, following two others in the 1970s. Among these, the first Live Dates stands out as a clear favorite, although this 1980 release earned them a notable spot on the top albums of the ’80s.

13 – Pink Floyd – Delicate Sound Of Thunder 

In 1988, Roger Waters had departed from the band, leaving David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason to carry on with Pink Floyd. Although their studio albums require significant production work, their live shows remain exceptional. This live recording was distinguished by the absence of any studio overdubs, with only minor adjustments made. It’s an excellent compilation of Pink Floyd’s music and live performances.

12 – Laurie Anderson – United States Live

In 1984, the five-record boxed set was quite extensive when it was first released. It was recorded during Laurie Anderson’s performances at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music, which spanned over two nights and approximately eight hours in total. The range of performance elements in her shows and the album showcased her avant-garde style, with “Oh Superman,” her somewhat hypnotic and unconventional hit, being included. However, it might seem a bit surprising to find this album on this top 20 list given its unique nature.

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11 – Supertramp – Paris

Back in the day, I was riding high, right in the thick of touring our smash hit album, “Breakfast In America.” The energy was electric, the crowds were massive, and the tunes were golden. As you can tell from the title, this live recording primarily hails from our Paris gig towards the end of ’79. It dropped the following year.

The solution implies they utilized this interval for pausing their studio recording routine, also seeking opportunities to create a new hit similar to their past achievements. This scenario often appeals more to the audience compared to critics, as indicated here.

10 – Al Di Meola / John McLaughlin / Paco de Lucía – Friday Night In San Francisco

This remarkable album showcases three exceptional acoustic guitarists at their best. Although it might not be widely recognized or frequently ranked among the top live albums, their performance is truly captivating. Released in 1981 after being recorded in 1980, this album is highly esteemed for its exquisite acoustic guitar work. The three musicians exhibit exceptional synergy and improvisation, demonstrating their mastery of their instruments. This isn’t just casual strumming or fingerplay; it’s accomplished artists showcasing their craft.

9 – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Live/1975-85

This massive compilation, featuring five albums, three CDs, and more than 40 incredible tracks, was released by Bruce Springsteen in 1986. Spanning recordings from the past decade, it provides him with a vast array of choices for song selections due to his knack for tailoring songs for different performances. Notably, the iconic E Street Band is also included. This colossal hit was awarded thirteen times platinum, making it an extraordinary collection indeed.

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8 – Motorhead – No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith

As a die-hard Motorhead enthusiast, I’ve got to say, the energy was electrifying! Raw, unapologetic rock and roll was the name of the game here, and they kicked things off with a thunderous rendition of “Ace Of Spades.” The tempo never slowed down, each song delivering an intense, high-octane performance. The sound quality was exceptional, some tracks even surpassing their studio versions. And let’s not forget the live recording’s gritty edge – it only added to the authentic Motorhead experience for fans like me!

7 – Iron Maiden – Live After Death

On the list, Iron Maiden, the most prominent heavy metal group, ranks seventh, but rightfully so with “Live After Death.” In this performance, the band is at its peak, delivering timeless classics with finesse. Unlike some live albums that are overproduced in the studio, this one manages to steer clear of that criticism and instead offers a genuine, lively atmosphere.

6 – U2 – Under a Blood Red Sky

1983 saw U2 delivering an outstanding live performance, even though they were still relatively new to the scene. Unlike their typical greatest hits concerts, this was a single album recording. However, it boasted eight exceptional tracks, some of which ranked among their finest works. It showcases the band’s live energy, although it’s commonly believed that most of the album was not recorded at a concert in Red Rocks, Colorado, but rather in Germany.

 

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5 – Simon & Garfunkel – The Concert In Central Park

1981 saw Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunite for a concert following a decade-long separation, creating quite an unforgettable spectacle. Over 500,000 people gathered in Central Park, New York, making it anything but a tranquil event. While there may have been lingering differences between them, their performance was truly exceptional. Their enchanting harmonies and magic were on full display as they sang hit after hit, even incorporating some of their individual compositions into the mix. The resulting album beautifully encapsulates the entire experience.

4 – Dire Straits – Alchemy: Dire Straits Live

In 1983, this recording was made a couple of years prior to their massive hit album, “Brothers In Arms.” What makes it even more remarkable is that it includes numerous classic Dire Straits songs from before their subsequent hits. The collection boasts many great tracks from the first four albums, as well as Mark Knopfler’s exceptional tune “Going Home,” which was featured in the movie “Local Hero” and had already become a regular part of their live performances.

3 – Talking Heads – The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads 

Back in 1982, I was lucky enough to get my hands on Talking Heads’ first live album, a double-disc gem that truly showcases their evolution as a band. The first disc takes you back to their early days from 1977 and 1979, while the second disc captures them in 1980 and 1981. This clever arrangement offers a glimpse into their earlier works, providing a testament to their growth as a musical powerhouse.

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2 – Sam Cooke – Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963

Sam Cooke’s mellow, soulful voice is universally admired. However, this 1985 record offers a contrasting perspective, capturing an earlier, rawer performance from the Miami club stage. This version of Cooke showcases a more rugged side to his vocal abilities. It lends a rough texture, yet it remains equally stunning. On this album, Cooke creates a remarkable blend of earthy and gospel tones. If you believe you’re familiar with Cooke but haven’t listened to this LP, I strongly recommend giving it a spin.

1 – Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense

Without a doubt, this is an exceptional recording. Released back in 1984, it was the album derived from the soundtrack of the Talking Heads’ concert film bearing the same title. While the visual aspect of the movie significantly enhances the music and song performances, the album holds its ground remarkably well even when listened to independently.

The album reached the 41st spot on the US Billboard and received double platinum certification, which is quite impressive, although lower than one might anticipate for the number one live album of the ’80s according to this data-supported list. It’s clear that many fans of the band were involved, as evidenced by their third place ranking. This is the only album from the ’80s list I mentioned earlier that made it into the top 20 best-selling live albums of all time, and it ranked at number 20 on that list.

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2024-10-23 13:01