The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1984
In 1984, the world of music underwent a transformative shift, fuelled by the intersection of artistic innovation and advancing technology on both the creative and consumer sides of the spectrum. The rise of the Compact Disc (CD) was just beginning, hinting at the future of music consumption, while vinyl records and cassette tapes still reigned supreme. At the same time, MTV had firmly established itself as a cultural powerhouse, elevating the importance of music videos in shaping artists' images and directly influencing chart success. This era saw musicians embrace visual storytelling alongside their sonic creations, making style and presentation as vital as the music itself.
Musically, 1984 was a year of diversity and experimentation. Synth-pop and new wave had come to the forefront, with electronic sounds dominating the charts, while rock, metal, and punk retained their stronghold with rebellious energy. At the same time, pop music reached new heights with slick, radio-friendly hits that defined the decade’s mainstream sound. Ultimately, 1984 was a year where innovation met tradition, resulting in a rich array of timeless albums that appealed to a broad audience.
Ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. Although, depending on your subjective preferences, you may prefer a different order, omit some, or even ponder some that are not included. Trust me, I’ve changed the order countless times because determining the best albums often depends on how one feels at any given moment. Either way, let’s simply enjoy the best music from 1984.
1. Metallica – Ride the Lightning
Metallica’s Ride The Lightning stands as a monumental step in the evolution of thrash metal. The album saw the band push beyond the raw aggression of their debut, incorporating more intricate song structures, deeper lyrical themes, and refined production values. Tracks like Fade To Black showcased their ability to blend melody with heaviness, while For Whom The Bell Tolls and the blistering title track cemented their place in metal history. This sophomore effort not only expanded Metallica's sound but also helped solidify the band’s role as pioneers in the genre, making Ride The Lightning a timeless classic.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Metallica’s Ride The Lightning.
2. Joe Jackson – Body And Soul
With Body And Soul, Joe Jackson fused his eclectic blend of jazz, pop, and Latin influences into a sophisticated and polished masterpiece. Paying homage to classic big band and swing sounds, the album is anchored by the iconic single You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want), showcasing Jackson’s knack for catchy, thoughtful songwriting. The album’s lush production and ambitious arrangements highlight Jackson’s ability to traverse genres effortlessly, making Body and Soul a classic work that continues to stand out in his varied discography.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Joe Jackson’s Body And Soul.
3. Bruce Springsteen – Born In The U.S.A.
Born In The U.S.A. remains one of Bruce Springsteen’s most commercially successful and culturally resonant albums. Tracks like Dancing In The Dark, Glory Days, and the title track became instant classics, pairing Springsteen’s heartfelt lyrics with radio-friendly hooks. The album's fusion of accessible pop-rock with deeper social commentary helped cement Springsteen's status as both a musical and lyrical icon, making Born In The U.S.A. a defining record of the decade.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A..
4. Julio Iglesias – 1100 Bel Air Place (Album Review)
Julio Iglesias' 1100 Bel Air Place marked his successful crossover into the English-speaking market, blending his romantic Latin style with a polished pop sensibility. The album’s standout duet with Willie Nelson, To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before, became an international hit, introducing Iglesias to a broader audience. The record features a lush production and smooth balladry, showcasing Iglesias' signature warmth and charisma and, subsequently, remains a defining album for Iglesias, solidifying his status as a global pop icon.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Julio Iglesias’ 1100 Bel Air Place.
5. Billy Ocean – Suddenly
Billy Ocean’s Suddenly catapulted him to international stardom, blending infectious pop hooks with soulful R&B flair. The album’s megahit Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) dominated the charts, with its irresistible groove and smooth production. Ocean’s emotive vocal delivery shines on ballads like the title track Suddenly, further showcasing his versatility as an artist. Add to that a seamless blend of upbeat tracks and tender moments and Suddenly is one of the defining albums of Ocean’s career, leaving an indelible mark on 80s pop music.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Billy Ocean’s Suddenly.
6. Bruce Cockburn – Stealing Fire
Stealing Fire finds Bruce Cockburn blending his poetic lyricism with politically charged themes, set against a backdrop of worldwide and folk-rock influences. Cockburn’s signature guitar work and introspective songwriting shine throughout the record, making Stealing Fire one of his most impactful and enduring works.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Bruce Cockburn’s Stealing Fire.
7. Dan Fogelberg – Windows And Walls
Dan Fogelberg's Windows And Walls is a thoughtful and introspective album that highlights his mastery of storytelling through music. Blending folk, rock, and soft pop, this album offers deeply personal reflections on love, life, and nostalgia. Tracks like The Language Of Love showcase Fogelberg’s ability to craft catchy melodies, while songs such as Windows And Walls capture his poetic sensitivity. With its heartfelt lyrics and lush arrangements, Windows And Walls is a timeless entry in Fogelberg’s catalogue that resonates with emotional depth and sincerity.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Dan Fogelberg’s Windows And Walls.
8. Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi (Self-Titled)
Bon Jovi’s self-titled debut album laid the foundation for the band’s future arena rock success. Packed with anthemic hooks and raw energy, the album introduced their signature blend of hard rock and pop. Runaway became an instant hit, showcasing Jon Bon Jovi’s powerful vocals and the band’s knack for crafting catchy, guitar-driven melodies. While not as polished as their later releases, Bon Jovi captures the raw potential of a band on the rise, marking the start of a career that would eventually take the world by storm.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Bon Jovi’s Self-Titled debut.
9. Scorpions – Love At First Sting
Love At First Sting catapulted the Scorpions into hard rock superstardom, blending electrifying riffs with anthemic choruses. Featuring the iconic hit Rock You Like A Hurricane, the album showcases the band’s mastery of arena rock, pairing soaring vocals with dynamic guitar work. From the power ballad Still Loving You to the hard-hitting Big City Nights, Love At First Sting offers a perfect balance of raw intensity and melodic craftsmanship, solidifying the Scorpions’ place among the legends of 80s rock.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of the Scorpions’ Love At First Sting.
10. Julian Lennon – Valotte
Julian Lennon’s Valotte marked an impressive debut, showcasing his undeniable talent and drawing inevitable comparisons to his father, John Lennon. The album’s title track, Valotte, is a beautifully crafted ballad, while Too Late For Goodbyes became an infectious hit, highlighting Lennon’s knack for melodic pop. With its polished production and introspective lyrics, Valotte balances both vulnerability and charm, establishing Julian Lennon as a distinct artist with his own voice, separate from his legendary lineage.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Julian Lennon’s Valotte.
11. Joe Cocker – Civilized Man
Civilized Man finds Joe Cocker blending his signature gravelly voice with polished production, creating a refined yet soulful album. Featuring a mix of powerful ballads and upbeat tracks, the album showcases Cocker’s ability to balance raw emotion with a more accessible pop-rock sound. With its smooth arrangements and heartfelt performances, Civilized Man remains a testament to Cocker’s enduring appeal and versatility as a vocalist.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Joe Cocker’s Civilized Man.
12. Van Halen – 1984
1984 is a defining album in Van Halen’s career, blending their signature hard rock sound with an unexpected but effective embrace of synthesisers. Jump became an instant classic, pairing Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar riffs with catchy synth melodies. Meanwhile, Panama and Hot For Teacher capture the band’s high-octane energy and playful spirit. David Lee Roth’s dynamic vocals, combined with the band's musicianship, made 1984 a commercial juggernaut, cementing Van Halen’s place as one of the greatest rock bands of the 80s.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Van Halen’s 1984.
13. INXS – The Swing
The Swing saw INXS refining their blend of new wave, rock, and a touch of funk, crafting a sound that would define their future success. The album’s infectious grooves, slick production, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals helped solidify INXS as a dominant force in the 80s music scene, with The Swing marking the start of their global rise.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of INXS’s The Swing.
14. Iron Maiden – Powerslave
Powerslave is a masterclass in heavy metal, showcasing Iron Maiden at the peak of their creativity. With its intricate guitar work, galloping rhythms, and Bruce Dickinson’s commanding vocals, the album delivers iconic tracks like Aces High and 2 Minutes To Midnight. The epic, nearly 14-minute Rime Of The Ancient Mariner exemplifies the band’s ambition and storytelling prowess. Powerslave is, subsequently, a monumental album that solidified Iron Maiden’s status as one of the most influential bands in metal history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Iron Maiden’s Powerslave.
15. Meat Loaf – Bad Attitude
Bad Attitude sees Meat Loaf embracing his theatrical rock style with a harder edge. The album blends bombastic anthems and emotional ballads, driven by his powerful vocals and dramatic delivery. Tracks like Piece Of The Action and the title track Bad Attitude showcase his larger-than-life persona, while duets with Roger Daltrey add another layer of depth. Though not as commercially successful as Bat Out Of Hell, Bad Attitude captures Meat Loaf’s unwavering commitment to his signature over-the-top sound.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Meat Loaf’s Bad Attitude.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1984 that I appreciate but don’t feel are the best of the best. However, there’s some killer music to be heard here, so load up your favourite streaming service and give them a listen, for our music tastes are subjective and you may just come across an album that you consider a masterpiece.
