Album Chart of 1980
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1981 → |
| Album Chart of 1980 |
87 tracks, runtime 5h 38m. The playlist features the highest-rated track from each album (subject to what's available on YouTube) in chart order, with a minimum individual track-rating of 6.5 required for inclusion. To view the full tracklist, access shuffle-play or avoid in-play interruption due to territorially blocked videos, it might be best playing directly via YouTube 
STRAIGHT OUTTA CAMDEN
This was the year that Tommy McGloin and his combo – El Thommo, Bedders, Woody, Chrissy Boy, Chas, Suggs and Monsieur Barso – truly cemented their status as all-time legends of the British music scene. Not too far behind were Adam and The Ants, The Fall and Joy Division, as London and Manchester retained their grip as the leading hot spots.
Britain’s 2-Tone revolution is in rude-health, with terrific albums from The Specials, The Selecter and The Beat as well as the aforementioned nutty seven.
It’s an exceptional year for Birmingham actually; The Beat are joined by fellow debutants UB40 and Dexys Midnight Runners – making three superb long play statements from the city, all told.
Other notable debutants in this year include Bow Wow Wow, Pretenders, Echo and The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes, as the British New Wave scene continues to develop stylistically in avenues many and varied.
Stateside, Dead Kennedys, Ramones, Captain Beefheart, Lydia Lunch and The Cramps are where it’s at.
After 15 years of the Rhodesian Bush War, Zimbabwe dances to the sound of independence and first-class LPs from Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited and Flavian Nyathi and Blues Revolution commemorate the declaration of the new Republic in April ’80.
For me, 1980 overtakes 1967 as the greatest year for albums to date; the ratings are stronger in-depth at every turn, whether in terms of the Top 10, Top 30 or Top 50.
The Jukebox Rebel
05-Jan-2017
Madness
Stiff Records SEEZ-29
“A masterpiece” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “Not Home Today” (10) • “You Said” (10) • “In The Rain” (10)
Following on from their exuberant, if rarely-serious, debut, Madness hit a brilliant peak right here; “Absolutely” manag...more →
Adam and The Ants
CBS S-CBS-84549
“A masterpiece” New WaveJukebox picks: “Kings Of The Wild Frontier” (10) • “Ants Invasion” (10) • “Dog Eat Dog” (10)
Along with what seemed like the entire teenage population of the UK, I was an 11-year-old with white line fever digging ...more →
The Fall
Rough Trade ROUGH-18
“A masterpiece” Post-Punk; Trance RockJukebox picks: “The Container Drivers” (10) • “Pay Your Rates” (10) • “Gramme Friday” (9.8)
For their third new music album there was one change to the starting line-up, with a 16-year-old Paul Hanley (bassist St...more →
Joy Division
Factory FACT-25
“A classic” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Twenty Four Hours” (10) • “A Means To An End” (10) • “Isolation” (9.9)
For my money, there aren’t too many groups who’ve delivered back-to-back classic albums but I’ve filed Joy Division as e...more →
Dead Kennedys
Cherry Red B-RED-10
“A classic” PunkJukebox picks: “California Über Alles” (10) • “Holiday In Cambodia” (10) • “Kill The Poor” (10)
The debut from the Californian quartet arrived in September ‘80, bursting out with classics left, right and centre. Taki...more →
Ramones
Sire SRK-6077
“A classic” Punk; PopJukebox picks: “Chinese Rock” (10) • “Do You Remember Rock ’n’ Roll Radio?” (9.8) • “Rock ’n’ Roll High School” (9.8)
“This is Rock n Roll radio, c’mon let’s Rock n Roll with the Ramones.” If ever an album was perfectly introduced, th...more →
The Specials
Two-Tone Records CHR-TT-5003
“A classic” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “Do Nothing” (10) • “Sock It To ’Em JB” (10) • “Stereotypes” (10)
There are some who would label the second Specials LP as Jerry Dammer’s folly, but most people, myself included, would s...more →
Stiff Little Fingers
Chrysalis CHR-1270
“A classic” PunkJukebox picks: “At The Edge” (10) • “Nobody’s Hero” (9.9) • “Gotta Gettaway” (9.7)
There were many changes since the debut; a move to that there London had resulted in a change of drummer, with Jim R...more →
Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited
Chimurenga ASLP-5002
“Excellent” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Chitima Cherusununguko” (9.8) • “Mhondoro” (9.6) • “Hwa Hwa” (9.4)
1978s “Hokoyo!” was brilliant but this post-independence follow-up was on another level again; smoother, prettier, more ...more →
The Selecter
Two-Tone Records CDL-TT-5002
“Excellent” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “Missing Words” (10) • “Too Much Pressure” (9.8) • “Three Minute Hero” (9.6)
“Three Minute Hero” has empathy for the 9-to-5 brigade: “It’s just another day with that endless grey drone.” Th...more →
David Bowie
RCA Victor PL-13647
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” (9.8) • “Up The Hill Backwards” (9.8) • “Fashion” (9.5)
“It’s No Game (No. 1)” opens up the set and immediately demands attention due to the wonderfully strange vocal duet;...more →
Bow Wow Wow
EMI WOW-1
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “Louis Quatorze” (10) • “Sexy Eiffel Towers” (9.6) • “Radio G-String” (9.4)
This is one of those ultra-rare occasions where every single ingredient is as important as the next in the creation of t...more →
The Beat
Go-Feet Records BEAT-1
“Excellent” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “Hands Off She’s Mine” (10) • “Twist And Crawl” (9.8) • “Jackpot” (9.5)
At the time of their long-play debut in May ’80 the Birmingham sextet were: Dave Wakeling (24, vocals, guitar), ‘Ranking...more →
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Island Records ILPS-9596
“Excellent” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Coming In From The Cold” (10) • “Real Situation” (9.5) • “Redemption Song” (9.4)
Did you ever see such a positive album cover in all of your life? Just one look at that and the whole world seems a bett...more →
Pretenders
Real Records RAL-3
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “Brass In Pocket” (10) • “Stop Your Sobbing” (9.4) • “Private Life” (9.2)
Mashing up the best of your 60s Rhythm n Blues beat combos with your early 70s proto-punk rockers, the Pretenders punchy...more →
Echo and The Bunnymen
Korova KODE-1
“Excellent” New Wave; Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Villiers Terrace” (9.8) • “Rescue” (9.7) • “Monkeys” (9.5)
In July ’80, the Bunnymen’s “Crocodiles” was one of the key works delivering a sure-fire sign that Britain’s leftfield r...more →
The Psychedelic Furs
CBS CBS-84084
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “Flowers” (9.4) • “We Love You” (9.2) • “Blacks / Radio” (8.9)
With Roxy Music having chosen to take a Punk bypass, The Psychedelic Furs plugged the gap in the market for those cravin...more →
UB40
Graduate Records GRAD-LP-2
“Excellent” ReggaeJukebox picks: “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” (9.7) • “Food For Thought” (9.3) • “King” (9.0)
Theirs is an inspirational story; 8 amigos on the dole get together and, although barely proficient, dedicate themselves...more →
The Jam
Polydor POLD-5035
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “That’s Entertainment” (10) • “Pretty Green” (9.6) • “Start!” (9.6)
The Jam’s superb form continues into the new decade with this well-crafted affair, full of nuggets, especially on side o...more →
Flavian Nyathi and Blues Revolution
Kocorigo KKLP-2000
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Takawira” (8.9) • “Pfumo Demo” (8.8) • “VaMugabe” (8.7)
From sadness to relief, celebration to hope, this is an album where the singer, Flavian Nyathi, reflects the mixed emoti...more →
Dexys Midnight Runners
Parlophone PCS-7213
“Brilliant” Cerebral Pop; PopJukebox picks: “Burn It Down” (10) • “Geno” (10) • “Tell Me When My Light Turns Green” (8.8)
Kevin Rowland’s Birmingham soul gang were named after the drug Dexedrine which was used by fans of Northern Soul – for m...more →
The Teardrop Explodes
Mercury 6359-035
“Brilliant” New WaveJukebox picks: “Sleeping Gas” (9.3) • “Treason (It’s Just A Story)” (9.2) • “Bouncing Babies” (8.9)
Finding balance between a woozy 60s swirl and a sharp new wave punch, the debut from Liverpool’s Teardrop Explodes was a...more →
Linton Kwesi Johnson
Island Records ILPS 9605
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Street ’66” (9.6) • “Reggae Fi Peach” (8.9) • “Inglan Is A Bitch” (8.7)
Essentially, this was the third set from the London-based poet, every time in collaboration with Dennis Bovell’s roots-r...more →
Bad Manners
Magnet MAGL-5038
“Brilliant” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “Lorraine” (9.8) • “Just A Feeling” (9.6) • “Suicide” (8.6)
Just six months on from the debut, the second Bad Manners long-player was out in late October, 1980. The nine remain: Do...more →
The Soft Boys
Armageddon Records ARM-1
“Brilliant” New Wave; Proto-PunkJukebox picks: “Queen Of Eyes” (8.7) • “Old Pervert” (8.4) • “I Wanna Destroy You” (8.2)
The second long-player from the 4-year-old Cambridge band arrived in June ’80, at which time they lined up: Robyn Hitchc...more →
John Cooper Clarke
Epic EPC-84083
“Really good” New WaveJukebox picks: “Beasley Street” (8.7) • “Thirty Six Hours” (8.4) • “Conditional Discharge” (8.2)
For his fourth album, the incomparable 31-year-old Punk-Poet continued with his tried and trusted formula of working wit...more →
Simple Minds
Zoom Records SPART-1140
“Really good” New WaveJukebox picks: “I Travel” (9.8) • “Thirty Frames A Second” (8.6) • “Celebrate” (7.9)
With “Empires and Dance”, the adaptable and experimental Glasgow quintet positioned themselves as the darkest, toughest ...more →
The Cramps
I.R.S. Records SP-007
“Really good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n BluesJukebox picks: “I Was A Teenage Werewolf” (8.6) • “T.V. Set” (8.4) • “Strychnine” (8.4)
A bass-less Rock n Roll horror show from the NYC quartet, an oft-forgotten offspring of CBGB’s. The debut Cramps set was...more →
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band
Virgin VA-13148
“Really good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; ProgJukebox picks: “Dirty Blue Gene” (9.6) • “Run Paint Run Run” (8.8) • “Ashtray Heart” (8.6)
Those mid-70s miss-steps seem like a distant memory now, as Captain Beefheart delivers another belter to follow 1978s br...more →
Lydia Lunch
ZE Records ZEA-33006
“Really good” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Knives In The Drain” (9.4) • “Lady Scarface” (8.9) • “Atomic Bongos” (8.3)
The solo debut from the 20-year-old arrived in February ’80 and must have come as a bit of a surprise to those who were ...more →
The Only Ones
CBS CBS-84089
“Really good” New Wave; RockJukebox picks: “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself” (9.7) • “Deadly Nightshade” (9.1) • “Strange Mouth” (8.8)
“The Only Ones” (#56, 1978) and “Even Serpents Shine” (#42, 1979) hadn't exactly delivered the commercial success that w...more →
Pink Military
Eric's ERIC'S-004
“Really good” New Wave; Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Do Animals Believe In God?” (9.0) • “War Games” (8.6) • “Degenerated Man” (8.4)
The one and only album from Liverpool's Pink Miltary, led by vocalist Jayne Casey, think: a moodier Lene Lovich fronting...more →
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger
Blackthorne Records BR-1063
“Really good” FolkJukebox picks: “Kilroy Was Here” (9.1) • “The Androids” (8.1) • “In Praise Of Famous Men and Women” (7.8)
Another fine set of contemporary songs mostly written and sung by Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl with accompaniments by C...more →
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Papa Wemba et L’Orchestre Viva La Musica
V.I.S.A. 1980 Fran-007
“Really good” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Mère Supérieure” (7.6) • “Aïssa Na Zoé” (7.2) • “Ngonda” (7.2)
The dapper Papa Wemba was a man on a mission at this time, and the 41-year-old Congolesian, like so many of his peers, h...more →
Siouxsie and The Banshees
Polydor 2442-177
“Really good” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Christine” (9.7) • “Happy House” (9.2) • “Skin” (8.1)
Guitarist John McKay and drummer Kenny Morris had walked out mid-tour in September '79, but the Banshees recovered well,...more →
Motörhead
Bronze BRON-531
“Really good” RockJukebox picks: “Ace Of Spades” (10) • “The Hammer” (7.9) • “Bite The Bullet” (7.6)
Staring back at you from a sandpit in Barnet were drummer Phil Taylor (26), lead singer and bassist Lemmy (34) and guita...more →
Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje
Umjondolo LJD-31
“Really good” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Makoti Wakena” (8.7) • “Keneng Ompotsa” (8.5) • “Nkadimeng Bayesekele” (7.5)
As you might have suspected, a wedding celebration is afoot on the glorious title-track of Izintombi Zesi Manje Manj...more →
Elvis Costello and The Attractions
F-Beat XXLP-1
“Really good” New Wave; Cerebral PopJukebox picks: “Secondary Modern” (8.7) • “The Imposter” (8.0) • “King Horse” (7.9)
There’s an upbeat soulful stomp to “Get Happy!!”, a high-value album which manages to pack in 20 tracks. The New Wave vi...more →
Iggy Pop
Arista AB-4259
“Good” Alternative Rock; Proto-PunkJukebox picks: “I Need More” (8.6) • “Get Up And Get Out” (8.0) • “Mr. Dynamite” (7.7)
The sixth album from the 32-year-old, his second for Arista, arrived in February, 1980. Recording sessions were marred b...more →
Killing Joke
EG EGMD-5.45
“Good” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “The Wait” (7.8) • “Wardance” (7.3) • “Tomorrow's World” (6.9)
The debut album from the 2-year-old London group arrived in October, 1980, and included both of their preceding singles ...more →
L’Orchestre Tao-Tao de Paris
Afric Music AFMS-005
“Good” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Santa Mutombo” (7.1) • “Lolango Justin Obela” (6.9) • “Ngbonga Ti Liberté” (6.8)
L’Orchestre Tao-Tao was formed in 1973 at the University of Amiens, some 75 miles north of Paris, by a group of students...more →
Skids
Virgin V-2174
“Good” New WaveJukebox picks: “Out Of Town” (9.2) • “Circus Games” (9.0) • “A Woman In Winter” (7.5)
Against a backdrop of group tensions, the third Skids album in just over 18 months arrived in September, 1980. At the tu...more →
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Dindisc DID-6
“Good” Electronica; New WaveJukebox picks: “Enola Gay” (9.7) • “Stanlow” (8.8) • “Promise” (7.4)
Just 8 months after their debut, the second OMD long-player arrived in October, 1980, with Malcolm Holmes (drums, percus...more →
Bad Manners
Magnet MAGL-5033
“Good” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “Special Brew” (9.7) • “Lip Up Fatty” (9.4) • “Here Comes The Major” (8.5)
The second-wave of Ska which exploded in the UK in the late 70s was good for this 4-year-old group of Northern London sc...more →
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Dindisc DID-2
“Good” New Wave; ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Electricity” (8.8) • “The Messerschmitt Twins” (8.7) • “Bunker Soldiers” (7.5)
Coming off the back of a strong debut single (“Electricity”), a session for John Peel and a major tour support slot with...more →
Suicide
Island Records ILPS-7007
“Good” ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Fast Money Music” (8.9) • “Mr. Ray (To Howard T.)” (7.5) • “Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne” (7.0)
Coming some 30 months on from their self-titled debut of 1977, the second Suicide in May, 1980, was relatively anticlima...more →
U2
Island Records ILPS-9646
“Good” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Out Of Control” (9.3) • “I Will Follow” (7.8) • “A Day Without Me” (7.5)
Their 4th single in a 13 month period, “A Day Without Me”, was released in August, 1980, the lead single announcemen...more →
Ultravox
Chrysalis CHR-1296
“Good” New WaveJukebox picks: “Vienna” (9.3) • “Sleepwalk” (8.0) • “All Stood Still” (6.8)
Presumed dead, Ultravox rose from the ashes without John Foxx and began the decade anew with a fourth long-player, forme...more →
Prince Far I
Trojan Records TRLS-190
“Good” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Jamaican Heroes” (7.1) • “Musical History” (7.1) • “Natty Champion” (7.0)
His second for Trojan Records, following on from last years “Free From Sin” and generally a tad stronger. Backing Far I'...more →
The Boys Next Door
Missing Link LINK-7
“Good” Post-Punk; New WaveJukebox picks: “Cat Man” (7.7) • “Mr Clarinet” (7.5) • “The Red Clock” (7.3)
The second and final Boys Next Door album serves as some sort of half-way house between the new wave pop of last years “...more →
The Piranhas
Sire SRK-6098
“Good” New WaveJukebox picks: “Getting Beaten Up” (10) • “Tom Hark” (8.3) • “I Don’t Want My Body” (8.0)
For their sole long-player in September, 1980, the Brighton five were: Bob Grover (vocals, guitar), Johnny Helmer (guita...more →
Gary Numan
Beggars Banquet BEGA-19
“Good” New WaveJukebox picks: “This Wreckage” (7.7) • “Telekon” (7.4) • “Remember I Was Vapour” (6.8)
Another good 'un from the 22-year-old machine-man, giving him a third consecutive UK#1 if you include the final Tubeway ...more →
Japan
Virgin V-2180
“Decent enough” New WaveJukebox picks: “Methods Of Dance” (8.2) • “Nightporter” (7.9) • “Gentlemen Take Polaroids” (7.0)
Their deal with the German Hansa label at an end, Japan began the decade with a switch to Virgin Records, with the new s...more →
The Cure
Fiction Records FIX-4
“Decent enough” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “A Forest” (8.6) • “Play For Today” (7.2) • “At Night” (7.0)
A decisive turn to the moody and a widening of the instrumentation results in a marked improvement on record two. Lost a...more →
Blondie
Chrysalis CHE-1290
“Decent enough” Crooner / Cabaret; Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “The Tide Is High” (8.7) • “Rapture” (8.2) • “Faces” (7.2)
They always did have a penchant for stylistic adventures on their long-players, but the eclecticism of “Autoamerican” ca...more →
The Police
A&M Records AMLH-64831
“Decent enough” New WaveJukebox picks: “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” (7.9) • “Canary In A Coalmine” (7.8) • “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” (7.6)
“Zenyatta Mondatta”, good name for an album that. Meaningless, but rhythmic and memorable with connotations for imaginat...more →
Mahotella Queens
Gumba Gumba BL-226
“Decent enough” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Re Basadi Kaofela” (7.7) • “Maqaqailana” (7.0) • “Tshoara Khaitsedi” (6.8)
Although it doesn't invoke the adrenaline rush of their thumping 70s prime material, “Tsamaya Moratuoa”, released in Mar...more →
S’modern Girls
Umjondolo LJD-30
“Decent enough” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Unina Kavusi” (6.9) • “Mawumthanda” (6.8) • “Ngithetha Amacala” (6.7)
The Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje girls (Jane Dlamini, Julia Mangqu, Lindiwe Mthembu, Nobesuthu Shawe and Hilda Tloubatla) ...more →
Squeeze
A&M Records AMLH-64802
“Decent enough” New WaveJukebox picks: “Vicky Verky” (8.9) • “Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)” (8.0) • “Another Nail In My Heart” (7.0)
Their third album statement in three years improves again, with some fantastic writing here and there. Bassist Harry Kak...more →
Hazel O’Connor
A&M Records AMLH-64820
“Decent enough” New WaveJukebox picks: “Eighth Day” (8.3) • “Will You?” (7.7) • “If Only” (7.4)
Decent debut album from the intriguing 25-year-old singer-songwriter-actress: “I ran away from my home in Coventry whe...more →
Young Marble Giants
Rough Trade ROUGH-8
“Decent enough” New WaveJukebox picks: “Eating Noddemix” (7.4) • “The Man Amplifier” (7.2) • “Include Me Out” (6.8)
On their February 1980 debut, the minimalist Cardiff three-piece were: Alison Statton (21, vocals), Stuart Moxham (24, g...more →
Ian Dury and The Blockheads
Stiff Records SEEZ-30
“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop; Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “Fucking Ada” (7.5) • “Uncoolohol” (7.4) • “Hey, Hey, Take Me Away” (7.2)
His best song of the period, “I Want To Be Straight” wasn't on the album, a recurring trait in the Ian Dury story, which...more →
Visage
Polydor 2490-157
“Decent enough” New Wave; ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Fade To Grey” (9.7) • “Visage” (7.5) • “Mind Of A Toy” (7.2)
Leading lights of the new romantic movement were this London super-group consisting of: Steve Strange (lead vocals), Mid...more →
Stiv Bators
Bomp! BLP-4015
“Decent enough” New WaveJukebox picks: “Too Much To Dream” (7.0) • “Evil Boy” (6.5) • “Swingin’ A Go-Go” (6.4)
The one and only Stiv Bators solo album was sandwiched in between the demise of The Dead Boys (1979) and the birth of Th...more →
Talking Heads
Sire SIR-K-56-867
“Decent enough” DubbeatJukebox picks: “Once In A Lifetime” (9.8) • “The Overload” (6.7) • “Seen And Not Seen” (5.7)
With Sire all the while, the fourth album in consecutive years from the New Yorkers was delivered in October, 1980, once...more →
The Undertones
Sire SRK-6088
“Decent enough” New Wave; Punk; PopJukebox picks: “My Perfect Cousin” (8.7) • “Wednesday Week” (7.8) • “More Songs About Chocolate And Girls” (6.6)
For their sophomore release in April, 1980, the Derry five remain: Feargal Sharkey (lead vocals), John O'Neill (guitar, ...more →
The Passions
Fiction Records FIX-003
“Decent enough” Post-Punk; New WaveJukebox picks: “Absentee” (7.4) • “Pedal Fury” (7.3) • “Love Song” (6.4)
The two-year-old London group came into this one on the back of two non-charting singles and a Nov' 79 session for John ...more →
Circle Jerks
Frontier Records FLP-1002
“Decent enough” PunkJukebox picks: “Live Fast Die Young” (7.2) • “Paid Vacation” (7.0) • “Don't Care” (6.6)
The highly regarded debut mini-album from these Hermosa Beach, California punks was released in October, 1980, consistin...more →
Black Slate
Ensign ENVY-15
“Average” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Amigo” (8.0) • “Boom Boom” (6.5) • “Romans” (6.4)
They had several years behind them already, but hadn't been making too many recordings in the last few years, which all ...more →
The Mo-Dettes
Deram SML-1120
“Average” New WaveJukebox picks: “White Mouse Disco” (6.8) • “Kray Twins” (6.7) • “Masochistic Opposite” (6.5)
For their November, 1980, long-play debut, London's Mo-dettes were: Swiss-born Ramona Carlier (ex-Kleenex, vocals), Amer...more →
Fad Gadget
Mute STUMM-3
“Average” New Wave; ElectronicaJukebox picks: “The Box” (7.8) • “State Of The Nation” (7.6) • “Coitus Interruptus” (6.4)
The debut record from the provocative Londoner, Frank Tovey, who was just turning 24 at the time of release in September...more →
Lou Reed
Arista AL 9522
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; New Wave; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Standing On Ceremony” (6.5) • “My Old Man” (6.3) • “So Alone” (6.3)
As the decade turned, Lou was determined to break free of the drugs and alcohol addictions which had hung like a dark cl...more →
Devo
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3435
“Average” New WaveJukebox picks: “Girl U Want” (7.0) • “Snowball” (7.0) • “Whip It” (6.8)
Arriving in May, 1980, was the third album in three consecutive years from the Akron, Ohio five-piece who remain: Mark M...more →
Pauline Murray and The Invisible Girls
Illusive 2394-277
“Average” New Wave; Cerebral PopJukebox picks: “Dream Sequence 1” (7.4) • “Mr X” (6.8) • “When Will We Learn” (6.4)
Following the break-up of Penetration due to group tensions in late '79, their small army of fans were consoled with the...more →
The Pop Group
Rough Trade ROUGH-9
“Average” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Justice” (7.5) • “Forces Of Oppression” (7.1) • “Feed The Hungry” (6.6)
Kudos to the fearless and ferocious five who dare to go where pop groups do not: Mark Stewart (vocals), John Waddington ...more →
The Boomtown Rats
Mercury 6359-042
“Average” New WaveJukebox picks: “Banana Republic” (7.6) • “The Elephant’s Graveyard (Guilty)” (7.3) • “This Is My Room” (6.8)
The fourth album in four successive years for the Rats who, try as they might, can't get near the high of “A Tonic For T...more →
Peter Gabriel
Charisma CDS-4019
“Average” Cerebral Pop; Film Score / Incidental; RockJukebox picks: “Biko” (9.4) • “Games Without Frontiers” (8.5) • “Intruder” (6.8)
It surprises me that, having been so closely involved with a group that I despised, Peter Gabriel was able to gain a fai...more →
The Human League
Virgin V-2160
“Average” Electronica; New WaveJukebox picks: “Being Boiled” (7.8) • “The Black Hit Of Space” (7.0) • “Wjl Tonight” (6.7)
Sheffield's sons of Kraftwerk are sounding really good in places but, as with last years debut, I find they lack strengt...more →
Pere Ubu
Rough Trade ROUGH-14
“Average” Avant-Garde; Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Birdies” (7.9) • “Loop” (7.4) • “Misery Goats” (6.4)
It had been thought they were disbanded but Pere Ubu returned for a fourth album in three years, “The Art of Walking” be...more →
The Clash
CBS FSLN-1
“Average” Reggae; Dubbeat; New Wave; Cerebral PopJukebox picks: “Lose This Skin” (8.7) • “Junco Partner” (8.4) • “Police On My Back” (8.3)
Having been in the hands of a dictatorship from 1936 to 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front were heroes to th...more →
The B-52s
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3471
“Below average” New WaveJukebox picks: “Private Idaho” (7.1) • “Runnin' Around” (6.1) • “Strobe Light” (5.6)
The law of diminishing returns strikes early and decisively with the second B-52s long-player....more →
Tom Waits
Asylum Records 6E-295
“Below average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Mr. Siegal” (6.3) • “Heartattack And Vine” (5.5) • “Saving All My Love For You” (5.5)
A bit tossed off and bit of a dip in form as far as I'm concerned, although two of the blusier tracks - “Heartattack A...more →
Roxy Music
EG 2302-099
“Below average” New WaveJukebox picks: “Over You” (7.4) • “Same Old Scene” (6.9) • “Oh Yeah” (5.6)
The seventh Roxy album arrived in May, 1980, and picked up where “Manifesto” left off - smoothly, with a whole host of s...more →
The Blues Brothers
Atlantic SD-16017
“Below average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; SoulJukebox picks: “Think” (7.9) • “Shake A Tail Feather” (7.3) • “The Old Landmark” (7.0)
Surprisingly very good indeed in places - suitably authentic. Mind you, the tracks I’m mostly referring to fondly featur...more →
John Prine
Asylum Records 6E-286
“Below average” CountryJukebox picks: “Sleepy Eyed Boy” (7.2) • “One Red Rose” (6.8) • “Living In The Future” (6.0)
Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama, largely going for the full-band production, to my dismay. These peop...more →
Grace Jones
Island Records ILPS-9592
“Poor” PopJukebox picks: “Private Life” (7.9) • “Pars” (5.3) • “A Rolling Stone” (5.0)
A big improvement here, although these are mostly all cover versions. Sly and Robbie’s slight push to reggae dub product...more →
The Numbers
Deluxe Records VPL1-6527
“Poor” New WaveJukebox picks: “The Modern Song” (5.8) • “Talk To Me” (5.4) • “When I Get Older” (5.3)
The debut album from the two-year-old Sydney power-pop band arrived in October, 1980. With siblings at the heart they li...more →
James Brown
TK Records TK-615
“Lame” Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses?)” (6.2) • “Honky Tonk [1980 version]” (4.3) • “Smokin’ & Drinkin’” (4.2)
Recorded by Henry Stone for TK right in the midst of the disco era. And that’s just what you get. Generic disco, slightl...more →
Stevie Wonder
Tamla T8-373M1
“Lame” R n BJukebox picks: “Master Blaster [jammin’]” (7.3) • “I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It” (6.0) • “Lately” (5.0)
The critically well received 20th new music album from the 30-year-old was released in September, 1980, reaching #3 in t...more →
Gil Scott-Heron
Arista AL-9540
“Lame” Disco / Funk; R n BJukebox picks: “The Train From Washington” (6.5) • “The Klan” (4.6) • “Waiting For The Axe To Fall” (4.4)
Released just in time for Christmas was the second album of the year from the 31-year-old singer-songwriter, a record wh...more →
Jon and Vangelis
Polydor POLD-5030
“Terrible” Songwriter; ProgJukebox picks: “Far Away In Baagad” (5.6) • “Curious Electric” (5.0) • “Thunder” (4.3)
The debut long-player from the 5-year-old London five-piece was a critical and commercial success, peaking at #4 in the ...more →
ABBA
Polar POLS-322
“Terrible” PopJukebox picks: “Super Trouper” (5.9) • “The Winner Takes It All” (5.3) • “The Piper” (4.6)
The commercial success story continues on their November, 1980, release, the content almost playing out as a real-life d...more →
Bob Dylan
Columbia FC-36553
“Terrible” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop Ballad; Soul; Soul BalladJukebox picks: “Pressing On” (5.5) • “A Satisfied Mind” (5.0) • “Saved” (4.9)
Bob’s “Pressing On” to the higher calling of his lord as he enters the 1980s. “Saved” was the second album of Dylan’s “C...more →
Iron Maiden
EMI EMC-3330
“Terrible” RockJukebox picks: “Remember Tomorrow” (4.9) • “Transylvania” (4.5) • “Running Free” (4.1)
The debut long-player from the 5-year-old London five-piece was a critical and commercial success, peaking at #4 in the ...more →
Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson
Arista AL-9514
“Terrible” R n BJukebox picks: “Shah Mot (The Shah Is Dead / Checkmate)” (4.3) • “Late Last Night” (4.0) • “Willing” (3.9)
They're looking all Star Trek on that cover, but what were Scott-Heron & Jackson trying to tell us about the LP? Said th...more →
AC/DC
Albert Productions APLP-046
“Terrible” RockJukebox picks: “Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” (7.0) • “You Shook Me All Night Long” (6.5) • “Back In Black” (4.4)
Singer Bon Scott had died in February, 1980, due to some sort of substance misadventure and, after a great deal of soul-...more →
Parliament
Casablanca NBLP-7249
“Terrible” Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “Agony Of Defeet” (4.2) • “New Doo Review” (4.0) • “Peek-A-Groove” (3.7)
The ninth Parliament long-player was released in December, 1980, with one single released from the set, “Agony Of Defe...more →
Judas Priest
CBS S-CBS-84160
“Terrible” RockJukebox picks: “Breaking The Law” (4.7) • “Rapid Fire” (4.0) • “Steeler” (3.3)
The sixth album from the West Bromwich rockers arrived in April, 1980, and heralded their massive commercial breakthroug...more →
Richie Havens
Elektra 6E-242
“Terrible” Pop Ballad; Soft Rock / A.O.R.Jukebox picks: “Going Back To My Roots” (4.5) • “We’ve Got Tonight” (3.8) • “Dreams” (3.6)
Or, as I like to call it, “Disconnections”. I'm alienated by Richie's comfortable brand of soft rock and pop balladry by...more →
Steve Winwood
Island Records ILPS-9576
“Dire” PopJukebox picks: “Spanish Dancer” (5.1) • “While You See A Chance” (4.7) • “Arc Of A Diver” (2.4)
The fourth album from the 32-year-old singer-songwriter (the second solely credited to himself) arrived in December, 198...more →
| 1-100 101-200 |
| see also: (B-list) Album Chart of 1980 |
Album Charts by year
“A-list”
1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
“B-list”
1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Album Charts by decade
“A-list”
1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s