Most influential albums of the 1980s

This double album of noise rock/no wave is known for its experimental guitar textures and its unconventional approach to songwriting. It is a masterpiece of noise rock, an album that seeks to generate an aural experience based on textures, being a fundamental and experimental piece of the decade.

The last studio album by The Police, which incorporates African rhythms, jazz, and new wave, taking pop to its maximum expression. Considered the band's best album, its fusion of genres and instrumental prowess make it an iconic record and a bridge between progressive and punk.

This album fuses pop-rock with South African music, especially mbaqanga, through collaborations with musicians from different cultures. It is an example of how music can unite cultures, a luminous and rich album that remains an 80s essential for its originality and quality.

This debut hard rock and heavy metal album is raw and energetic, including hits like 'Sweet Child o' Mine' and 'Welcome to the Jungle'. It is considered one of the best hard rock albums of all time, with an undeniable influence on the genre.

This album is the best-selling of all time and revolutionized the music industry with its fusion of pop, rock, funk, and R&B, in addition to its innovative music videos. Its cultural impact is undeniable, defining mass pop and setting a standard for musical and visual production.

This album cemented U2's status as one of the biggest bands in the world thanks to its profound and socially conscious lyrics, and anthems like 'With or Without You'. Winner of the Grammy for Album of the Year, its message and epic sound maintain their relevance.

Produced by Brian Eno, this album is an innovative fusion of new wave, funk, and African rhythms, with cryptic lyrics and an experimental sound. Its originality and creativity make it a masterpiece that opened the decade and continues to influence current music.

This album, soundtrack to the eponymous film, fuses pop, rock, funk, and soul with a powerful and accessible sound. It is an indispensable gem that combines all of Prince's artistic facets, from his charisma to his talent and provocation.

This album is an icon of British alternative rock, known for Morrissey's melancholic and sarcastic lyrics and Johnny Marr's distinctive guitar. It is a generational portrait that heralded the style of 90s Brit-rock, with absolute inspiration and very influential themes.

This post-punk masterpiece is distinguished by its dark atmosphere, introspective lyrics, and Ian Curtis's distinctive baritone. It is an iconic and essential record that remains an undeniable benchmark of the genre and deserves to be on any list of the decade's best albums.

This thrash metal album stands out for its musical complexity, progressive elements, and lyrics that address social and political themes. It is a turning point in the history of thrash metal and heavy metal, demonstrating the band's ability to create complex music and evolve.

This second Pixies album is known for its 'loud-quiet' dynamics and its influential sound in alternative rock. It had a tremendous influence on the grunge and alternative rock scene of the 90s, being cited by Kurt Cobain as fundamental for the creation of *Nevermind*.

This seminal hip-hop album is known for its politically charged lyrics and innovative, dense sound. It is considered one of the most iconic, important, and influential hip-hop albums, and continues to be acclaimed in the genre for its audacity and message.

This debut hip-hop album redefined rap with Rakim's complex rhymes and Eric B.'s innovative beats. It is one of the most influential albums in the genre overall, a hip-hop essential that, although it sounds 'firmly rooted in the 80s hip hop style,' is worth it.

This hard rock album prominently incorporated synthesizers, creating a distinctive sound and generating hits like 'Jump'. It was the last album with David Lee Roth and changed the way 'party-rock' was made with its synthesized sound, influencing legions of guitarists.

Although it is a compilation, this album brings together New Order's influential singles from the 1980s, including 'Blue Monday', and their respective B-sides. It represents the evolution of electronic music and synth-pop in the 80s, with songs that continue to resonate on dance floors and showing how electronic music transformed music.

This pop and R&B album with a strong social and political message fuses dance-pop, new jack swing, and funk. It is recognized for its conceptual ambition and its impact on pop and R&B music, being a benchmark for its sonic innovation and thematic relevance.

This pop album explores themes of religion, sexuality, and family with a mature and eclectic sound. It is a culmination point in Madonna's career, consolidating her status as a cultural and musical icon, and continues to be praised for its audacity and artistic quality.

As a continuation of *Thriller*, this pop and R&B album also generated numerous hits and showcased Jackson's artistic evolution. It is a fundamental album that demonstrated Jackson's ability to continue producing hits and maintain his global relevance, although it is often compared to its predecessor.