Top 10 Albums of 1985

After the disappointment that was her previous album, The Dreaming, Hounds of Love returned Bush to the public eye, specifically in the UK, where it became her second album to go to #1 on the UK Album Chart. With the first side featuring many hit singles, including one of her most popular, "Running Up That Hill," the second half contains a story of a person alone in the ocean, creating a complex and diverse album for listeners. Bush transcended pop with this album, and many consider it to be a classic in the genre.

A truly influential album that not many mainstream listeners have heard of, Psychocandy helped pave the way for a future generation. With this debut album, the band turned the pop music genre on its head through the use of heavy guitar feedback, creating a unique mix that influenced the shoegazing and alternative rock scene of the 1990s. Often considered one of the greatest albums of all time, The Jesus and Mary Chain created a musical gem that eventually reached gold certification in the United Kingdom as well as some recognition from the film world.

The Head on the Door proved to be The Cure's breakthrough into mainstream success, entering the top 20 in many different countries and earning critical acclaimed upon its release. The band's sixth release, it marked the return of bassist Simon Gallup and was eventually certified gold in the UK and the US, among other countries. Featuring the gothic rock and post-punk sound the band is famously known for, songs like “In Between Days” and “Close to Me” became major hits for the band, with both songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100.

After the critical success that was the independently released Let It Be, The Replacements followed up that 1984 album by signing to major label Sire and releasing Tim only a year later. This alternative/punk rock band made a splash in critical circles in 1985, appearing on many year-end and eventual best of all time lists, despite its lack of commercial success. It only peaked at #183 on the Billboard 200, but the music is what makes an album, not the copies sold. The album's contrast between jangle pop and window-shattering rock created a unique sonic landscape, one that influenced rock and roll for years to come.

Meat is Murder was every bit as politically charged as the title makes you believe, and it's all the more impactful for it. The album was the most successful for the band in England, hitting number one on the UK Album Chart and receiving acclaim upon release, with critics lauding the music and the political themes. Some topics include the vegetarianism stance of the title track, and also anti-corporal punishment songs aimed at the government. It was an emotionally charged and musically diverse thrill ride, and one of the best records of the year.

The album that started this star's worldwide fame, Whitney Houston featured the singer at her most tender and emotional. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, this album introduced the world to Whitney's powerful voice and has been acclaimed as one of the best debut albums. Receiving four Grammy nominations and shattering commercial records left and right, the album has sold over 25 million copies since it was first released. Showcasing the early stages in the career of a pop music legend, Whitney Houston was no doubt a defining album and voice of the year 1985.

A rare successful solo act, Phil Collins, previously from the classic rock band Genesis, released No Jacket Required in January, and became a major hit with audiences and critics. All four of the singles charted within the top ten, and it has sold over 25 million copies, signifying a fantastic commercial appeal. It was also favorably reviewed, with critics praising the instrumentation, in particular the heavy drumming. Winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, Collins created an 80s classic with his blend of soft rock and new wave sounds.

Regarded as one of the best albums by the experimental rock legend Tom Waits, Rain Dogs is known particularly for its wide range of musical genres. He channelled his inner Springsteen for songs like “Runaway Train”, and then would bring in the conga drums for tracks like “Jockey Full of Bourbon”. It’s a musical gift that keeps on giving. Featuring the killer guitar skills of Keith Richards and the signature vocals of Tom Waits, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Slant Magazine have all called Rain Dogs one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.

Dire Straits had the world in the palm of their hands in 1985, due in no small part to the release of Brothers in Arms. It was an immediate commercial success, spending seven weeks at #1 in the US and ten atop the UK Chart, eventually becoming one of the highest selling albums ever. It was also critically acclaimed and won two Grammys and a BRIT Award, and has since been hailed as one of the greatest albums ever. With Mark Knopfler's signature voice and his shredding guitar, Dire Straits created a true rock classic.

Before we look at our top album of 1985, here are a few honorable mentions.

"Little Creatures" (1985)
Talking Heads

"Love" (1985)
The Cult

"Low-Life" (1985)
New Order

"New Day Rising"
Husker Du

"Heart" (1985)
Heart

"Theatre of Pain" (1985)
Motley Crue

An album that perfectly represents the mid-80s, Songs from the Big Chair was Tears for Fears' best-selling album, and one of the 80s best. With their trademark vocals and synthesizers, the band helped popularize the new wave genre, and created the signature musical sound for the 1980s. It was an immediate hit, with five huge singles that still receive massive airplay today. It helped define a sound for a generation, and the dreamy music still sounds great thirty years later.
Do you agree with our list? What album from 1985 is your favourite? For more rocking top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.