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Albums from the 1980s
| 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990s | 2000s |
This page lists the top albums of the 1980s in the source charts. The way that the various charts are combined to reach this final list is described on the in the site generation page. A list of the hit songs of the 1980s can be found here.
Over the course of the 1980s the passion for "real music" that had driven punk was ground out of the music business by synthasisers, manufactured groups and using the conversion to CDs to force fans to repurchase from the back-catalogue. The top 50 chart acts of the 1980s were:
| #1: Prince | #2: Madonna | #3: U2 | #4: Michael Jackson | #5: Queen |
| #6: Bruce Springsteen | #7: Phil Collins | #8: Dire Straits | #9: The Rolling Stones | #10: The Eurythmics |
| #11: David Bowie | #12: The Police | #13: Duran Duran | #14: The Cure | #15: Elton John |
| #16: Depeche Mode | #17: Tina Turner | #18: Paul McCartney | #19: Simple Minds | #20: Billy Joel |
| #21: Iron Maiden | #22: Genesis | #23: The Pet Shop Boys | #24: Rod Stewart | #25: Diana Ross |
| #26: Talking Heads | #27: AC/DC | #28: Whitney Houston | #29: Bon Jovi | #30: The Smiths |
| #31: A-Ha | #32: Culture Club | #33: Elvis Costello | #34: Wham! | #35: Lionel Richie |
| #36: Van Halen | #37: Kim Wilde | #38: John Lennon | #39: Abba | #40: Barbra Streisand |
| #41: Peter Gabriel | #42: Stevie Wonder | #43: Shakin' Stevens | #44: Kate Bush | #45: Tears For Fears |
| #46: Status Quo | #47: New Order | #48: George Michael | #49: The Alan Parsons Project | #50: Hall & Oates |
| # | Artist | Album Title | Year | Chart Entries |
| 1 | Michael Jackson | Thriller | 1982 | UK 1 - Dec 1982 (192 weeks), US CashBox 1 of 1983, US 1 of 1983, US num 1 for 37 weeks - Feb 1983, US BB 1 of 1983, Canada 1 for 13 weeks - 1983, Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Jun 1983, Sweden 1 - Dec 1982 (72 weeks), Australia num 1 for 11 weeks - Jun 1983, Japan 1 for 2 weeks - Mar 1984, Italy 1 of 1983, France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1983 (peak 1, 113 weeks), Global 1 - 50 M claimed, Internet 1 - 54 M claimed (1982), Grammy in 1983, Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008 (1982), US sales 28 M (according to RIAA), US 27 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 2005), UK 11 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jul 1992), Germany 3 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1995), Canada Diamond (certified in Dec 1983), UK Radio2 2, DMDB 2, Europe Platinum (certified by IFIP in 2009), Austria 3 - Feb 1983 (22 months), NARM 3, Defin200 3 (1982), Switzerland 4 - Nov 1983 (52 weeks), Channel4 4, Norway 6 - Dec 1982 (45 weeks), Melody Maker 7 of 1982, UK 8 of all time (3.6 M claimed) (1982), RS Reader's 12, Guiness 14, RYM 15 of 1982, Rolling Stone 20, Acclaimed 33 (1982), Belgium 44 of all time (1982), Virgin 64, WTMD 74, Finland 78 of all time (claimed 88,667) (1982), RS100 85, Radio Caroline 89 (1982), WXPN 127 (1982) |
| 2 | U2 | The Joshua Tree | 1987 | UK 1 - Mar 1987 (160 weeks), US num 1 for 9 weeks - Apr 1987, Canada 1 for 17 weeks - 1987, Germany 1 for 6 weeks - May 1987, Europe num 1 for 17 weeks - Apr 1987, Austria 1 - Apr 1987 (15 months), Switzerland 1 - Mar 1987 (37 weeks), Sweden 1 - Mar 1987 (37 weeks), Holland free40 1 of 1987, Grammy in 1987, US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1995), UK 6 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1992), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1994), Canada Diamond (certified in Oct 1987), US CashBox 2 of 1987, France Best 2 of 1987, Channel4 2, France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Nov 1995), UK Radio2 3, Norway 4 - Mar 1987 (40 weeks), Italy 4 of 1987, RS Reader's 4, US BB 5 of 1987, NARM 5, Defin200 5 (1987), France (InfoDisc) 6 of 1987 (peak 1, 58 weeks), WTMD 7, WXPN 7 (1987), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), RYM 11 of 1987, Belgium 15 of all time (1987), DMDB 15, Global 19 - 24 M claimed, Radio Caroline 20 (1987), Virgin 25, UK 26 of all time (2.7 M claimed) (1987), Rolling Stone 26, Acclaimed 36 (1987), Fox101 37, Guiness 48, Internet 55 - 18 M claimed (1987) |
| 3 | Bruce Springsteen | Born In The USA | 1984 | UK 1 - Jun 1984 (129 weeks), US CashBox 1 of 1985, US 1 of 1985, US num 1 for 7 weeks - Jul 1984, US BB 1 of 1984, Canada 1 for 13 weeks - 1984, Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Jul 1985, Austria 1 - Jul 1984 (17 months), Switzerland 1 - Jun 1984 (58 weeks), Norway 1 - Apr 1984 (66 weeks), Sweden 1 - Jun 1984 (63 weeks), Australia num 1 for 8 weeks - Oct 1984, US 15 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1995), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jul 1985), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1989), Canada Diamond (certified in Jul 1985), US sales 15 M (according to RIAA), Grammy in 1984 (Nominated), Italy 3 of 1985, France Best 3 of 1984, Global 7 - 27 M claimed, Melody Maker 9 of 1984, Holland free40 12 of 1984, France (InfoDisc) 19 of 1985 (peak 2, 21 weeks), Fox101 25, RS100 28, Internet 31 - 24 M claimed (1984), UK Radio2 34, RYM 39 of 1984, Finland 47 of all time (claimed 108,048) (1984), DMDB 54, NARM 56, Defin200 56 (1984), RS Reader's 64, Guiness 70, WXPN 80 (1984), Radio Caroline 82 (1984), Rolling Stone 85, WTMD 145, Acclaimed 148 (1984) |
| 4 | Dire Straits | Brothers In Arms | 1985 | UK 1 - May 1985 (228 weeks), US num 1 for 9 weeks - Aug 1985, Canada 1 for 18 weeks - 1985, Germany 1 for 1 week - Jun 1985, Austria 1 - Jun 1985 (22 months), Switzerland 1 - May 1985 (71 weeks), Norway 1 - May 1985 (46 weeks), Sweden 1 - May 1985 (52 weeks), Australia num 1 for 34 weeks - May 1985, France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1985 (peak 1, 76 weeks), US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1996), UK 13 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1997), France Diamond (certified by SNEP Sep 1994), Canada Diamond (certified in Apr 1986), Grammy in 1985 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1985), US BB 3 of 1985, Global 4 - 29 M claimed, UK 4 of all time (4.0 M claimed) (1985), US 5 of 1986, Holland free40 5 of 1985, France Best 6 of 1985, US CashBox 7 of 1985, US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), Radio Caroline 10 (1985), UK Radio2 12, Italy 22 of 1985, Internet 26 - 25 M claimed (1985), Finland 38 of all time (claimed 115,250) (1985), RYM 46 of 1985, Channel4 47, Guiness 68, WTMD 76, Fox101 83, DMDB 84, NARM 89, Defin200 89 (1985), Belgium 92 of all time (1985), WXPN 172 (1985), Rolling Stone 351, Acclaimed 566 (1985) |
| 5 | Michael Jackson | Bad | 1987 | UK 1 - Sep 1987 (118 weeks), US num 1 for 6 weeks - Sep 1987, Canada 1 for 1 week - 1987, Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Sep 1987, Europe num 1 for 18 weeks - Oct 1987, Austria 1 - Oct 1987 (22 months), Switzerland 1 - Sep 1987 (54 weeks), Norway 1 - Sep 1987 (24 weeks), Sweden 1 - Sep 1987 (40 weeks), Japan 1 for 2 weeks - Sep 1987, France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1987 (peak 1, 102 weeks), US 8 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1994), UK 13 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jul 1992), Germany 4 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1995), Grammy in 1987 (Nominated), Europe Platinum (certified by IFIP in 2009), US BB 3 of 1987, US 5 of 1988, US CashBox 6 of 1988, Italy 7 of 1987, UK 9 of all time (3.6 M claimed) (1987), Global 10 - 26 M claimed, US sales 8 M (according to RIAA), Internet 20 - 27 M claimed (1987), Guiness 23, UK Radio2 40, RYM 84 of 1987, Rolling Stone 202, Acclaimed 1616 (1987) |
| 6 | Paul Simon | Graceland | 1986 | UK 1 - Sep 1986 (107 weeks), Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1987, Europe num 1 for 1 week - Mar 1987, Switzerland 1 - Oct 1986 (40 weeks), Australia num 1 for 5 weeks - Oct 1986, Grammy in 1986, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1995), UK 5 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1988), US 2 of 1987, France Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1988), Austria 3 - Mar 1987 (8 months), US CashBox 4 of 1987, RYM 4 of 1986, US BB 6 of 1987, Norway 13 - Sep 1986 (4 weeks), Sweden 13 - Sep 1986 (26 weeks), Holland free40 13 of 1986, WTMD 13, Italy 15 of 1987, France Best 15 of 1986, WXPN 18 (1986), France (InfoDisc) 19 of 1987 (peak 1, 28 weeks), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), UK Radio2 23, DMDB 39, Virgin 43, UK 51 of all time (2.2 M claimed) (1986), RS100 56, Acclaimed 67 (1986), Rolling Stone 81, NARM 83, Defin200 83 (1986), Channel4 84, Guiness 93 |
| 7 | Madonna | True Blue | 1986 | UK 1 - Jul 1986 (85 weeks), US num 1 for 5 weeks - Aug 1986, Canada 1 for 14 weeks - 1986, Germany 1 for 8 weeks - Aug 1986, Europe num 1 for 10 weeks - Jan 1987, Switzerland 1 - Jul 1986 (37 weeks), Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Aug 1986, Italy 1 of 1986, France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1986 (peak 1, 83 weeks), US 7 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1995), UK 7 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1992), France Diamond (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), Canada Diamond (certified in Jun 1987), Norway 2 - Jul 1986 (26 weeks), Sweden 2 - Jul 1986 (21 weeks), US BB 3 of 1986, Austria 3 - Aug 1986 (12 months), US CashBox 7 of 1986, US sales 7 M (according to RIAA), Holland free40 20 of 1986, Internet 38 - 22 M claimed (1986), Global 58 - 16 M claimed, UK Radio2 64, RYM 133 of 1986, Acclaimed 1102 (1986) |
| 8 | U2 | Rattle & Hum | 1988 | UK 1 - Oct 1988 (56 weeks), US num 1 for 6 weeks - Nov 1988, Canada 1 for 13 weeks - 1988, Germany 1 for 6 weeks - Nov 1988, Europe num 1 for 5 weeks - Oct 1988, Austria 1 - Nov 1988 (13 months), Switzerland 1 - Oct 1988 (27 weeks), Norway 1 - Oct 1988 (24 weeks), Australia num 1 for 5 weeks - Oct 1988, France Best 1 of 1988, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1995), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1995), Sweden 2 - Oct 1988 (23 weeks), Holland free40 2 of 1988, Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1988), France Gold (certified by SNEP Nov 1995), Italy 7 of 1988, US BB 14 of 1988, US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), France (InfoDisc) 31 of 1988 (peak 8, 18 weeks), US CashBox 39 of 1988, UK Radio2 61, Global 75 - 13 M claimed, RYM 184 of 1988, WTMD 227, WXPN 340 (1988), Acclaimed 1280 (1988) |
| 9 | Madonna | Like A Prayer | 1989 | UK 1 - Apr 1989 (70 weeks), US num 1 for 6 weeks - Apr 1989, Canada 1 for 6 weeks - 1989, Germany 1 for 4 weeks - May 1989, Europe num 1 for 7 weeks - Apr 1989, Austria 1 - Apr 1989 (8 months), Switzerland 1 - Apr 1989 (26 weeks), Norway 1 - Apr 1989 (24 weeks), Sweden 1 - Apr 1989 (28 weeks), Japan 1 for 1 week - Apr 1989, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1997), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1995), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1989), US CashBox 7 of 1989, Italy 7 of 1989, Channel4 8, US BB 13 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 19 of 1989 (peak 1, 36 weeks), UK Radio2 35, RYM 41 of 1989, RS Reader's 62, Global 82 - 12 M claimed, Internet 108 - 14 M claimed (1989), Rolling Stone 237, Acclaimed 363 (1989) |
| 10 | Prince | Purple Rain | 1984 | US num 1 for 24 weeks - Aug 1984, Canada 1 for 13 weeks - 1984, Australia num 1 for 1 week - Aug 1984, Holland free40 1 of 1984, US 13 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 1996), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1990), US sales 13 M (according to RIAA), Grammy in 1984 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1993), US BB 3 of 1984, Sweden 3 - Aug 1984 (27 weeks), Norway 4 - Sep 1984 (17 weeks), US CashBox 6 of 1984, UK 7 - Jul 1984 (91 weeks), Switzerland 7 - Aug 1984 (32 weeks), France Best 7 of 1984, RYM 7 of 1984, Austria 8 - Jan 1985 (5 months), Melody Maker 13 of 1984, NARM 16, Defin200 16 (1984), DMDB 22, RS100 39, Global 41 - 19 M claimed, Guiness 44, Acclaimed 49 (1984), France (InfoDisc) 53 of 1984 (peak 8, 15 weeks), Internet 55 - 18 M claimed (1984), WXPN 64 (1984), RS Reader's 66, Rolling Stone 72, Virgin 72, Belgium 76 of all time (1984), WTMD 110 |
| 11 | Tracy Chapman | Tracy Chapman | 1988 | UK 1 - May 1988 (146 weeks), US num 1 for 1 week - Aug 1988, Canada 1 for 9 weeks - 1988, Germany 1 for 3 weeks - Sep 1988, Europe num 1 for 6 weeks - Sep 1988, Austria 1 - Sep 1988 (21 months), Switzerland 1 - Jul 1988 (45 weeks), Italy 1 of 1988, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 2001), UK 8 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 2004), France Diamond (certified by SNEP Jun 2000), Germany 4 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2001), Norway 2 - Jun 1988 (36 weeks), Sweden 2 - Jul 1988 (40 weeks), Grammy in 1988 (Nominated), France (InfoDisc) 3 of 1988 (peak 2, 90 weeks), France Best 5 of 1988, US CashBox 7 of 1988, US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), US BB 11 of 1988, RYM 40 of 1988, UK 42 of all time (2.3 M claimed) (1988), WXPN 191 (1988), WTMD 219, Rolling Stone 261, Acclaimed 386 (1988) |
| 12 | Phil Collins | ... But Seriously | 1989 | UK 1 - Dec 1989 (71 weeks), US num 1 for 4 weeks - Dec 1989, Canada 1 for 11 weeks - 1990, Germany 1 for 17 weeks - Dec 1989, Europe num 1 for 19 weeks - Dec 1989, Austria 1 - Dec 1989 (11 months), Switzerland 1 - Dec 1989 (52 weeks), Norway 1 - Dec 1989 (27 weeks), Sweden 1 - Nov 1989 (29 weeks), Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Nov 1989, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1994), UK 8 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1990), Germany 6 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1994), US CashBox 2 of 1990, US 2 of 1990, Grammy in 1990 (Nominated), Italy 3 of 1990, US BB 5 of 1990, France (InfoDisc) 5 of 1989 (peak 1, 76 weeks), UK 23 of all time (2.7 M claimed) (1989), Global 28 - 21 M claimed, Internet 83 - 15 M claimed (1989), Radio Caroline 135 (1989) |
| 13 | Whitney Houston | Whitney Houston | 1986 | US CashBox 1 of 1986, US 1 of 1986, US num 1 for 14 weeks - Mar 1986, US BB 1 of 1986, Canada 1 for 17 weeks - 1986, Norway 1 - Jan 1986 (28 weeks), Sweden 1 - Feb 1986 (33 weeks), Australia num 1 for 11 weeks - Jun 1986, US 13 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1999), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jan 1989), Canada Diamond (certified in Mar 1987), UK 2 - Dec 1985 (119 weeks), Switzerland 2 - Dec 1985 (33 weeks), US sales 13 M (according to RIAA), Grammy in 1985 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1986), Austria 9 - Feb 1986 (9 months), Global 34 - 20 M claimed, Internet 34 - 23 M claimed (1985), Italy 43 of 1987, NARM 46, Defin200 46 (1985), France (InfoDisc) 51 of 1986 (peak 13, 5 weeks), RYM 194 of 1985, Rolling Stone 254, Acclaimed 1591 (1985) |
| 14 | Original Soundtrack | Dirty Dancing | 1987 | US num 1 for 18 weeks - Nov 1987, Canada 1 for 14 weeks - 1988, Germany 1 for 7 weeks - Feb 1988, Europe num 1 for 7 weeks - Mar 1988, Austria 1 - Dec 1987 (15 months), Switzerland 1 - Nov 1987 (38 weeks), Australia num 1 for 8 weeks - Feb 1988, France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1990 (peak 1, 97 weeks), US 11 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1994), UK 5 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jan 1991), Germany 4 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1990), Canada Diamond (certified in Aug 1988), US CashBox 2 of 1988, US 2 of 1988, US sales 11 M (according to RIAA), US BB 3 of 1988, UK 4 - Oct 1987 (63 weeks), Sweden 4 - Nov 1987 (46 weeks), Norway 6 - Nov 1987 (25 weeks), Internet 9 - 32 M claimed (1987), Italy 37 of 1988, UK 37 of all time (2.4 M claimed) (1987), NARM 99, Defin200 99 (1987) |
| 15 | The Police | Synchronicity | 1983 | UK 1 - Jun 1983 (48 weeks), US num 1 for 17 weeks - Jul 1983, Canada 1 for 23 weeks - 1983, Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Jul 1983, Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009 (1983), US 8 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 2001), Grammy in 1983 (Nominated), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1983), US CashBox 3 of 1983, US 3 of 1983, US BB 3 of 1983, Norway 3 - Jun 1983 (20 weeks), Sweden 4 - Jun 1983 (30 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1983), Italy 6 of 1983, Melody Maker 8 of 1983, US sales 8 M (according to RIAA), Austria 11 - Aug 1983 (3 months), Switzerland 15 - Nov 1983 (4 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 18 of 1983 (peak 6, 63 weeks), Holland free40 26 of 1983, RYM 35 of 1983, Fox101 52, Channel4 65, Global 68 - 14 M claimed, DMDB 71, WXPN 75 (1983), WTMD 83, Virgin 91, Defin200 119 (1983), Acclaimed 217 (1983), Rolling Stone 455 |
| 16 | Phil Collins | No Jacket Required | 1985 | UK 1 - Mar 1985 (176 weeks), US num 1 for 7 weeks - Mar 1985, Canada 1 for 8 weeks - 1985, Germany 1 for 9 weeks - Mar 1985, Switzerland 1 - Mar 1985 (27 weeks), Norway 1 - Mar 1985 (15 weeks), Sweden 1 - Mar 1985 (14 weeks), Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - May 1985, Grammy in 1985, US 12 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 2001), UK 6 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1989), Germany 3 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2005), Canada Diamond (certified in Apr 1986), US sales 12 M (according to RIAA), US CashBox 3 of 1985, US BB 5 of 1985, Austria 11 - Apr 1985 (4 months), Global 12 - 25 M claimed, France (InfoDisc) 16 of 1985 (peak 6, 26 weeks), Italy 18 of 1985, NARM 74, Defin200 74 (1985), Internet 83 - 15 M claimed (1985), RYM 161 of 1985 |
| 17 | George Michael | Faith | 1987 | UK 1 - Nov 1987 (77 weeks), US CashBox 1 of 1988, US 1 of 1988, US num 1 for 12 weeks - Jan 1988, Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1987, Europe num 1 for 4 weeks - Dec 1987, Grammy in 1988, US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1996), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Sep 1993), Canada Diamond (certified in Oct 1991), US BB 2 of 1988, Norway 3 - Nov 1987 (14 weeks), Austria 4 - Dec 1987 (10 months), Switzerland 4 - Nov 1987 (32 weeks), Sweden 4 - Nov 1987 (27 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1988), France (InfoDisc) 7 of 1987 (peak 5, 60 weeks), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), Italy 20 of 1987, Global 41 - 19 M claimed, UK Radio2 43, Internet 73 - 16 M claimed (1987), Channel4 79, RYM 119 of 1987, Defin200 158 (1987), Rolling Stone 480, Acclaimed 641 (1987) |
| 18 | Bon Jovi | Slippery When Wet | 1986 | US CashBox 1 of 1987, US 1 of 1987, US num 1 for 8 weeks - Oct 1986, US BB 1 of 1987, Canada 1 for 8 weeks - 1987, Switzerland 1 - Sep 1986 (35 weeks), Norway 1 - Dec 1986 (20 weeks), Australia num 1 for 6 weeks - Jul 1987, US 12 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1995), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1993), Canada Diamond (certified in Oct 1987), Austria 2 - Mar 1987 (8 months), US sales 12 M (according to RIAA), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1992), Sweden 3 - Sep 1986 (34 weeks), UK 6 - Sep 1986 (123 weeks), Global 28 - 21 M claimed, Internet 31 - 24 M claimed (1986), NARM 44, Defin200 44 (1986), RYM 68 of 1986, Fox101 77, RS Reader's 85, Radio Caroline 124 (1986), Acclaimed 590 (1986) |
| 19 | Whitney Houston | Whitney | 1987 | UK 1 - Jun 1987 (101 weeks), US num 1 for 11 weeks - Jun 1987, Canada 1 for 6 weeks - 1987, Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Jul 1987, Europe num 1 for 8 weeks - Aug 1987, Austria 1 - Jul 1987 (13 months), Switzerland 1 - Jun 1987 (20 weeks), Norway 1 - Jun 1987 (16 weeks), Sweden 1 - Jun 1987 (30 weeks), Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Jun 1987, US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1995), UK 6 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1988), Italy 2 of 1987, Grammy in 1987 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), US BB 4 of 1987, US CashBox 6 of 1987, US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), France (InfoDisc) 17 of 1987 (peak 6, 34 weeks), Global 47 - 18 M claimed, UK 48 of all time (2.2 M claimed) (1987), Internet 52 - 19 M claimed (1987) |
| 20 | Lionel Richie | Can't Slow Down | 1983 | UK 1 - Oct 1983 (154 weeks), US CashBox 1 of 1984, US num 1 for 3 weeks - Dec 1983, Canada 1 for 1 week - 1983, Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Jun 1984, Grammy in 1984, US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1985), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1985), Canada Diamond (certified in Nov 1984), US BB 2 of 1983, Sweden 2 - Nov 1983 (44 weeks), US 3 of 1984, Switzerland 3 - Dec 1983 (34 weeks), Norway 3 - Dec 1983 (30 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 3 of 1984 (peak 12, 52 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1984), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), Austria 19 - Jan 1984 (1 month), Internet 38 - 22 M claimed (1983), Italy 40 of 1984, Global 41 - 19 M claimed, Guiness 60, Defin200 135 (1983), Acclaimed 1811 (1983) |
| 21 | AC/DC | Back In Black | 1980 | UK 1 - Aug 1980 (45 weeks), Australia num 1 for 1 week - Mar 1981, US sales 22 M (according to RIAA), US 22 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 2007), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2003), Canada Diamond (certified in Oct 1989), France (InfoDisc) 2 of 1980 (peak 1, 91 weeks), Internet 2 - 42 M claimed (1980), US BB 4 of 1980, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Dec 1980), Fox101 4, RYM 5 of 1980, Austria 7 - Sep 1980 (4 months), Norway 8 - Sep 1980 (23 weeks), Sweden 12 - Aug 1980 (10 weeks), Global 12 - 25 M claimed, NARM 17, Defin200 17 (1980), US CashBox 21 of 1980, DMDB 25, Switzerland 36 - Jul 2007 (16 weeks), UK Radio2 45, Italy 48 of 1981, RS Reader's 60, Rolling Stone 73, Acclaimed 107 (1980), WTMD 111, WXPN 143 (1980) |
| 22 | Guns & Roses | Appetite For Destruction | 1987 | US num 1 for 5 weeks - Aug 1988, US 18 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 2008), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1989), Canada Diamond (certified in Jul 1992), US sales 18 M (according to RIAA), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Nov 1997), Austria 3 - May 1989 (10 months), US CashBox 4 of 1988, US BB 4 of 1988, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1990), UK 5 - Aug 1987 (167 weeks), US 5 of 1989, RYM 6 of 1987, Switzerland 7 - Feb 1989 (36 weeks), RS Reader's 7, Norway 9 - Feb 1989 (27 weeks), Channel4 9, Internet 26 - 25 M claimed (1987), DMDB 28, Sweden 32 - Oct 1988 (4 weeks), NARM 32, Defin200 32 (1987), Global 34 - 20 M claimed, Belgium 48 of all time (1987), Italy 52 of 1989, Fox101 60, Rolling Stone 61, Acclaimed 62 (1987), Radio Caroline 70 (1987), WTMD 70, WXPN 84 (1987) |
| 23 | Def Leppard | Hysteria | 1987 | UK 1 - Aug 1987 (101 weeks), US num 1 for 6 weeks - Jul 1988, US BB 1 of 1988, Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1988, Norway 1 - Aug 1987 (25 weeks), Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Jul 1989, US 12 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1998), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1989), Canada Diamond (certified in Nov 1988), Switzerland 2 - Aug 1987 (16 weeks), Sweden 2 - Aug 1987 (27 weeks), US sales 12 M (according to RIAA), US CashBox 3 of 1988, US 3 of 1988, Global 28 - 21 M claimed, NARM 36, Defin200 36 (1987), RYM 45 of 1987, Internet 65 - 17 M claimed (1987), France (InfoDisc) 83 of 1987 (peak 22, 2 weeks), RS Reader's 93, Rolling Stone 472, Acclaimed 589 (1987) |
| 24 | John Lennon | Double Fantasy | 1980 | UK 1 - Nov 1980 (36 weeks), US num 1 for 8 weeks - Dec 1980, Canada 1 for 10 weeks - 1981, Austria 1 - Feb 1981 (8 months), Norway 1 - Dec 1980 (33 weeks), Sweden 1 - Nov 1980 (27 weeks), Australia num 1 for 10 weeks - Dec 1980, Grammy in 1981, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1984), US 2 of 1981, UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), US CashBox 5 of 1981, US BB 9 of 1981, Italy 9 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 16 of 1980 (peak 2, 63 weeks), Holland free40 56 of 1980, RYM 164 of 1980, WXPN 873 (1980), Acclaimed 963 (1980) |
| 25 | Madonna | Like A Virgin | 1984 | UK 1 - Nov 1984 (152 weeks), US num 1 for 3 weeks - Feb 1985, Germany 1 for 1 week - Sep 1985, US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 1998), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1985), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Canada Diamond (certified in Jul 1992), US CashBox 2 of 1985, Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1985), US 3 of 1985, Austria 3 - Feb 1985 (10 months), Switzerland 3 - Dec 1984 (25 weeks), Sweden 3 - Nov 1984 (47 weeks), US BB 6 of 1985, Norway 6 - Feb 1985 (22 weeks), Italy 7 of 1985, France (InfoDisc) 8 of 1985 (peak 5, 42 weeks), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), Melody Maker 13 of 1984, Internet 46 - 20 M claimed (1984), Global 47 - 18 M claimed, UK Radio2 47, RYM 144 of 1984, Defin200 164 (1984), Acclaimed 905 (1984) |
| 26 | Prince | Sign 'O' The Times | 1987 | Switzerland 1 - Apr 1987 (21 weeks), France Best 1 of 1987, RYM 1 of 1987, Holland free40 2 of 1987, Melody Maker 2 of 1987, Grammy in 1987 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1987), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Sep 1990), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Austria 3 - May 1987 (6 months), Norway 3 - Apr 1987 (13 weeks), UK 4 - Apr 1987 (32 weeks), Sweden 6 - Apr 1987 (21 weeks), Italy 9 of 1987, Virgin 19, US CashBox 23 of 1987, France (InfoDisc) 24 of 1987 (peak 4, 24 weeks), Acclaimed 26 (1987), US BB 33 of 1987, DMDB 41, Channel4 56, Belgium 65 of all time (1987), Guiness 84, Rolling Stone 93, Defin200 155 (1987), WXPN 266 (1987), WTMD 398 |
| 27 | Peter Gabriel | So | 1986 | UK 1 - May 1986 (76 weeks), Norway 1 - May 1986 (18 weeks), Holland free40 1 of 1986, France Best 1 of 1986, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1996), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jul 1989), Austria 2 - Jun 1986 (6 months), Switzerland 2 - Jun 1986 (22 weeks), Sweden 2 - May 1986 (21 weeks), Grammy in 1986 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1990), France (InfoDisc) 8 of 1986 (peak 12, 33 weeks), US CashBox 12 of 1986, US BB 13 of 1986, Italy 13 of 1986, US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), RYM 28 of 1986, WXPN 52 (1986), Guiness 78, UK Radio2 81, Virgin 82, WTMD 91, Global 96 - 11 M claimed, Rolling Stone 187, Acclaimed 208 (1986) |
| 28 | Barbra Streisand | Guilty | 1980 | UK 1 - Oct 1980 (82 weeks), US num 1 for 3 weeks - Oct 1980, Canada 1 for 3 weeks - 1980, Austria 1 - Dec 1980 (7 months), Norway 1 - Oct 1980 (31 weeks), Sweden 1 - Oct 1980 (31 weeks), Australia num 1 for 6 weeks - Nov 1980, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1989), Grammy in 1980 (Nominated), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1984), Italy 3 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 8 of 1980 (peak 1, 69 weeks), US BB 10 of 1980, US CashBox 15 of 1981, US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Global 117 - 9 M claimed, RYM 145 of 1980, Acclaimed 2774 (1980) |
| 29 | Bruce Springsteen | Tunnel Of Love | 1987 | UK 1 - Oct 1987 (33 weeks), US num 1 for 1 week - Nov 1987, Canada 1 for 1 week - 1987, Norway 1 - Oct 1987 (22 weeks), Sweden 1 - Oct 1987 (20 weeks), US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1988), Switzerland 2 - Oct 1987 (30 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1987), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1987), Austria 6 - Nov 1987 (3 months), Holland free40 7 of 1987, France Best 12 of 1987, US BB 15 of 1987, Italy 18 of 1987, US CashBox 26 of 1987, France (InfoDisc) 35 of 1987 (peak 5, 18 weeks), RYM 77 of 1987, WXPN 225 (1987), Rolling Stone 475, WTMD 479, Acclaimed 618 (1987) |
| 30 | Fine Young Cannibals | The Raw & The Cooked | 1989 | UK 1 - Feb 1989 (66 weeks), US num 1 for 7 weeks - Jun 1989, Canada 1 for 16 weeks - 1989, Austria 1 - Mar 1989 (6 months), Australia num 1 for 1 week - Jul 1989, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1989), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1989), US CashBox 2 of 1989, Switzerland 2 - Feb 1989 (23 weeks), Grammy in 1989 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1991), Sweden 5 - Feb 1989 (18 weeks), US BB 7 of 1989, Norway 19 - Mar 1989 (1 week), France (InfoDisc) 22 of 1989 (peak 11, 40 weeks), Italy 45 of 1989, WTMD 746, Acclaimed 1608 (1989) |
| 31 | Paul McCartney | Tug Of War | 1982 | UK 1 - May 1982 (26 weeks), US num 1 for 3 weeks - May 1982, Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1982, Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Jul 1982, Norway 1 - May 1982 (25 weeks), Sweden 1 - May 1982 (23 weeks), Japan 1 for 1 week - Apr 1982, Austria 2 - May 1982 (7 months), Grammy in 1982 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1982), UK Gold (certified by BPI in May 1982), France (InfoDisc) 12 of 1982 (peak 2, 68 weeks), Italy 13 of 1982, US CashBox 14 of 1982, US BB 19 of 1982, Holland free40 48 of 1982, RYM 95 of 1982 |
| 32 | Bryan Adams | Reckless | 1985 | US num 1 for 2 weeks - Aug 1985, US BB 1 of 1985, Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1985, Juno Award in 1985, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1992), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1992), Canada Diamond (certified in Dec 1985), US 2 of 1985, Norway 2 - Jul 1985 (32 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1986), Sweden 5 - Nov 1984 (45 weeks), US CashBox 6 of 1985, UK 7 - Mar 1985 (115 weeks), Switzerland 10 - Dec 1984 (15 weeks), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Holland free40 64 of 1984, RYM 77 of 1984, Global 82 - 12 M claimed, Acclaimed 2116 (1984) |
| 33 | Bruce Springsteen | The River | 1980 | US num 1 for 4 weeks - Nov 1980, Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1980, Norway 1 - Oct 1980 (68 weeks), US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 2003), UK 2 - Oct 1980 (87 weeks), Sweden 2 - Oct 1980 (63 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), France (InfoDisc) 4 of 1980 (peak 3, 88 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1989), US BB 14 of 1980, Holland free40 16 of 1980, US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), US CashBox 30 of 1980, RYM 38 of 1980, RS100 63, Global 131 - 8 M claimed, WXPN 155 (1980), WTMD 163, Acclaimed 242 (1980), Rolling Stone 250, Radio Caroline 287 (1980) |
| 34 | Tears For Fears | Songs From The Big Chair | 1985 | US num 1 for 5 weeks - Jul 1985, Canada 1 for 13 weeks - 1985, Germany 1 for 1 week - Apr 1985, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 1995), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1986), UK 2 - Mar 1985 (81 weeks), US CashBox 4 of 1985, US BB 4 of 1985, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1991), Switzerland 5 - Mar 1985 (16 weeks), Holland free40 10 of 1985, France Best 11 of 1985, France (InfoDisc) 14 of 1985 (peak 12, 31 weeks), Norway 17 - Apr 1985 (3 weeks), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Austria 22 - Apr 1985 (1 month), Sweden 25 - Mar 1985 (6 weeks), Italy 29 of 1985, RYM 39 of 1985, WXPN 838 (1985), WTMD 867, Acclaimed 1662 (1985) |
| 35 | Original Soundtrack | Flashdance | 1983 | US num 1 for 2 weeks - Jun 1983, Germany 1 for 8 weeks - Oct 1983, Austria 1 - Oct 1983 (6 months), Switzerland 1 - Nov 1983 (18 weeks), Norway 1 - Jul 1983 (18 weeks), Sweden 1 - Jun 1983 (32 weeks), Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Aug 1983, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1996), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1983), US CashBox 4 of 1983, Italy 4 of 1983, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1983), US BB 8 of 1983, UK 9 - Jul 1983 (32 weeks), US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), France (InfoDisc) 15 of 1983 (peak 1, 57 weeks) |
| 36 | Prince | Batman | 1989 | UK 1 - Jul 1989 (20 weeks), US num 1 for 6 weeks - Jul 1989, Canada 1 for 1 week - 1989, Europe num 1 for 7 weeks - Jul 1989, Switzerland 1 - Jul 1989 (19 weeks), US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1989), Norway 2 - Jul 1989 (12 weeks), Sweden 2 - Jun 1989 (16 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1989), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1990), Austria 7 - Aug 1989 (5 months), Italy 12 of 1989, US CashBox 14 of 1989, Holland free40 19 of 1989, US BB 20 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 20 of 1989 (peak 1, 36 weeks), Global 153 - 7 M claimed |
| 37 | The Rolling Stones | Tattoo You | 1981 | US num 1 for 9 weeks - Sep 1981, Canada 1 for 7 weeks - 1981, Australia num 1 for 11 weeks - Sep 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 2000), UK 2 - Sep 1981 (29 weeks), Austria 2 - Oct 1981 (3 months), Norway 3 - Sep 1981 (20 weeks), Sweden 3 - Sep 1981 (26 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), US BB 7 of 1981, US CashBox 10 of 1981, Italy 27 of 1981, Holland free40 27 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 40 of 1981 (peak 1, 35 weeks), Fox101 79, German RS100 82, RYM 122 of 1981, Rolling Stone 211, Radio Caroline 221 (1981), WTMD 478, WXPN 741 (1981), Acclaimed 1016 (1981) |
| 38 | U2 | The Unforgettable Fire | 1984 | UK 1 - Oct 1984 (130 weeks), Australia num 1 for 1 week - Oct 1984, France Best 1 of 1984, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1995), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1987), Holland free40 3 of 1984, France Gold (certified by SNEP Oct 1985), Norway 6 - Oct 1984 (4 weeks), Sweden 6 - Oct 1984 (18 weeks), Melody Maker 8 of 1984, Virgin 15, Guiness 18, Switzerland 24 - Nov 1984 (3 weeks), Italy 37 of 1985, US BB 39 of 1984, US CashBox 46 of 1984, RYM 47 of 1984, UK Radio2 48, RS Reader's 53, WXPN 93 (1984), WTMD 113, Acclaimed 425 (1984) |
| 39 | Sting | ...Nothing Like The Sun | 1987 | UK 1 - Oct 1987 (47 weeks), Japan 1 for 1 week - Oct 1987, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1991), Norway 2 - Oct 1987 (14 weeks), Grammy in 1988 (Nominated), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Jan 1988), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1988), Austria 3 - Dec 1987 (13 months), Switzerland 3 - Oct 1987 (46 weeks), Italy 3 of 1988, France (InfoDisc) 4 of 1987 (peak 3, 70 weeks), Sweden 7 - Oct 1987 (10 weeks), Holland free40 9 of 1987, France Best 16 of 1987, US BB 18 of 1987, US CashBox 20 of 1988, RYM 67 of 1987, Global 164 - 6 M claimed, WXPN 432 (1987), WTMD 592, Acclaimed 1889 (1987) |
| 40 | Prince | Lovesexy | 1988 | UK 1 - May 1988 (32 weeks), Europe num 1 for 1 week - May 1988, Switzerland 1 - May 1988 (12 weeks), Sweden 1 - May 1988 (19 weeks), Norway 2 - May 1988 (18 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1989), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Austria 3 - Jun 1988 (8 months), France Best 3 of 1988, US Gold (certified by RIAA in Dec 1988), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1989), Holland free40 5 of 1988, Italy 9 of 1988, Melody Maker 12 of 1988, France (InfoDisc) 32 of 1988 (peak 9, 20 weeks), US CashBox 35 of 1988, US BB 43 of 1988, RYM 100 of 1988, Acclaimed 2019 (1988) |
| 41 | Culture Club | Colour By Numbers | 1983 | UK 1 - Oct 1983 (56 weeks), Canada 1 for 12 weeks - 1984, Australia num 1 for 7 weeks - Oct 1983, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1986), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1985), Canada Diamond (certified in May 1984), Norway 2 - Oct 1983 (20 weeks), Sweden 3 - Nov 1983 (20 weeks), Switzerland 4 - Nov 1983 (15 weeks), US 5 of 1984, US BB 6 of 1984, US CashBox 8 of 1984, France (InfoDisc) 12 of 1983 (peak 4, 66 weeks), Melody Maker 14 of 1983, Austria 17 - Dec 1983 (3 months), Italy 31 of 1983, Holland free40 45 of 1983, RYM 168 of 1983, Acclaimed 1227 (1983) |
| 42 | Tina Turner | Private Dancer | 1984 | Canada 1 for 2 weeks - 1984, Austria 1 - Dec 1984 (15 months), US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1987), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1986), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1991), UK 2 - Jun 1984 (147 weeks), Grammy in 1984 (Nominated), Switzerland 3 - Jun 1984 (88 weeks), US BB 4 of 1984, US 5 of 1985, Norway 5 - Oct 1984 (10 weeks), Sweden 7 - Jun 1984 (32 weeks), US CashBox 9 of 1985, US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Guiness 25, Holland free40 67 of 1984, Global 68 - 14 M claimed, France (InfoDisc) 71 of 1984 (peak 14, 6 weeks), RYM 95 of 1984, Acclaimed 647 (1984) |
| 43 | Bon Jovi | New Jersey | 1988 | UK 1 - Oct 1988 (47 weeks), US num 1 for 4 weeks - Oct 1988, Switzerland 1 - Oct 1988 (25 weeks), Sweden 1 - Oct 1988 (18 weeks), Australia num 1 for 1 week - Oct 1988, US 7 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1996), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1993), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1994), US 4 of 1989, Norway 4 - Sep 1988 (19 weeks), US BB 5 of 1988, US sales 7 M (according to RIAA), Austria 14 - Nov 1988 (2 months), US CashBox 25 of 1988, Italy 47 of 1988, Global 75 - 13 M claimed, RYM 95 of 1988 |
| 44 | Terence Trent D'Arby | Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby | 1987 | UK 1 - Jul 1987 (67 weeks), Europe num 1 for 8 weeks - Jan 1988, Switzerland 1 - Aug 1987 (52 weeks), Australia num 1 for 5 weeks - May 1988, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1988), UK 5 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Sep 1988), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1988), Austria 4 - Sep 1987 (12 months), Norway 4 - Aug 1987 (10 weeks), Sweden 5 - Jul 1987 (31 weeks), Italy 5 of 1988, US CashBox 8 of 1988, France (InfoDisc) 10 of 1987 (peak 8, 54 weeks), Holland free40 12 of 1988, US BB 15 of 1988, France Best 17 of 1987, RYM 126 of 1987, Acclaimed 1213 (1987) |
| 45 | The Police | Ghost In The Machine | 1981 | UK 1 - Oct 1981 (27 weeks), Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1981, Australia num 1 for 1 week - Dec 1981, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 2001), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), Norway 5 - Oct 1981 (13 weeks), Melody Maker 5 of 1981, Sweden 6 - Oct 1981 (17 weeks), Holland free40 7 of 1981, US BB 8 of 1981, Austria 11 - Dec 1981 (1 month), US CashBox 12 of 1982, Italy 12 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 46 of 1981 (peak 1, 32 weeks), RYM 113 of 1981, Global 131 - 8 M claimed, WXPN 253 (1981), Rolling Stone 322, WTMD 637, Acclaimed 1255 (1981) |
| 46 | Men At Work | Business As Usual | 1983 | UK 1 - Jan 1983 (44 weeks), US num 1 for 15 weeks - Nov 1982, Canada 1 for 3 weeks - 1982, Norway 1 - Feb 1983 (23 weeks), Australia num 1 for 9 weeks - Dec 1981, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1994), US 2 of 1983, UK Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1983), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1983), US CashBox 5 of 1983, US BB 5 of 1983, US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), Sweden 15 - Feb 1983 (18 weeks), Italy 35 of 1983, Holland free40 44 of 1982, France (InfoDisc) 75 of 1983 (peak 16, 31 weeks), RYM 195 of 1981 |
| 47 | Wham! | Make It Big | 1984 | UK 1 - Nov 1984 (72 weeks), US num 1 for 3 weeks - Mar 1985, Switzerland 1 - Nov 1984 (23 weeks), Norway 1 - Nov 1984 (19 weeks), Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Feb 1985, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1994), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1987), Sweden 3 - Nov 1984 (21 weeks), US 4 of 1985, Austria 4 - Dec 1984 (5 months), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1985), US CashBox 5 of 1985, US BB 8 of 1985, Italy 9 of 1985, US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), France (InfoDisc) 19 of 1984 (peak 5, 36 weeks) |
| 48 | Tina Turner | Foreign Affair | 1989 | UK 1 - Sep 1989 (78 weeks), Germany 1 for 4 weeks - Oct 1989, Europe num 1 for 4 weeks - Oct 1989, Austria 1 - Oct 1989 (14 months), Switzerland 1 - Oct 1989 (51 weeks), Norway 1 - May 1988 (22 weeks), Sweden 1 - Oct 1989 (27 weeks), UK 5 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1991), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1990), Italy 3 of 1989, US Gold (certified by RIAA in Nov 1989), France (InfoDisc) 17 of 1989 (peak 11, 42 weeks), Finland 85 of all time (claimed 86,556) (1989), Global 153 - 7 M claimed |
| 49 | Phil Collins | Face Value | 1981 | UK 1 - Feb 1981 (274 weeks), Canada 1 for 3 weeks - 1981, Sweden 1 - Mar 1981 (30 weeks), US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1999), UK 5 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1995), Germany 3 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1993), Canada Diamond (certified in Nov 1996), Austria 3 - Apr 1981 (4 months), Norway 5 - Mar 1981 (31 weeks), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Italy 21 of 1981, US BB 25 of 1981, US CashBox 33 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 33 of 1981 (peak 1, 33 weeks), Holland free40 37 of 1981, Global 51 - 17 M claimed, Guiness 71, RYM 149 of 1981, Acclaimed 1676 (1981) |
| 50 | Original Soundtrack | Top Gun | 1986 | US num 1 for 5 weeks - Jul 1986, Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Sep 1986, Switzerland 1 - Aug 1986 (24 weeks), US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 2000), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1989), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP May 2001), Austria 2 - Oct 1986 (7 months), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), US CashBox 3 of 1986, Sweden 3 - Aug 1986 (22 weeks), UK 4 - Oct 1986 (46 weeks), US BB 7 of 1986, Norway 7 - Sep 1986 (11 weeks), US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), Italy 22 of 1986, France (InfoDisc) 28 of 1986 (peak 5, 13 weeks), Defin200 117 (1986) |
| 51 | Sade | Diamond Life | 1984 | Germany 1 for 10 weeks - Nov 1984, Austria 1 - Oct 1984 (10 months), Switzerland 1 - Aug 1984 (35 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1984 (peak 1, 62 weeks), US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1995), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1987), UK 2 - Jul 1984 (99 weeks), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1984), Italy 7 of 1984, Melody Maker 10 of 1984, US CashBox 16 of 1985, Sweden 18 - Sep 1984 (27 weeks), Norway 20 - Feb 1985 (1 week), US BB 22 of 1985, RYM 54 of 1984, Radio Caroline 148 (1984), Defin200 180 (1984), Acclaimed 1489 (1984) |
| 52 | Original Soundtrack | Footloose | 1984 | US num 1 for 10 weeks - Apr 1984, Canada 1 for 9 weeks - 1984, Switzerland 1 - Jun 1984 (18 weeks), Japan 1 for 1 week - Aug 1984, US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Mar 2001), Austria 2 - Jun 1984 (4 months), Norway 2 - Jun 1984 (16 weeks), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), UK Gold (certified by BPI in May 1984), US CashBox 5 of 1984, UK 7 - Apr 1984 (25 weeks), US BB 9 of 1984, Sweden 10 - Apr 1984 (12 weeks), US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), France (InfoDisc) 35 of 1984 (peak 20, 30 weeks), Italy 45 of 1984, Defin200 134 (1984) |
| 53 | Sting | The Dream Of The Blue Turtles | 1985 | Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Apr 1986, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 1994), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1992), Italy 2 of 1985, Grammy in 1985 (Nominated), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), UK 3 - Jun 1985 (64 weeks), France Best 3 of 1985, Norway 4 - Jul 1985 (21 weeks), Sweden 5 - Jul 1985 (28 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 5 of 1985 (peak 4, 48 weeks), Switzerland 6 - Jul 1985 (22 weeks), Holland free40 8 of 1985, US BB 11 of 1985, US CashBox 12 of 1985, Austria 13 - Aug 1985 (4 months), RYM 63 of 1985, WXPN 502 (1985), WTMD 697, Acclaimed 1046 (1985) |
| 54 | The Cure | Disintegration | 1989 | Melody Maker 1 of 1989, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 2004), RYM 2 of 1989, UK 3 - May 1989 (26 weeks), Switzerland 4 - May 1989 (15 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in May 1989), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1989), Austria 5 - Jun 1989 (6 months), France Best 5 of 1989, Norway 7 - May 1989 (7 weeks), Sweden 10 - May 1989 (6 weeks), Holland free40 10 of 1989, Italy 20 of 1989, US CashBox 27 of 1989, Belgium 31 of all time (1989), France (InfoDisc) 35 of 1989 (peak 3, 28 weeks), US BB 39 of 1989, WTMD 93, Virgin 94, WXPN 96 (1989), Acclaimed 319 (1989), Rolling Stone 326 |
| 55 | Rick Astley | Whenever You Need Somebody | 1988 | UK 1 - Nov 1987 (34 weeks), Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Feb 1988, Europe num 1 for 3 weeks - Jan 1988, Australia num 1 for 1 week - Apr 1988, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Mar 1991), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1988), Switzerland 2 - Nov 1987 (14 weeks), Sweden 2 - Nov 1987 (20 weeks), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1988), Austria 3 - Jan 1988 (6 months), Norway 4 - Dec 1987 (11 weeks), Italy 10 of 1988, France (InfoDisc) 21 of 1988 (peak 5, 30 weeks), US CashBox 30 of 1988, US BB 38 of 1988 |
| 56 | Foreigner | Agent Provocateur | 1985 | UK 1 - Dec 1984 (32 weeks), Canada 1 for 1 week - 1985, Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Feb 1985, Switzerland 1 - Dec 1984 (25 weeks), Norway 1 - Dec 1984 (21 weeks), Sweden 1 - Jan 1985 (16 weeks), US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 2000), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1985), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1995), Austria 12 - Mar 1985 (2 months), US CashBox 14 of 1985, US BB 18 of 1985, Holland free40 29 of 1985, France (InfoDisc) 37 of 1985 (peak 15, 13 weeks) |
| 57 | David Bowie | Let's Dance | 1983 | UK 1 - Apr 1983 (56 weeks), Norway 1 - Apr 1983 (24 weeks), Sweden 1 - May 1983 (22 weeks), Australia num 1 for 1 week - Apr 1983, Austria 2 - May 1983 (7 months), Grammy in 1983 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1983), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1983), France (InfoDisc) 8 of 1983 (peak 1, 70 weeks), US CashBox 9 of 1983, US BB 12 of 1983, Switzerland 17 - Nov 1983 (4 weeks), Italy 36 of 1983, Holland free40 46 of 1983, UK Radio2 56, RYM 158 of 1983, Acclaimed 1029 (1983) |
| 58 | Asia | Asia | 1982 | US CashBox 1 of 1982, US 1 of 1982, US num 1 for 9 weeks - May 1982, US BB 1 of 1982, Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1982, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1995), Norway 4 - Apr 1982 (15 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Oct 1982), UK 11 - Apr 1982 (38 weeks), Austria 13 - Jul 1982 (1 month), Sweden 27 - May 1982 (8 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 49 of 1982 (peak 9, 30 weeks), Holland free40 69 of 1982, Italy 75 of 1982, RYM 120 of 1982, Radio Caroline 240 (1982) |
| 59 | The Rolling Stones | Steel Wheels | 1989 | Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1989, Europe num 1 for 1 week - Sep 1989, Austria 1 - Oct 1989 (2 months), Norway 1 - Sep 1989 (7 weeks), US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1990), UK 2 - Sep 1989 (18 weeks), Switzerland 2 - Sep 1989 (12 weeks), Sweden 2 - Sep 1989 (10 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Nov 1989), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1989), Holland free40 11 of 1989, US BB 16 of 1989, US CashBox 19 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 36 of 1989 (peak 6, 28 weeks), Italy 40 of 1989 |
| 60 | Roy Orbison | Mystery Girl | 1989 | Canada 1 for 3 weeks - 1989, Norway 1 - Feb 1989 (15 weeks), Sweden 1 - Feb 1989 (20 weeks), Australia num 1 for 4 weeks - Feb 1989, UK 2 - Feb 1989 (23 weeks), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Mar 1989), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1990), Switzerland 3 - Feb 1989 (14 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1989), France Best 6 of 1989, Austria 7 - Mar 1989 (5 months), US CashBox 17 of 1989, US BB 25 of 1989, RYM 104 of 1989, Radio Caroline 241 (1989), Acclaimed 1665 (1989) |
| 61 | Roxy Music | Avalon | 1982 | UK 1 - Jun 1982 (57 weeks), Norway 1 - Jun 1982 (27 weeks), Sweden 1 - Jun 1982 (36 weeks), Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Jul 1982, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1992), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1982), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1984), Austria 5 - Jul 1982 (4 months), France (InfoDisc) 5 of 1982 (peak 4, 75 weeks), Melody Maker 7 of 1982, Holland free40 9 of 1982, RYM 38 of 1982, Italy 49 of 1982, WXPN 108 (1982), WTMD 214, Rolling Stone 307, Acclaimed 377 (1982) |
| 62 | Tracy Chapman | Crossroads | 1989 | UK 1 - Oct 1989 (16 weeks), Germany 1 for 4 weeks - Nov 1989, Europe num 1 for 5 weeks - Nov 1989, Switzerland 2 - Oct 1989 (28 weeks), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1989), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1989), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1990), Austria 3 - Nov 1989 (6 months), Norway 3 - Oct 1989 (7 weeks), Sweden 8 - Oct 1989 (12 weeks), Italy 14 of 1989, US BB 40 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 41 of 1989 (peak 2, 24 weeks), US CashBox 47 of 1989, RYM 157 of 1989 |
| 63 | The Police | Zenyatta Mondatta | 1980 | UK 1 - Oct 1980 (31 weeks), Canada 1 for 1 week - 1980, Australia num 1 for 1 week - Mar 1981, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 2001), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1980), Italy 4 of 1980, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1980), Sweden 8 - Oct 1980 (23 weeks), US BB 10 of 1981, Austria 14 - Dec 1980 (4 months), Norway 16 - Oct 1980 (7 weeks), US CashBox 21 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 26 of 1980 (peak 1, 55 weeks), RYM 53 of 1980, Holland free40 55 of 1980, WTMD 249, WXPN 270 (1980), Acclaimed 850 (1980) |
| 64 | Bruce Springsteen | Live 1975-1985 | 1986 | US num 1 for 7 weeks - Nov 1986, Canada 1 for 7 weeks - 1986, US 13 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1999), Sweden 2 - Nov 1986 (14 weeks), US sales 13 M (according to RIAA), Norway 3 - Nov 1986 (11 weeks), UK 4 - Nov 1986 (9 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Nov 1986), France Gold (certified by SNEP May 2001), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1988), Switzerland 6 - Nov 1986 (13 weeks), Austria 8 - Dec 1986 (2 months), France Best 11 of 1986, RYM 16 of 1986, US BB 19 of 1986, Italy 39 of 1986, Acclaimed 1879 (1986) |
| 65 | INXS | Kick | 1988 | Canada 1 for 1 week - 1988, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1997), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1989), Canada Diamond (certified in Nov 1991), US 4 of 1988, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1991), US CashBox 5 of 1988, US BB 7 of 1988, France Best 7 of 1988, UK 9 - Nov 1987 (103 weeks), US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), Austria 15 - Apr 1988 (3 months), Sweden 21 - Feb 1988 (16 weeks), Switzerland 25 - Dec 1987 (3 weeks), Italy 67 of 1988, RYM 78 of 1987, WTMD 636, WXPN 751 (1987), Acclaimed 1387 (1987) |
| 66 | The Beastie Boys | Licensed To Ill | 1986 | US num 1 for 7 weeks - Mar 1987, Melody Maker 1 of 1986, US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 2001), US 3 of 1987, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jun 1987), US CashBox 5 of 1987, Holland free40 6 of 1986, UK 7 - Jan 1987 (40 weeks), US BB 8 of 1987, US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), Sweden 30 - Sep 1987 (2 weeks), NARM 31, Defin200 31 (1986), RYM 46 of 1986, WTMD 95, Virgin 97, Acclaimed 173 (1986), Rolling Stone 217, WXPN 300 (1986) |
| 67 | Sade | Promise | 1985 | UK 1 - Nov 1985 (31 weeks), US num 1 for 2 weeks - Feb 1986, Switzerland 1 - Nov 1985 (22 weeks), US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1997), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jan 1986), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1986), Sweden 4 - Nov 1985 (24 weeks), Austria 6 - Dec 1985 (7 months), Norway 6 - Nov 1985 (16 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 7 of 1985 (peak 3, 44 weeks), US CashBox 8 of 1986, Italy 10 of 1985, US BB 11 of 1986, RYM 94 of 1985 |
| 68 | Simple Minds | Street Fighting Years | 1989 | UK 1 - May 1989 (28 weeks), Germany 1 for 8 weeks - Jun 1989, Europe num 1 for 5 weeks - May 1989, Switzerland 1 - May 1989 (23 weeks), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1989), Holland free40 2 of 1989, France Best 2 of 1989, Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1989), Austria 3 - Jun 1989 (5 months), Norway 4 - May 1989 (10 weeks), Sweden 4 - May 1989 (14 weeks), Italy 10 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 16 of 1989 (peak 1, 44 weeks) |
| 69 | U2 | War | 1983 | UK 1 - Mar 1983 (148 weeks), US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1995), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1992), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Jan 1990), Sweden 2 - Mar 1983 (14 weeks), Holland free40 2 of 1983, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1990), France (InfoDisc) 6 of 1983 (peak 4, 72 weeks), Norway 15 - Apr 1983 (2 weeks), RYM 27 of 1983, US CashBox 32 of 1983, RS Reader's 49, US BB 52 of 1983, UK Radio2 68, WXPN 129 (1983), WTMD 151, Rolling Stone 221, Acclaimed 278 (1983) |
| 70 | Cyndi Lauper | She's So Unusual | 1984 | Canada 1 for 2 weeks - 1985, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1997), Grammy in 1984 (Nominated), Norway 4 - Mar 1984 (13 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jul 1985), France Gold (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1990), US BB 5 of 1984, Austria 5 - Jan 1985 (4 months), US CashBox 7 of 1984, Switzerland 8 - Jun 1984 (30 weeks), US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), UK 16 - Feb 1984 (32 weeks), Sweden 22 - Mar 1984 (12 weeks), RYM 48 of 1983, Italy 77 of 1984, Rolling Stone 494, WTMD 664, Acclaimed 874 (1983) |
| 71 | Van Halen | 1984 (mcmlxxxiv) | 1984 | Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1984, US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1999), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2009), Sweden 4 - Jan 1984 (18 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jul 1987), US BB 7 of 1984, Switzerland 7 - Feb 1984 (20 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 9 of 1984 (peak 5, 43 weeks), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), US CashBox 11 of 1984, Norway 12 - Jan 1984 (5 weeks), UK 15 - Feb 1984 (25 weeks), Austria 15 - Apr 1984 (1 month), Fox101 35, RYM 37 of 1984, Holland free40 47 of 1984, Italy 78 of 1984, Defin200 102 (1984), WXPN 660 (1984), Acclaimed 775 (1984) |
| 72 | Pink Floyd | The Final Cut | 1983 | UK 1 - Apr 1983 (25 weeks), Germany 1 for 3 weeks - Apr 1983, Norway 1 - Apr 1983 (13 weeks), Sweden 1 - Apr 1983 (20 weeks), US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1997), Austria 3 - Apr 1983 (3 months), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Mar 1983), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1990), France (InfoDisc) 7 of 1983 (peak 1, 77 weeks), Holland free40 9 of 1983, Italy 11 of 1983, US CashBox 24 of 1983, US BB 32 of 1983, RYM 111 of 1983, WXPN 614 (1983) |
| 73 | Billy Joel | Glass Houses | 1980 | US num 1 for 6 weeks - Jun 1980, Canada 1 for 8 weeks - 1980, US 7 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1994), Norway 2 - Mar 1980 (31 weeks), Grammy in 1980 (Nominated), US CashBox 3 of 1980, US BB 3 of 1980, US 4 of 1980, Austria 4 - Apr 1980 (6 months), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jun 1980), Sweden 6 - Mar 1980 (18 weeks), UK 9 - Mar 1980 (24 weeks), US sales 7 M (according to RIAA), Holland free40 22 of 1980, France (InfoDisc) 91 of 1980 (peak 21, 24 weeks), RYM 105 of 1980 |
| 74 | ZZ Top | Eliminator | 1983 | US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1996), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 2004), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Canada Diamond (certified in Jun 1992), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1993), UK 3 - Apr 1983 (137 weeks), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), Switzerland 11 - Nov 1983 (20 weeks), Holland free40 12 of 1983, Norway 13 - Apr 1983 (7 weeks), Sweden 13 - Apr 1983 (26 weeks), US CashBox 17 of 1984, US BB 17 of 1983, France (InfoDisc) 25 of 1983 (peak 4, 57 weeks), Fox101 33, RYM 71 of 1983, Defin200 142 (1983), Rolling Stone 396, Acclaimed 735 (1983) |
| 75 | Tanita Tikaram | Ancient Heart | 1989 | Germany 1 for 12 weeks - Feb 1989, Europe num 1 for 2 weeks - Feb 1989, Austria 1 - Jan 1989 (7 months), Switzerland 1 - Nov 1988 (28 weeks), Norway 1 - Oct 1988 (27 weeks), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jul 1989), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2005), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Jul 2001), UK 3 - Sep 1988 (49 weeks), Sweden 8 - Oct 1988 (26 weeks), Italy 9 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 42 of 1989 (peak 7, 26 weeks) |
| 76 | Genesis | Genesis | 1983 | UK 1 - Oct 1983 (51 weeks), Germany 1 for 1 week - Dec 1983, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1996), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1987), Switzerland 2 - Nov 1983 (31 weeks), Norway 2 - Oct 1983 (22 weeks), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), Austria 7 - Jan 1984 (4 months), France (InfoDisc) 10 of 1983 (peak 2, 64 weeks), Sweden 12 - Oct 1983 (12 weeks), US CashBox 23 of 1984, US BB 26 of 1983, Italy 32 of 1983, Holland free40 47 of 1983, Global 82 - 12 M claimed, RYM 144 of 1983 |
| 77 | Simply Red | A New Flame | 1989 | UK 1 - Feb 1989 (90 weeks), Europe num 1 for 4 weeks - Mar 1989, Switzerland 1 - Feb 1989 (33 weeks), UK 7 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1995), Austria 2 - Mar 1989 (12 months), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1989), Norway 4 - Mar 1989 (27 weeks), Sweden 4 - Feb 1989 (30 weeks), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jun 1989), Italy 5 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 8 of 1989 (peak 2, 58 weeks), Holland free40 21 of 1989, Global 153 - 7 M claimed |
| 78 | The Eurythmics | Be Yourself Tonight | 1985 | Australia num 1 for 4 weeks - Jul 1985, UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1986), Norway 2 - May 1985 (27 weeks), Sweden 2 - May 1985 (36 weeks), France Best 2 of 1985, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1985), UK 3 - May 1985 (80 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1986), Switzerland 9 - May 1985 (20 weeks), Austria 25 - Oct 1985 (1 month), US BB 26 of 1985, Holland free40 28 of 1985, US CashBox 33 of 1985, France (InfoDisc) 51 of 1985 (peak 20, 5 weeks), Italy 88 of 1985, RYM 117 of 1985, Acclaimed 1435 (1985) |
| 79 | The Rolling Stones | Emotional Rescue | 1980 | UK 1 - Jul 1980 (18 weeks), US num 1 for 7 weeks - Jul 1980, Canada 1 for 15 weeks - 1980, Sweden 1 - Jul 1980 (16 weeks), US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 2000), Austria 2 - Jul 1980 (6 months), Norway 4 - Jul 1980 (16 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jul 1980), US BB 13 of 1980, US CashBox 14 of 1980, Italy 22 of 1980, France (InfoDisc) 27 of 1980 (peak 1, 58 weeks), Holland free40 40 of 1980, Radio Caroline 43 (1980) |
| 80 | Dire Straits | Love Over Gold | 1982 | UK 1 - Oct 1982 (200 weeks), Norway 1 - Sep 1982 (21 weeks), Australia num 1 for 15 weeks - Oct 1982, UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1985), Sweden 2 - Oct 1982 (21 weeks), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), Austria 3 - Nov 1982 (7 months), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Apr 1986), Italy 6 of 1982, France (InfoDisc) 13 of 1982 (peak 2, 65 weeks), RYM 43 of 1982, Holland free40 74 of 1982, UK Radio2 96, WTMD 680, WXPN 776 (1982) |
| 81 | Queen | The Game | 1980 | UK 1 - Jul 1980 (18 weeks), US num 1 for 5 weeks - Sep 1980, Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1980, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 2002), Norway 2 - Jul 1980 (17 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jul 1980), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1982), US CashBox 5 of 1980, Austria 5 - Aug 1980 (8 months), US BB 6 of 1980, Sweden 7 - Jul 1980 (12 weeks), Italy 40 of 1980, Holland free40 68 of 1980, Fox101 86, RYM 95 of 1980 |
| 82 | Genesis | Invisible Touch | 1986 | UK 1 - Jun 1986 (96 weeks), Canada 1 for 1 week - 1986, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1996), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1989), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1987), Norway 3 - Jun 1986 (14 weeks), US BB 4 of 1986, Switzerland 4 - Jun 1986 (27 weeks), Sweden 4 - Jun 1986 (15 weeks), Austria 5 - Aug 1986 (8 months), France (InfoDisc) 7 of 1986 (peak 8, 35 weeks), US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), US CashBox 11 of 1986, Italy 24 of 1986, Global 65 - 15 M claimed |
| 83 | Paul Young | No Parlez | 1983 | UK 1 - Jul 1983 (119 weeks), Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Dec 1983, Switzerland 1 - Nov 1983 (25 weeks), Sweden 1 - Sep 1983 (32 weeks), UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1985), France 2 X Gold (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1984), Norway 3 - Oct 1983 (15 weeks), Austria 4 - Feb 1984 (3 months), Italy 6 of 1984, Melody Maker 14 of 1983, Holland free40 37 of 1983, Acclaimed 2475 (1983) |
| 84 | Prince | Parade | 1986 | Switzerland 2 - Apr 1986 (15 weeks), Melody Maker 2 of 1986, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1986), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1992), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Oct 2001), UK 4 - Apr 1986 (26 weeks), France Best 4 of 1986, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1993), Sweden 5 - Apr 1986 (12 weeks), Holland free40 7 of 1986, Austria 8 - Apr 1986 (4 months), Norway 10 - Apr 1986 (8 weeks), US CashBox 21 of 1986, US BB 25 of 1986, RYM 29 of 1986, France (InfoDisc) 44 of 1986 (peak 14, 8 weeks), Italy 47 of 1986, Acclaimed 701 (1986) |
| 85 | Paula Abdul | Forever Your Girl | 1989 | US CashBox 1 of 1989, US num 1 for 10 weeks - Oct 1989, US BB 1 of 1989, Australia num 1 for 1 week - May 1990, US 7 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1990), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1990), UK 3 - Apr 1989 (39 weeks), US 3 of 1989, Sweden 6 - Mar 1989 (20 weeks), US sales 7 M (according to RIAA), Switzerland 15 - Apr 1989 (12 weeks), Norway 17 - Apr 1989 (3 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 43 of 1989 (peak 12, 26 weeks) |
| 86 | The Smiths | The Queen Is Dead | 1986 | RYM 1 of 1986, UK 2 - Jun 1986 (26 weeks), Holland free40 2 of 1986, US Gold (certified by RIAA in Sep 1990), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Nov 2004), Melody Maker 6 of 1986, Virgin 10, Channel4 20, German RS100 22, Belgium 25 of all time (1986), Acclaimed 30 (1986), Sweden 39 - Jun 1986 (2 weeks), DMDB 49, Guiness 62, WTMD 63, RS Reader's 86, Italy 87 of 1986, WXPN 92 (1986), Rolling Stone 216 |
| 87 | Janet Jackson | Rhythm Nation 1814 | 1989 | US 1 of 1990, US num 1 for 4 weeks - Oct 1989, Australia num 1 for 4 weeks - Feb 1991, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1992), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1990), US CashBox 3 of 1990, UK 4 - Sep 1989 (43 weeks), US BB 5 of 1989, US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), Switzerland 23 - Oct 1989 (1 week), Sweden 24 - Oct 1989 (12 weeks), RYM 110 of 1989, Global 117 - 9 M claimed, Rolling Stone 275, Acclaimed 2152 (1989) |
| 88 | Aerosmith | Pump | 1989 | Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Feb 1990, US 7 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1995), UK 3 - Sep 1989 (26 weeks), US 4 of 1990, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Oct 1989), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1994), US CashBox 8 of 1990, US BB 8 of 1989, Sweden 8 - Sep 1989 (25 weeks), Switzerland 9 - Oct 1989 (7 weeks), Norway 9 - Sep 1989 (8 weeks), US sales 7 M (according to RIAA), Melody Maker 30 of 1989, Global 68 - 14 M claimed, Italy 81 of 1989, RYM 90 of 1989, Radio Caroline 211 (1989), Acclaimed 896 (1989) |
| 89 | Fleetwood Mac | Tango In The Night | 1987 | UK 1 - Apr 1987 (114 weeks), Sweden 1 - Apr 1987 (43 weeks), US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 2000), UK 8 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 2004), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1995), US CashBox 7 of 1987, Switzerland 7 - May 1987 (22 weeks), Norway 10 - May 1987 (9 weeks), US BB 16 of 1987, Holland free40 18 of 1987, UK 44 of all time (2.3 M claimed) (1987), Italy 53 of 1988, France (InfoDisc) 67 of 1987 (peak 25, 6 weeks), Radio Caroline 81 (1987), Global 103 - 10 M claimed, RYM 109 of 1987 |
| 90 | Toto | Toto IV | 1982 | Australia num 1 for 1 week - Apr 1983, Grammy in 1982, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1991), France Platinum (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1991), UK 4 - Feb 1983 (30 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Apr 1983), US BB 6 of 1982, Italy 15 of 1982, Sweden 17 - Apr 1982 (34 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 21 of 1982 (peak 16, 56 weeks), US CashBox 25 of 1983, Holland free40 53 of 1982, Radio Caroline 87 (1982), RYM 147 of 1982, Acclaimed 1514 (1982) |
| 91 | Sade | Stronger Than Pride | 1988 | Europe num 1 for 7 weeks - May 1988, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1994), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), Switzerland 2 - May 1988 (14 weeks), Sweden 2 - May 1988 (19 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Jul 1988), UK 3 - May 1988 (17 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1988), Austria 6 - Jun 1988 (4 months), Norway 7 - May 1988 (10 weeks), Italy 12 of 1988, France (InfoDisc) 14 of 1988 (peak 4, 38 weeks), US CashBox 15 of 1988, US BB 28 of 1988, RYM 125 of 1988 |
| 92 | Van Halen | 5150 | 1986 | US num 1 for 3 weeks - Apr 1986, Canada 1 for 1 week - 1986, US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 2004), Sweden 2 - Apr 1986 (17 weeks), US CashBox 4 of 1986, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1993), Norway 5 - Apr 1986 (10 weeks), US BB 9 of 1986, US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), Austria 13 - May 1986 (1 month), UK 16 - Apr 1986 (18 weeks), Switzerland 16 - Apr 1986 (8 weeks), Fox101 72, RYM 105 of 1986, Acclaimed 2435 (1986), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jun 1986) |
| 93 | Bob Marley | Legend, The Best Of Bob Marley | 1984 | UK 1 - May 1984 (367 weeks), US 10 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1999), UK 6 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1994), France Diamond (certified by SNEP Nov 1995), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1992), Austria 7 - Jun 1984 (6 months), US sales 10 M (according to RIAA), Sweden 21 - Jun 1984 (22 weeks), Switzerland 23 - Jun 1984 (7 weeks), Guiness 29, UK 33 of all time (2.5 M claimed) (1984), Italy 38 of 1984, WTMD 42, Rolling Stone 46, Virgin 60, Internet 83 - 15 M claimed (1984), RS Reader's 92 |
| 94 | Abba | Super Trouper | 1980 | UK 1 - Nov 1980 (43 weeks), Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Dec 1980, Norway 1 - Nov 1980 (28 weeks), Sweden 1 - Nov 1980 (21 weeks), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2004), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1980), Austria 3 - Dec 1980 (9 months), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Feb 1981), Italy 37 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 40 of 1980 (peak 4, 53 weeks), RYM 61 of 1980, UK Radio2 73, US CashBox 79 of 1981 |
| 95 | Dire Straits | Money For Nothing | 1988 | UK 1 - Oct 1988 (64 weeks), Europe num 1 for 13 weeks - Nov 1988, Switzerland 1 - Oct 1988 (26 weeks), UK 4 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jan 1989), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1994), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1989), Austria 3 - Dec 1988 (4 months), Norway 3 - Oct 1988 (15 weeks), Italy 4 of 1989, Sweden 8 - Nov 1988 (20 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 22 of 1988 (peak 1, 22 weeks), Global 103 - 10 M claimed, Internet 119 - 13 M claimed (1988) |
| 96 | Tina Turner | Break Every Rule | 1986 | Germany 1 for 10 weeks - Oct 1986, Switzerland 1 - Sep 1986 (40 weeks), Germany 2 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1991), UK 2 - Sep 1986 (49 weeks), Austria 2 - Nov 1986 (13 months), Norway 2 - Sep 1986 (13 weeks), Sweden 2 - Sep 1986 (24 weeks), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1986), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1987), US BB 30 of 1986, Italy 38 of 1986, France (InfoDisc) 41 of 1986 (peak 16, 9 weeks), US CashBox 49 of 1986 |
| 97 | The Human League | Dare! | 1981 | UK 1 - Oct 1981 (72 weeks), Sweden 1 - Nov 1981 (32 weeks), Holland free40 1 of 1981, UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1985), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jul 1982), Norway 6 - Jan 1982 (26 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 6 of 1982 (peak 5, 78 weeks), Melody Maker 9 of 1981, US BB 20 of 1982, US CashBox 28 of 1982, RYM 41 of 1981, Italy 62 of 1982, UK Radio2 77, Channel4 100, Acclaimed 214 (1981) |
| 98 | Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra | Xanadu | 1980 | Germany 1 for 1 week - Sep 1980, Austria 1 - Aug 1980 (6 months), Norway 1 - Jul 1980 (31 weeks), Sweden 1 - Jul 1980 (27 weeks), Australia num 1 for 6 weeks - Aug 1980, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1984), UK 2 - Jul 1980 (17 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1980), US CashBox 20 of 1980, Italy 29 of 1980, France (InfoDisc) 84 of 1980 (peak 18, 27 weeks) |
| 99 | Queen | The Miracle | 1989 | UK 1 - Jun 1989 (32 weeks), Germany 1 for 6 weeks - Jul 1989, Europe num 1 for 6 weeks - Jun 1989, Switzerland 1 - Jun 1989 (22 weeks), Norway 2 - Jun 1989 (17 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1989), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1990), Austria 3 - Jul 1989 (7 months), Sweden 6 - May 1989 (16 weeks), Italy 15 of 1989, Holland free40 20 of 1989, France (InfoDisc) 61 of 1989 (peak 11, 18 weeks) |
| 100 | Janet Jackson | Control | 1986 | US num 1 for 2 weeks - Jul 1986, US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1989), US CashBox 2 of 1986, US BB 2 of 1986, Grammy in 1986 (Nominated), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in May 1987), US 5 of 1987, UK 8 - Apr 1986 (72 weeks), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Holland free40 21 of 1986, Switzerland 28 - Aug 1986 (5 weeks), NARM 87, Defin200 87 (1986), RYM 144 of 1986, Global 153 - 7 M claimed, Acclaimed 629 (1986) |
Previous Comments
5 Sep 2009
Artist of 1980.
Michael Jackson should be the most successful artist of the 1980s having produced the most successful albums of all time. He also holds a record in the Guinness Book of World Records as The Most Successful of All Time.
First of all by any reasonable criteria Michael Jackson certainly didn't produce more than one album in the all time top 10, so the when you say "albums" you should rather use the word "album".
Secondly having the most successful album of an era is just one of the measures that are used here. Michael Jackson had 2 songs in the "1980s 100 songs" list, against Madonna's 5. He had 2 albums in the "1980s 100 albums" list, against Madonna's 3.
Finally even if we agreed that Michael Jackson's position in the "top artists of the 1980s" was too low we couldn't directly do anything about it within the rules of the website. The way that "success" is measured here is clearly defined and strictly follows a mechanical process, no-one gets to "adjust" the values later whatever their opinions. Even if one of the administrators wanted to boost his rating they couldn't, the best they could do would be to change the scoring mechanism. Prince, Madonna and U2 all had more number 1s in more countries than Michael Jackson in the 1980s, that is why they end up higher.
24 Nov 2009
Michael Jackson
Am I seeing something wrong? I count 4 Jackson albums in your top 100. I don't see that many from any other artist, of course I just tabbed thru quickly.
You raise an interesting point. We feel that the "standard" list is too heavily dependant on the input charts that are available. There are about 4 times as many entries for the 1980s as there are for the 1960s, so more recent music is scored too highly.
So when contrasting acts and releases across the years we feel that it is better to compensate for this modern bias. The "real list" of top albums adjusts the scores to give what we feel is a better comparison across the years. In this list Michael Jackson has an entry at number 2, his next album is at number 47.
There are some good reasons for not adopting this approach for the standard lists. The way this adjustment is made works well for acts and releases that are at the top of the list. But it is not clear that it works so well for later, less widely supported, entries. In addition the simplicity of the standard score makes the standard list more transparent. Also it could be argued that the larger number of entries after 1980 reflect the fact that more people are interested in that era, hence music from then should be over emphasised.
In the standard list Michael Jackson does have four albums in the top 100, however The Beatles, Madonna and U2 all have six. If we were to believe that this list was a good measure of success then "REM" (with two entries) would have to rate better than The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Radiohead, Dire Straits and Guns & Roses (who all have just one). We suspect there are few people that would be prepared to argue for that view.
Of course you are free to disagree with our analysis, that is why we make the standard data available in CSV form. If you have a different way to summarise the data that illustrates an alternate view we would be interested to hear from you.