Category Archives: Uncategorized

     Aside from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, there may not have been a bigger commercial success in the 1980s than “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen.  After his relatively dark and subtle solo acoustic record “Nebraska”, Bruce reunited with his E Street Band to produce this hit factory, which delivered seven Top 10 singles.  EvenContinue reading “Bruce Springsteen “Born in the U.S.A.” (1984)”

     College radio continued to flourish in the mid ‘80s, and R.E.M. remained the centerpiece of this genre as they released their second album, “Reckoning”.  For me, this is a better overall album than their debut, and like many bands, their sound grows more refined with time.  Reading up on the recording of this album,Continue reading “R.E.M. “Reckoning” (1984)”

     Hip-hop music continued to move forward in the mid ‘80s, and no act realized more initial mainstream success during this time than Run DMC.  With “Rev Run” Simmons and Darryl McDaniels (DMC) on dueling vocals and Jam Master Jay as the DJ, they set the stage for many acts who followed in their footsteps. Continue reading “Run-D.M.C. “Run-D.M.C.” (1984)”

     After the Cars released their debut album in 1978, they continued a run of successful records, culminating with their 5th release, “Heartbeat City”, which was their last major hit, and their biggest hit since their first.  Like most acts of the time, they rode the dual wave of success on radio and video, asContinue reading “The Cars “Heartbeat City” (1984)”

     Even into the ‘80s, female leads in the rock and roll world were not often on the charts or as successful as their work deserved.  One of the most influential and accomplished artists of this era was Chrissie Hynde and her band, The Pretenders.  She hails from a town familiar to me, Akron, Ohio,Continue reading “The Pretenders “Learning to Crawl” (1984)”

     There certainly can’t be any better album to kick off 1984 than “1984” by Van Halen.  This record is significant for many reasons.  First off, it was a return to all original tracks after the cover-laden “Diver Down”.  Second, it is the first album to broadly feature Eddie Van Halen on synthesizers in additionContinue reading “Van Halen “1984” (1984)”

     For the first time that I can recall, I’m actually combining two albums in one blog, as I consider them companion pieces that fueled not only a new touring act, but a new start for one of the most legendary rock idols of the 1970’s.  Following the death of drummer John Bonham and theContinue reading “Robert Plant “Pictures at Eleven” (1982) & “The Principle of Moments” (1983)”

     One of the biggest acts of the 1980s was the British reggae-pop-rock band, The Police.  With the highly accomplished Sting on bass and lead vocals, Andy Summers on guitar and the well-acclaimed drummer Stewart Copeland, they released a total of five albums during their run.  Their last release, “Synchronicity”, was a massive hit, andContinue reading “The Police “Synchronicity” (1983)”

     Of all of the rock-blues guitarists I really appreciate, I’m not sure if there is one who is a more of an integrated blend of obvious influences and original sound than Stevie Ray Vaughan.  He burst onto the scene in the early 1980s.  Many don’t know that he played lead guitar on David Bowie’sContinue reading “Stevie Ray Vaughan “Texas Flood” (1983)”

     Today’s album was a pleasant surprise, as I listened to “Reach the Beach” by the British new-wave band, the Fixx.  There have been two songs by the band I have always loved, both of which are on this record, but it was nice to discover how much I enjoyed this entire album.  The FixxContinue reading “The Fixx “Reach the Beach” (1983)”