What is the best rock album of the 1980s?

Arena monsters, MTV darlings, indie outsiders, and metal gods all left their mark on the decade. From synth-driven pop crossovers to raw, uncompromising thrash — which one reigns supreme?

Appetite for Destruction

Guns N' Roses' 1987 debut, the best-selling debut album in US history, unleashing raw hard rock fury on a polished MTV era.

1/15

The Joshua Tree

U2's 1987 album that made them the biggest rock band in the world, blending spiritual yearning with Americana influences.

2/15

Back in Black

AC/DC's 1980 album recorded after Bon Scott's death, featuring Brian Johnson's debut and one of rock's most iconic opening riffs.

3/15

Purple Rain

Prince's 1984 soundtrack and studio album fusing rock, R&B, and pop into a tour de force of guitar virtuosity and songcraft.

4/15

Born in the USA

Bruce Springsteen's 1984 blockbuster featuring seven Top 10 singles and an ironic anthem misread as patriotism worldwide.

5/15

Hysteria

Def Leppard's 1987 polished arena rock epic, produced over three years and loaded with seven Top 40 singles.

6/15

Master of Puppets

Metallica's 1986 thrash metal landmark, widely considered the greatest heavy metal album ever recorded.

7/15

The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths' 1986 album blending Morrissey's dark wit and Johnny Marr's jangly guitars into the definitive indie rock statement.

8/15

Synchronicity

The Police's 1983 farewell album featuring Every Breath You Take, one of the best-selling singles in rock history.

9/15

Slippery When Wet

Bon Jovi's 1986 arena rock phenomenon featuring Livin' on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name.

10/15

Disintegration

The Cure's 1989 gothic rock pinnacle, a lush, melancholy album that cemented Robert Smith as an alternative music icon.

11/15

Pyromania

Def Leppard's 1983 breakthrough album that helped define polished 1980s hard rock with Photograph and Rock of Ages.

12/15

Van Halen 1984

Van Halen's 1984 album balancing Eddie Van Halen's blazing guitar work with synth-pop crossover, featuring Jump.

13/15

Remain in Light

Talking Heads' 1980 pioneering album blending funk, African rhythms, and post-punk into an enduringly influential record.

14/15

Brothers in Arms

Dire Straits' 1985 album, one of the first to be widely sold on CD, featuring the MTV staple Money for Nothing.

15/15