The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1983
In the vibrant musical landscape of 1983, set against the backdrop of evolving music formats and industry dynamics, era-defining releases made their way into the social consciousness; many of which continue to resonate with modern music lovers.
While the Vinyl record remained the format of choice in 1983, alongside the rising popularity of the Compact Cassette, the Compact Disc would be commercially released, outside of the Japanese music market, to a worldwide audience; one that was ready for the major technological advantages the compact disc offered over legacy analogue formats.
Additionally, by this stage, MTV was fully established and the music video, whilst not uncommon in preceding years, was more important than ever to the successful launch of an album. However, as you’ll note from this list, particularly with regard to the top-ranked releases, not all artists would embrace the music video as a promotional tool. The result is that some of my favourite albums from 1983 were some of the most unsuccessful commercially. Of course, if you’ve been following Subjective Sounds for any length of time, you’ll note that success at the cash register is often inadequate in determining landmark releases.
Rock Anthems With A Touch Of Metal And A Little Christianity
Alice Cooper's DaDa (September 28th) further showcased his theatrical flair, even if he can’t remember recording it, while ZZ Top's Eliminator (March 23rd) blended bluesy rock with innovative electronic elements, becoming a chart-topping success in the process.
Billy Idol's Rebel Yell (November 10th) epitomised the rebellious spirit of the era, while Quiet Riot's Metal Health (March 11th) marked a breakthrough of heavy metal into mainstream acceptance.
AC/DC's Flick Of The Switch (August 15th) continued the band's reign as rock titans, while Night Ranger's Midnight Madness (October 26th) offered a melodic blend of hard rock and arena-focused anthems.
Petra's Not Of This World (n.d) showcased the band's prowess in Christian rock, weaving spiritual themes with electrifying guitar riffs. It may not be for everyone, but if you listen to the Christian lyrics as another instrument within the mix, rather than a storytelling device, I’ve no doubt you’ll be impressed for this is one rocking release.
Blue Oyster Cult's The Revolution By Night (November 8th) pushed the boundaries of hard rock with a mix of anthems and atmospheric ballads that would make for a compelling and dynamic addition to their discography, despite its lacklustre success.
Pop Icons And Balladry Brilliance
Lionel Richie's Can't Slow Down (October 14th) solidified his status as a pop icon, featuring timeless hits like “All Night Long" and “Hello,” while Billy Joel's An Innocent Man (August 8th) paid homage to the doo-wop and R&B sounds of the past, further showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer.
Kenny Rogers' Eyes That See In The Dark (August 30th) delivered country-pop balladry at its finest. It really is Kenny Rogers meets the Bee Gees; a melding of two different but complementary styles that ensures it’s a memorable listen and one of the greatest releases of not only the 80s but of all time. Similarly, Ringo Starr's Old Wave (March 10th) merged with Joe Walsh’s unique rock sensibilities to produce a captivating record that was worthy of each musician's legacy.
This list is ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. However, depending on your subjective preferences, you may prefer a different order, omit some, or even ponder some that are not included. Trust me, I’ve changed the order countless times because determining the best albums often depends on how one feels at any given moment. Either way, let’s simply enjoy the best music from 1983.
1. Alice Cooper – DaDa
Alice Cooper's DaDa is a haunting masterpiece that defies explanation for the only way to fully appreciate it is to listen intently. From the hypnotic lead-in to the groovy vibes and haunting allure of each track, it's a timeless journey through Cooper's musical prowess and is one of his most underrated releases. Still, with its mysterious charm, DaDa remains a hidden gem and is one of the very best albums released in 1983.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of DaDa.
2. ZZ Top – Eliminator
ZZ Top's iconic Eliminator is a polished gem that stands as one of rock's greatest albums. From the electrifying rhythms of "Gimme All Your Lovin'" to the bluesy allure of "TV Dinners," each track captivates with ZZ Top's signature sound. With its timeless appeal and mesmerising artwork, Eliminator is a must for music lovers and rock and rollers everywhere.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Eliminator.
3. Billy Idol – Rebel Yell
Billy Idol's Rebel Yell is a quintessential album of the 80s, blending punk, new wave, and rock into a timeless classic. With anthems like "Rebel Yell" and introspective tracks like "Eyes Without A Face," Idol showcases his dynamic range and charisma and is a must-listen for fans of 80s rock.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Rebel Yell.
4. Quiet Riot – Metal Health
Quiet Riot's Metal Health is a landmark release that defined the heavy metal scene of the early 80s. With its relentless energy and explosive vocals, the album catapulted the band to mainstream success. From the anthemic title track to the raw intensity of "Slick Black Cadillac," each song showcases Quiet Riot's powerhouse approach. Whichever way you look at it, Metal Health is a must-listen for metal fans old and new.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Metal Health.
5. Lionel Richie – Can't Slow Down
Lionel Richie's Can't Slow Down is a timeless masterpiece, blending soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics with exquisite production values. Despite the album cover's simplicity, the music within is captivating, offering a blend of R&B, pop, and ballads that resonate even decades later. From the celebratory rhythm of "All Night Long (All Night)" to the iconic ballad "Hello," each song showcases Richie's vocal prowess and musical diversity. "Can't Slow Down" wasn't just a commercial success; it's a testament to his enduring influence in pop and R&B music history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Can’t Slow Down.
6. Kenny Rogers – Eyes That See In The Dark
Kenny Rogers' Eyes That See In The Dark is a remarkable album that perfectly blends country and pop influences, thanks to the collaboration with Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees. From the energetic opener "This Woman" to the iconic duet with Dolly Parton on "Islands In The Stream,” to the reflective closer "Eyes That See In The Dark," Rogers' versatility and emotional depth shine throughout the entire record. With its timeless quality and stellar production, Eyes That See In The Dark stands as a pinnacle release in Rogers' career, appealing to music lovers across genres.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Eyes That See In The Dark.
7. Billy Joel – An Innocent Man
Billy Joel's An Innocent Man is a timeless classic that flawlessly blends nostalgic 50s and 60s pop influences with Joel's signature style. From the energetic opener "Easy Money" to the soulful title track "An Innocent Man" to the infectious hits like "The Longest Time" and "Uptown Girl," each song showcases Joel's vocal prowess and songwriting genius. With its diverse range of styles and heartfelt performances, An Innocent Man remains a must-listen for all music lovers.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of An Innocent Man.
8. AC/DC – Flick Of The Switch
AC/DC's Flick Of The Switch delivers raw, unadulterated rock with catchy tunes; albeit without a standout hit. While self-produced, it embodies the band's signature sound even though it remains overshadowed by their previous successes. Nonetheless, it remains a solid entry in their discography and if it hadn’t been for their many other exceptional albums, both prior and after this album’s release, Flick Of The Switch would be a much more celebrated release than it is.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Flick Of The Switch.
9. Night Ranger – Midnight Madness
Night Ranger's Midnight Madness epitomises 80s rock with its infectious melodies and exceptional musicianship. While "Sister Christian" is the stand out, the album offers a cohesive mix of anthemic rockers and heartfelt ballads. Its timeless appeal makes it essential for fans of the genre, showcasing the band's versatility and knack for crafting memorable tunes that resonate with listeners to this day.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Midnight Madness.
10. Petra – Not Of This World
Petra's Not Of This World seamlessly merges powerful messages with exceptional music while transcending its Christian rock roots to stand as a landmark album in the rock genre. From the atmospheric opener "Visions (Doxology)" to the stunning title track and the magnificent "Grave Robber," each song showcases Petra's musical prowess and unwavering commitment to crafting impactful rock songs. Whether you resonate with its Christian themes or appreciate it solely for its musical merits, Not Of This World remains a must-listen for any rock enthusiast, offering a captivating journey from start to finish.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Not Of This World.
11. Ringo Starr – Old Wave
Ringo Starr's Old Wave showcases his enduring talent and musical evolution, offering a diverse and engaging experience. Produced by Joe Walsh, the album blends classic 80s rock elements with catchy melodies and collaborations that elevate Starr's signature style. From the synth-driven opener "In My Car" to the country-inspired "Hopeless" and the Eric Clapton-assisted "Everybody's In A Hurry But Me," each track demonstrates Starr's versatility and rock sensibilities. Old Wave may not have achieved commercial success, but its status as a hidden gem in Starr's discography remains undeniable, offering a captivating journey for fans and music lovers alike.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Old Wave.
12. Blue Öyster Cult – The Revölution By Night
Blue Öyster Cult's The Revolution By Night marks a departure from their signature sound, embracing new styles while retaining their rock essence. Despite commercial underperformance, it stands as one of the best albums of 1983, showcasing the band's resilience and adaptability. While the album lacks standout hits, and is not considered a classic, its cohesion and exploration of contemporary trends make it a captivating listen and reaffirms Blue Öyster Cult's place in rock music history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of The Revölution By Night.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1983 that I appreciate but don’t feel are the best of the best. However, there’s some killer music to be heard here, so load up your favourite streaming service and give them a listen, for our music tastes are subjective and you may just come across an album that you consider a masterpiece.
