The 25 best Classic Rock albums of 1980

24 January 2025, 18:48

Take a trip through some of the great rock albums that were released at the turn of the 1980s, from AC/DC and Motorhead, to Queen and The Clash.

By Radio X

@RadioX

1. Rush - Permanent Waves: release date 14th January 1980

   The seventh studio album from the Canadian prog legends included their timeless hit Spirit Of Radio, which reached Number 13 in the UK.

   

2. Ramones - End Of The Century: released 4th February 1980

   The fifth album from Da Brudders was produced by Phil Spector and included Do You Remember Rock 'N' Roll Radio, Rock 'N' Roll High School and Baby I Love You.

   

3. Genesis - Duke: release date 28th March 1980

   The British prog rock band's tenth studio album was their first UK Number 1 and included the hits Turn It On Again, Duchess and Misunderstanding.

   

4. Judas Priest - British Steel: release date 11th April 1980

   The pioneering British metal band's sixth studio album was recorded at Ringo Starr's home in Ascot and included two of their most famous songs, Breaking The Law and Living After Midnight.

   

5. Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden releaase date 14th April 1980

   The debut album from the British metal legends featured Paul Di'Anno on vocals and included the singles Runnig Free and Sanctuary.

   

6. Black Sabbath - Heaven & Hell: release date 18th April 1980

   With Ozzy Osbourne given his marching orders after personality clashes became too great. Ronnie James Dio took over on vocls. Singles included Lady Evil, Neon Knights and Die Young.

   

7. Peter Gabriel - Peter Gabriel III: released 30th May 1980

   Aka "the one with the melty face", the former Genesis man's third self-titled solo album included the hit Games Without Frontiers and the moving Biko.

   

8. The Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue: released 20th June 1980

   The Stones' 15th studio album included the hits She's So Cold and the memorable title track.

   

9. Queen - The Game: release date 30th June 1980

   The eighth studio album from the British heavy rock legends was their first in two years and included the singles Play The Game, Save Me, Crazy Little Thing Called Love and the US chart topper, Another One Bites The Dust.

   

10. AC/DC - Back In Black: released 25th July 1980

    The seventh album by the Aussie hard rock band was their first since the death of lead singer Bon Scott - hence the title. Brian Johnson took over on vocals/yelling and songs included the title track, You Shook Me All Night Long, Hell's Bells and Shoot To Thrill.

    

11. Robert Palmer - Clues: release date 29th August 1980

    Palmer's sixth album included the pulsating Looking For Clues, the hit Johnny & Mary, a cover of The Beatles' Not A Second Time and Found You Now, co-writtern with man of the moment Gary Numan.

    

12. Kate Bush - Never For Ever: released 7th September 1980

    The third studio album from the acclaimed singer-songwriter included the hits Breathing, Army Dreamers and Babooshka.

    

13. David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps): released 12th September 1980

    The Thin White Duke embraced the burgeoning New Romantic movement for his fourteenth album, which included the No 1 hit Ashes To Ashes, Fashion and the title track.

    

14. Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard Of Ozz: release date 12th September 1980

    After getting the push from Black Sabbath the previous year, Ozzy went solo with this strong album that included two of his signature songs: Mr Crowley and Crazy Train.

    

15. The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta: released 3rd October 1980

    The pop-punk trio of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland released their third album, which includes the huge hits Don't Stand So Close To Me and De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da.

    

16. Talking Heads - Remain In Light: released 8th October 1980

    The fourth album from the NYC art rockers included the massive worldwide hit Once In A Lifetime and was another collaboration with Brian Eno.

    

17. Bruce Springsteen - The River: released 17th October 1980

    The Boss issued his fifth studio album - his only double - which include the classic title track and Hungry Heart.

    

18. Dire Straits - Making Movies: release date 17th October 1980

    The fourth album from the BRitish rockers included the singles Tunnel Of Love, Romeo & Juliet and Skateaway.

    

19. U2 - Boy: released 20th October 1980

    The Irish band launched their career with this debut, which included I Will Follow and A Day Without Me.

    

20. Blondie - Autoamerican: released 26th November 1980

    The fifth album from Debbie Harry and co included the huge hits Rapture and The Tide Is High.

    

21. The Jam - Sound Affects: released 28th November 1980

    The fifth album from Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler included the band's second No 1 hit, Start!, and That's Entertainment. It also included the track Pretty Green, which gave its name to a well-known line of clothing belonging to Mr L. Gallagher.

    

22. Motorhead - Ace Of Spades: released 8th November 1980

    The fourth album by the heavy, heavy rock trio included their signature tune Ace Of Spades.

    

23. John Lennon and Yoko Ono - Double Fantasy: 17th November 1980

    Lennon's big comeback following five years out of the limelight was hit by tragedy when the former Beatles was murdered less than a month after this album's released. It includes (Just Like) Starting Over, Woman, Watching The Wheels and Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy).

    

24. The Clash - Sandinista!: released 12th December 1980

    The punk heroes released their fourth album - and it was a very un-punk triple LP. Songs included Career Opportunities and The Magnificent Seven.

    

25. REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity: release date 21st November 1980

    The Illinois AOR band issued their ninth studio album, which included their huge radio hit Keep On Loving You, plus Take It On The Run, Don't Let Him Go and In Your Letter.