33: Megadeth – Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good Decades after its release, it still sounds like the future. The genre-blending group’s classic debut proved that there is fertile ground in the mash-up of hip-hop, electronic music, and funk. Punk meets psychedelia on the band’s third studio album making for a thrilling full-body journey that’s as heady as it is foot-stomping. Robert Smith changed course on this album, abandoning the darkness and embracing the light to produce one of the band’s most pop-oriented albums to date. While preserving their African and funk roots, the band’s 1985 leans into country and roots music to celebrate the joys of life’s simplest pleasures. The Argentinian rock band’s debut album is a delightful blend of punk, reggae, ska, and rock that still sounds as adventurous today as it did in ‘85. 39: Rush – Power Windowsįeaturing hits like “The Big Money” and “Marathon,” the rock band’s 11th studio album took prog rock to new and exciting heights.Ĭlick to load video 38: Sumo – Divididos Por La Felicidad The noise rock band’s second album showed they had real chops when it comes to writing catchy tunes and inviting melodies. The thrash metal titans came into their own on their 1985 album which is as loud and dissonant as it is technical and complex – it established them as not just great players but innovators of the genre. The Brazilian band’s album takes inspiration from synth-pop and rock and helped solidify their place as one of the top bands in the country. The Latin pop group’s English-language album cemented their foothold in the American pop scene due to the success of lead single “Conga.” 42: RPM – Revoluções por Minuto The rock band’s highly anticipated debut pairs high-end production with roots music to create a technically brilliant and soulful record.
It was also a year in which a variety of well-known bandleaders embarked on solo careers, including Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry and The Police’s Sting.įrom the irresistible pop of Robert Palmer and the thrash metal of Megadeth to LL Cool J’s foundational Def Jam debut, here are the best albums of 1985.Ĭlick to load video 44: Lone Justice – Lone Justice In addition to raising vital funds, these songs and events resulted in some of music’s most iconic moments – from Queen’s career-altering performance at Live Aid to the star-filled music video for “We Are the World,” featuring everyone from Paul McCartney and Diana Ross to Willie Nelson and Lionel Richie (who co-wrote the song with Michael Jackson).īut while youth culture reigned supreme on MTV, with newer acts like Madonna, Whitney Houston, Tears for Fears, and Duran Duran ruling the airwaves, established artists like Phil Collins, George Strait, and Luther Vandross proved their staying power on the charts. Throughout the year, musicians gathered en-masse to show their support for a variety of global causes through collaborative singles (“Sun City,” “We Are the World”) and concerts (Live Aid, Farm Aid). Designated by the UN as “International Youth Year,” 1985 certainly proved the power of youth culture – specifically when it came to musicians using albums and their voices for change.
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