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8 underrated albums from the 1980s you didn’t know you needed to hear

BBG News

The 1980s represented a remarkable and influential era in the world of pop music. At the onset of the decade, MTV emerged, providing a platform for numerous musicians to gain widespread popularity as they dared to innovate with groundbreaking visuals and narrative techniques.

After the 1970s, numerous innovative musical styles like new wave and the emerging grunge genre started shaping up, giving birth to many legendary figures in the world of music.

When reflecting on the ’80s, numerous iconic albums and artists pop into mind instantly. Some examples include Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” from 1984, Duran Duran’s “Rio,” released in 1982, as well as Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite For Destruction,” which came out in 1987.

These 8 albums from the 1980s are ridiculously underrated

Despite having a significant and enduring influence on ’80s music and contemporary artists alike, numerous albums from that era are seldom brought up when discussing the decade’s most notable releases. Remarkably, these records were crafted by some of the most influential musicians whose impact continues to resonate in today’s music landscape. Regrettably, they often fail to receive the recognition they deserve for their contributions to the ’80s music scene and the broader scope of popular music history.

Discover some of the less recognized ’80s albums that should be on your playlist if you appreciate music or are fond of one of modern music’s most dynamic eras. These hidden gems from the ’80s might just become your new favorites!

Grace Jones – Nightclubbing (1981)

Few people may be aware of the significant influence that Grace Jones, renowned for her iconic androgynous style and collaborations with Jean-Paul Goude, has exerted on modern pop music, despite her notable acting roles in films like “Conan the Destroyer” (1984), “Vamp” (1986), and “A View to a Kill” (1985).

Having established herself as a model and frequent attendee at Studio 54 in the early stages of her career, Jones started venturing into music in the late ’70s. In 1981, she dropped her fifth album titled Nightclubbing, paving the way for the prominent pop and rock tunes that emerged later on.

In those days, the album “Nightclubbing” significantly advanced by skillfully merging rock, funk, and pop music a combination seldom heard in mainstream music back then. Although Jones isn’t usually discussed among ’80s pop legends, she actually paved the way for the rest of that decade with her groundbreaking work.

Many other notable musicians, including Annie Lennox, emulated Jones’ distinctive androgynous style, while contemporary stars like Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga have drawn substantial inspiration from Jones’ sound and visual aesthetic.

Recognized for her captivating presence, be it through her music, style, or bold character, some might contend that Jones hasn’t received the full acclaim she merits, especially regarding her musical contributions.

With a style that fuses genres, challenges gender norms, and emphasizes Afrocentric elements, Jones stands out as one of the key influencers in pop music. Her reputation as such was solidified when she unveiled her album “Nightclubbing“.

Iggy Pop – Blah-Blah-Blah (1986)

Although Blah-Blah-Blah is the top-selling and most commercially successful album by the Godfather of Punk Rock, it could be argued that it’s underappreciated when considering the music produced during that era as a whole. When discussing Iggy Pop’s work beyond the Stooges, there’s no question that The Idiot (1977) and Lust For Life (1977) are his greatest works.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into the world of Blah-Blah-Blah feels like stepping into an immersive, heartfelt adventure. It offers a unique blend of fun, romance, and nostalgia, revealing a fresh, diverse facet of Pop’s artistic talent.

The final album by Pop, titled “Blah-Blah-Blah“, was a collaboration with his long-term friend and musical partner, David Bowie. Notably, Bowie helped Pop with his first debut albums in 1977, and this influence is evident throughout the new album. Bowie contributed to the songwriting, production, and even provided backing vocals for the project.

On this album, while “Real Wild Child (Wild One)”, which is a cover of Johnny O’Keefe’s “Wild One” by Pop, is the most well-known track, there are numerous other standout songs on the record that outshine it.

In a harmonious contrast, the romantic vibes of “Shades” complement the lively enthusiasm found in tracks such as “Fire Girl” and the album’s title song. The songs “Isolation” and “Cry For Love” beautifully express a unique, new wave feeling of vulnerability.

Although the album has a strong romantic and commercially appealing vibe, you can still detect Pop’s distinctive roughness. His deep baritone voice and vividly poetic lyrics provide a contrast to the softness of the record, adding depth to it.

Soundgarden – Ultramega OK (1988)

As the distinctive “Seattle Sound” was emerging, one of its most notable acts, Soundgarden, unveiled their debut album titled “Ultramega OK” in 1988. Although not as polished as their later works, this album encapsulates that specific time in music history when rock music was transitioning from the glossy hair metal and grand arena rock genres, evolving towards a grittier, darker sound.

Since the beginning of their musical journey, Soundgarden carved out a distinctive and innovative path in the realm of heavier rock, blending evocative lyrics, somber yet rooted melodies, and unexpected soundscapes for an unorthodox experience.

On tunes like “Beyond The Wheel”, Chris Cornell’s unique vocal power flows over industrial, repetitive drumbeats and guitar riffs, giving listeners a taste of Soundgarden’s ongoing enigma. Tracks such as “All Your Lies” and “Head Injury” bring equilibrium to the album’s darker sections by blending in fast-paced, traditional heavy metal elements that paved the way for the music style they would later become known for.

Although “Ultramega OK” didn’t immediately gain commercial fame for Soundgarden, it was actually a precursor to their later success with albums like “Badmotorfinger” (1991) and “Superunknown” (1994), which catapulted them into the realm of grunge superstardom. However, despite being somewhat overlooked, “Ultramega OK” is still considered an underappreciated gem, as it demonstrates the intricate musical style that would become synonymous with Soundgarden at a very early stage in their career.

Instead of concluding the album, Soundgarden opted for an unconventional approach by including a song titled “One Minute of Silence.” This move clearly signaled to the music industry that Soundgarden was not interested in following mainstream trends.

Big Pig – Bonk (1988)

In the U.S., Big Pig didn’t achieve mainstream fame, but they garnered more recognition in their native Australia, particularly with the launch of their 1988 debut album titled “Bonk.” The album even attained Platinum status in Australia. It may surprise you to learn that you might not be familiar with Big Pig’s music; however, one of their tracks, “Breakaway,” was featured on the soundtrack for the 1989 movie “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Akin to groups such as Depeche Mode during that era, Big Pig stood out with their unique blend of pop, rock, and industrial music, giving special importance to rhythmic elements within their album ‘Bonk’.

The group skillfully blended unusual vocal techniques and numerous harmonica tunes, thereby creating their own distinctive and funky style, even though they had no guitarists within their ranks.

I can’t help but marvel at the sheer quality that Bonk delivers, making me ponder why it didn’t achieve greater fame in the U.S. Tracks like “Iron Lung” and “Tin Drum” are infectiously catchy with their funky vibes, and the powerful vocals of all five band members are masterfully directed by lead vocalist Sherine Abeyratne – who later went on to lend her voice as a backup singer for acts such as INXS and U2. As a gamer, I find myself humming these tunes while navigating through virtual worlds!

Although Big Pig is a well-known Australian rock band that originated from a rich and varied rock background, both the group itself and their first album have unfortunately not received the recognition they deserve in the United States.

Strawberry Switchblade – Strawberry Switchblade (1985)

Originating from Scotland’s punk movement in the ’70s, the pop duo Strawberry Switchblade gained recognition and left an indelible mark on the ’80s music scene with their distinctive and often overlooked style. Despite only producing one complete album, their self-titled 1985 release, Strawberry Switchblade was admired for their ethereal new wave tunes and their playful polka dot attire.

Strawberry Switchblade, made up of Rose McDowall (vocals and rhythm guitar) and Jill Bryson (backups and lead guitar), combined a thrilling edge with a touch of sugary sweetness, much like their namesake.

Following the launch of their popular song “Since Yesterday” in 1984, Strawberry Switchblade achieved significant fame in the U.K., Europe, and Japan. In the year that followed, they unveiled their first studio album. Their tunes like “Another Day” and “Deep Water” showcased catchy pop rhythms beneath soothing and expressive vocals.

Although the music and soundscape in Strawberry Switchblade were timelessly produced, the duo noticed that their popularity in the U.K. was decreasing. Following the album’s release, they put out a few singles, but eventually disbanded in 1986.

Despite their brief stint in the limelight, this band is now widely recognized by many new wave enthusiasts as being significantly underappreciated. With their dreamy, gothic-influenced sound and an unforgettable style, Strawberry Switchblade and their one full-length album are essential listening for anyone with a passion for ’80s music.

Missing Persons – Spring Session M. (1982)

The band, Missing Persons, stood out distinctively for their new wave sound of the early ’80s. Led by vocalist Dale Bozzio, they became a staple on MTV towards the start of that decade.

Although Missing Persons and Bozzio may not be commonly associated with ’80s pop icons, a quick glance at artists like Lady Gaga or Gwen Stefani clearly demonstrates the significant impact that this band has had on music trends for years to come.

1982 saw the release of Missing Persons’ second studio album titled Spring Session M.. This album quickly gained popularity after its release, with tracks like “Walking In L.A.” and “Destination Unknown” becoming signature songs for the record. The band’s innovative use of visuals and trends in their music videos for this album made them a standout act on television.

Although Spring Session M received favorable reviews, the team didn’t achieve the same degree of commercial success in the subsequent years.

The less popular tracks on the album, such as “Tears” and “Rock And Roll Suspension,” show just how impactful Missing Persons were during the ’80s. Their distinctiveness and pioneering spirit in the new wave genre may have been what made them unique, but also hindered their commercial success.

As a dedicated fan of the synth-wave scene, I can’t help but appreciate the profound influence that Missing Persons and their groundbreaking 1982 album have had on contemporary music.

Twisted Sister – Under the Blade (1982)

I read somewhere that Twisted Sister was rock ‘n’ roll’s answer to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Although Twisted Sister is primarily recognized for their Looney Tunes-inspired glam metal aesthetic as showcased in their 1984 album “Stay Hungry”, it’s important to remember that they are a heavy metal band at heart. The raw, poetic anger they embody is best demonstrated on their debut album from 1982 titled “Under the Blade“.

On their album “Under the Blade“, Twisted Sister showcased their fierce songwriting and sharp guitar playing, solidifying their reputation as a formidable presence in the early ’80s. This album was recorded in London under the guidance of UFO bassist Pete Way, blending Twisted Sister’s affection for glam rock reminiscent of the New York Dolls with the raw power of the British New Wave of heavy metal, resulting in a product that is at once elegant and gritty.

Twisted Sister’s skill and complexity as a band became evident with their album “Under the Blade“. However, it was only when music videos for songs like “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” were broadcast on MTV that Twisted Sister achieved mainstream success.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that “Under the Blade” carries a lasting impact with its raw, rock-infused tracks and the ominous undertones that permeate it. Compared to the acclaimed “Stay Hungry,” Twisted Sister’s debut album might not quite reach the same level of fame, but for classic metal enthusiasts or those interested in tracing the development of ’80s mainstream metal, it is essential listening.

Tin Machine – Tin Machine (1989)

After facing criticism for his late ’80s work, which both Bowie and fans considered a creative slump, David Bowie aimed to rejuvenate himself artistically. This ambition led him to create Tin Machine, a band comprising guitarist Reeves Gabrels, bassist Tony Fox Sales, drummer Hunt Sales, and himself. Operating from 1988 to 1992, Tin Machine released two albums: the self-titled Tin Machine (1989) and Tin Machine II (1991).

Tin Machine, a band led by David Bowie during a questionable phase of his career, isn’t generally beloved among his ardent supporters. Many fans consider this period of his work as less than their favorite. The debut album from Tin Machine received mixed to poor reviews upon its release, and the trend continued with their second full-length album.

The band Tin Machine was often seen as David Bowie’s most experimental project since the albums Low (1977) and Station to Station (1976), but Bowie himself referred to it as a natural extension of his 1980 album Scarecrow (and Supermen). He stated that he was returning to his original artistic path after the Tonight (1984) and Never Let Me Down (1987) albums had caused him to stray.

Tin Machine marked a dynamic and assertive transition into David Bowie’s ’90s era, characterized by groundbreaking experimentation and what many consider his most genuine work. The album delves into enduring topics such as intense romance, Neo-Nazism, and the impact of media on society. In contrast to Bowie’s prior solo projects, Tin Machine is noticeably angrier, more sexually charged, and aggressive.

In spite of strong criticism from the media for his daring efforts to redefine himself and his decision to avoid producing more mainstream or Ziggy Stardust-like music, the singer audaciously created one of the most original yet often overlooked albums of the decade. By merging proto-grunge with art-rock, Tin Machine showcases a raw rebellion that only Bowie could deliver with his unique, nonchalant charm.

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2025-07-04 13:01

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