In Part 4 of my history of albums, we’ve made it to the 1980s. The 1980s are considered a big decade for singles, so we often forget that some of the greatest and biggest selling albums were released then.

I talk about those albums, as well as lesser known notable albums, and how technology influenced their crafting. As synths and recording became more and more affordable, artists were able to take more control over how an album was produced and crafted. This created the first true underground scenes, and split music and album development between the big stars of the industry pop machine and smaller artists of the indie label scenes.

NOTE: Because I know more about the 1980s than previous decades, I’m splitting this episode into two parts. This week’s episode will go to 1985.

What are your favorite albums from the first half of the 1980s? Do you think these albums hold up to the greats from other decades? How do you feel about 1980s production values in comparison to the 1970s and 1990s? When you think of the 1980s, do you identify more with the first or second half of the decade? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: Cassettes! Their history, and their significance in different eras.

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*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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