Icehouse by Flowers
The album from Flowers released in 1981 would soon become their band name
This is a stunning debut album containing several hits for the band that would become better known as Icehouse. The songwriting and vocal work of Iva Davies was on full display here and it surprised no one that the band would go on to a very successful career in Australia.
Favourite track: “Walls”
I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll was the first album credited to Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Joan Jett, former member of the Runaways, released her solo debut album in 1980. After that album was released Jett recruited the band that would become the Blackhearts and re-entered the studio to record this album. It is Jett’s biggest commercial success selling over one million copies.
Favourite track: The cover of “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” originally recorded by the Arrows
Days Of Innocence by Moving Pictures
The unsurpassed debut album from Moving Pictures, Days Of Innocence
This album is often overshadowed by the incredible success of its second single, “What About Me?”, which would top the Australian charts in 1982. For me, it is my least favourite track on the album and not representative of the quality of the rest of the material. I love this album and found it hard to pick a favourite!
Favourite track: “Wings”
Dare by The Human League
Dare was the Human League’s third studio album but the first to feature a new line-up
After the break-up of the original line-up Phil Oakey decided to move the band in a more pop-oriented direction. To assist with that intended aim, Ian Burden was welcomed to the band and with the addition of teen singer/dancers Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall, they were ready to get started. Pairing with veteran producer Martin Rushent was most likely a contributing factor in their success as well. With four hit singles released, it is little wonder the album was a multi-platinum seller. I can remember at one time wanting hair like Phil Oakey’s…
Favourite track: “Love Action (I Believe In Love)”
Business As Usual by Men At Work
Business As Usual was the debut album from Men At Work
Australian music was really finding its feet in the early 80s. Even so, no one predicted the unmitigated international success of Men At Work on the back of their single “Down Under”. The album spent 15 weeks at number 1 in the US album charts, which was unprecedented for an Australian band. I love this album and their second Cargo, after which the wheels would begin to fall off for the original line-up.
Favourite track: “Be Good Johnny”
The Slabthrower 