Stay Hungry by Twisted Sister
Stay Hungry, their third studio album resulted in international success for Twisted Sister
The music videos for singles “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” and their slapstick humour, were instrumental in the success of this album for Twisted Sister. But at the album’s core were great songs which is ultimately why it all worked. The band’s tour supporting the album was also successful and included a young Metallica as their opening act. They would never achieve such success again and the decision to use their cover of “Leader Of The Pack” as the lead single from their next album Come Out And Play definitely didn’t help.
Favourite track: “Burn In Hell”
Born In The USA by Bruce Springsteen
Born In The USA has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, including 17 million in the US
Bruce Springsteen most successful album saw the release of an unprecedented seven hit singles. It is hard to imagine going anywhere in the western world without hearing music from this album in 1984/5. It was almost as ubiquitous as Brothers In Arms would become in 1985. The E Street band were all in fine form too and the songs were well-developed. The album has the honour of being the first compact disc manufactured in the United States for commercial release.
Favourite track: “No Surrender”
The Swing by INXS
The Swing, the fourth album from INXS, was number one in Australia for 5 weeks
The Swing remained in the top 100 albums in Australia for over 100 weeks upon its release. It went to the top of the charts on the back of four successful singles. “Original Sin” recorded at the Power Station in New York with producer Nile Rodgers, was the most successful. It was their only #1 in Australia and charted in the US and Canada as well.
Favourite track: “Burn For You”
Heartbeat City by The Cars
Heartbeat City was co-produced by the band with uber-producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange
Six singles were released from Heartbeat City, the most successful album from American rock act, The Cars. Their corresponding music videos all received high rotation on MTV, which no doubt contributed to their success. When the band got to perform at Live Aid they played three tracks from this album.
Favourite track: “You Might Think”
1984 by Van Halen
1984 would be David Lee Roth’s last album with the band until 2012
1984 saw David Lee Roth help the band find their greatest success and their best album since their debut, before departing to pursue a solo career. Of course it was Eddie Van Halen’s talents that were at the nucleus of Van Halen, but the flamboyant frontman was also a vital cog in the machine. Eddie’s insistence on the use of keyboards and synthesizers were instrumental in the band’s new found success as were the music videos for the band’s singles.
Favourite track: “Drop Dead Legs”
The Slabthrower 