Last Updated on December 30, 2025 by Christian Adams
1979-1980 is the first period of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die…Or Not, in which I had heard every record before writing the associated essay. In some cases, I was listening to the album for only the second time, but there were no surprises, only disappointments and hasty generalizations.
On the other hand, this period also has the fewest strikethroughs and the highest omission rate of probable must-hear albums since way back in 1956–66.
Spoiler alert: The following blockbuster albums did NOT make the original list and will NOT be discussed as Suggested Alternatives.
- Blondie – Eat to the Beat
- Supertramp – Breakfast in America
- Bob Dylan – Slow Train Coming
- Molly Hatchet – Flirtin’ With Disaster
- Eagles – The Long Run
- Queen – The Game
- The Clash – Sandinista!
- Styx – Cornerstone
- Billy Joel – Glass Houses
- Bruce Springsteen – The River
- Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band – Against the Wind
- Van Halen – II*
- Van Halen – Women and Children First*
- Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell
These were great records, but I agree with editor Robert Dimery. Each record has several or many redeeming qualities, i.e., big hits, but none are albums you must hear before you die.
| A Note From the Author |
|---|
| * Even though Van Halen is my favorite band, I’m not going to sit here and say that you must hear either Van Halen II (1979) and/or Women and Children First (1980). You don’t. Those albums could also be called More of the Same (1979) and Even More of the Same, But Not Quite As Good (1980). I love those records and wish they made a thousand more just like ‘em, but that doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest. So, the next time I piss on your favorite band, remember: I piss on mine, too. |
1001 Albums Rating Key:
- Strikethrough indicates what you probably think it does
- Green indicates highly recommended listening
- Underlined indicates questionable but ultimately acceptable record
- Blue bold italic indicates ABSOLUTELY MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE
- Also, anything in Red generally indicates hazardous material
Albums You Must Hear Before You Die…Or Not (1979)
Note: Suggested alternatives are from the same year as the contested entry unless otherwise indicated.
AC/DC – Highway To Hell (1979)
AC/DC is the Marlboro cigarettes of rock n’ roll. They may have tweaked the packaging over the years, but the product has remained identical.
Sadly, Highway to Hell is the last album with Bon Scott. On the bright side, it’s the best AC/DC album to date, and possibly, the best ever. Not a bad song on the record. Flawless.
Chic – Risque (1979)
It’s a bit late in the game for another disco record, isn’t it? You’ll hear several tracks (“Good Times”, “Le Freak”) on the dance floor at your cousin’s second wedding. I can’t imagine listening to this shit at home.
Suggested Alternative: The Knack – Get The Knack (1979)
You can dance to power pop, too. “My Sharona” caused a free-for-all at my seventh-grade homecoming dance. There’s amazing guitar work throughout the album. A personal favorite.
Crusaders – Street Life (1979)
There were at least two notable bands called The Crusaders. (1) A 1960s garage band from Los Angeles credited with releasing the first Christian rock album (Make a Joyful Noise with Drums and Guitars (1966)). (2) A 1960s jazz fusion group called The Jazz Crusaders that shortened the name when they crossed over into straight R&B, disco, and funk.
Unfortunately, we’re dealing with #2, and Street Life is forgettable disco jazz in the vicinity of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Suggested Alternative: Squeeze – Cool For Cats (1979)
More power pop with a British sensibility (and better songwriting than their American peers). Squeeze frequently gets overlooked in the wash of new wave bands that flooded the market.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Armed Forces (1979)
We’ve already heard My Aim Is True (1977) and This Year’s Model (1978). There’s too much polish and sophistication on Armed Forces. It gets boring about five songs deep. And just between you and me, I fuckin’ hate “Accidents Will Happen”.
Suggested Alternative: Wire – 154 (1979)
Fleetwood Mac – Tusk (1979)
Tusk is a textbook example of the Follow Up Failure Formula: Follow up your breakthrough record [Rumours (1977)] with an indulgent, overblown double album. Critics will hate it, fans will run the other direction, the record company will send lawyers, and 20 years later, it will be considered a masterpiece of experimental rock and avant-pop.
Rumours sold 40 million copies; Tusk sold 4 million.
The collective works of Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks are nice additions to the adult contemporary catalog. If you want to sell shitloads of records, you want them in your band. While Fleetwood Mac is hardly the first or only group to release a sprawling, ambitious record this year, Tusk covers more musical ground than just about any other record in 1979—mostly soft rock territory.
Like many double albums, the highlights are flooded by the bullshit. Aside from the title song and Stevie Nicks’ rainy-day, maudlin “Sara”, Tusk is bereft of hits. “Over & Over” is the most underwhelming opening track I’ve ever heard.
Suggested Alternative: Camper Van Beethoven – Tusk (2002)
In 2002, Camper Van Beethoven recorded and released a song-for-song remake of Tusk (on Pitch A Tent Records), which is ten times more interesting than the original. I’m not saying it’s a must-hear, either. But Lindsey Buckingham loved it.
Suggested Alternative: The Who – Quadrophenia (1979)
If you were in the mood for a double LP, Quadrophenia is a far better listening experience than Tusk. At least there was a movie explaining why they needed to make a double LP out of it.
Gang Of Four – Entertainment! (1979)
A stripped-down, politically charged fusion of funk, post-punk, and dub.
Gary Numan – The Pleasure Principle (1979)
In my opinion, the only synthpop record you must hear.
Holger Czukay – Movies (1979)
This Holger Czukay record came to my attention in the mid-00s, on the recommendation of a record store clerk who encouraged my post-art rock explorations. While I balked at the $30 price tag for an obscure, used LP, I didn’t want to be put on the spot. So I bought it.
Upon the first listen, at the 3-minute mark of the opening track, I said out loud, “Something better happen with this jam or I’m going to be pissed.” Fortunately, the singing started again. At the 10-minute mark, I was furiously shaking my head. By the time the album was over, I was fucking livid. I wanted to jet down to Amoeba and throttle that kid who recommended it.
That was the last time I ever asked a record store clerk for his or her opinion of anything.
Suggested Alternative: Rush – Permanent Waves (1979)
Permanent Waves doesn’t sound exactly like the same band that made 2112 (1976), but it’s clearly a step in a more modern direction. Rush was one of the few ’70s progressive hard rock bands that didn’t implode upon the emergence of punk and new wave—they adapted.
Japan – Quiet Life (1979)
Quiet Life is the best Duran Duran album I’ve ever heard. It’s also the weakest of the post-Eno Roxy Music albums. I dunno. Don’t try to tell me that David Sylvian is doing his best Bryan Ferry, and I won’t tell you that Simon LeBon is doing his best David Sylvian.
Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures (1979)
Joy Division is unreasonably regarded as some post-punk Michael Jordan. However, few records influenced several generations of rock musicians like Unknown Pleasures. There are bands still doing “their best Joy Division impression.” I don’t like it, but you must hear what the hype is about.
Marianne Faithfull – Broken English (1979)
I honestly believe that yours truly and the record industry could finally agree on one thing in 1979. It takes a very special woman to make it in rock music. Marianne Faithfull was not one of those special women.
Suggested Alternative: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (1979)
More proof that the 1001 Albums crew either dropped the ball or had a grudge against American bands in the late 1970s.
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall (1979)
Off the Wall is the only quasi-disco record I feel vaguely comfortable saying you must hear it. First of all, M.J. was a dancing fool since who knows when? The Jackson 5 predate disco by at least two years. Anyway, Off the Wall is never going to be duplicated. Enjoy!
Neil Young With Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
Rust Never Sleeps might be the pinnacle of Neil Young and Crazy Horse.
Pink Floyd – The Wall (1979)
The Wall was a massive, systemic, and fundamental influence on contemporary American bong culture. The movie is pretty cool, too.
Pretenders – Pretenders (1979)
Chrissie Hynde was by no means the first rock frontwoman, but considering her competition (Pat Benatar, Heart, et al.), she was certainly the most vital straight-up rock singer in 1979. The Pretenders is fantastic.
Public Image Ltd – Metal Box (1979)
Public Image Ltd. is probably the most anti-jazz band on the entire list. These cats were hardly what you call “proficient” at their instruments, yet they communicate, inspire, and confound. And that’s the point. Perhaps this record has grown on me over time, but Metal Box is one of the few double LPs I would be happy to sit through on any given day. To the average listener, it’s going to sound like nonsense, but I implore you to see beyond the poor production and lack of songwriting. There’s truth in here. Find it.
Sister Sledge – We Are Family (1979)
Yeah, no.
Suggested Alternative: Cheap Trick – Dream Police (1979)
Hell, yes!
Talking Heads – Fear Of Music (1979)
“Cities” may be my favorite Talking Heads jam, but Fear of Music is the weakest of their early work.
Suggested Alternative: Joe Jackson – Look Sharp! (1979)
Jackson and his band financed the original recording of Look Sharp! with money they earned playing as a live cabaret band, Koffee ‘n’ Kreme.
The Clash – London Calling (1979)
The Damned – Machine Gun Etiquette (1979)
The Fall – Live At The Witch Trails (1979)
The B-52s – The B-52s (1979)
The Germs – GI (1979)
The Germs are arguably one of the seminal Southern California punk bands. Their regional influence is undeniable. GI is a really tough listen, though.
The Police – Regatta De Blanc (1979)
The Slits – Cut (1979)
Cut joins an elite group of potentially life-changing albums You Must Hear Before You Die, but probably wouldn’t unless someone pointed it out and said, “Hey, listen to this fucking Slits record.” First of all, The Slits were an all-female British punk band. How many of those can you name off the top of your head? And how many of them were as good as the Slits? I’m guessing the answers are zero and none.
The Specials – Specials (1979)
The Specials represent ska. At some point, you’re going to wonder how we wound up with Barenaked Ladies. Here’s the fertilization of the egg. “A Message to You, Rudy” is a classic.
The Undertones – The Undertones (1979)
The Undertones will forever be associated with the 1978 single, “Teenage Kicks”, which isn’t on this album…unless you get the version reissued in 1980, or one of several best-of compilations. If you want to go with the best of what the band has to offer, The Undertones isn’t it.
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Albums You Must Hear Before You Die…Or Not (1980)
Note: Suggested alternatives are from the same year as the contested entry unless otherwise indicated.
AC/DC – Back In Black (1980)
Undeniably classic hard rock. Nothing more to say.
Adam & The Ants – Kings Of The Wild Frontier (1980)
It might not be enough to take my word for it, so let’s bring in an expert, Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic.com. Here’s an abridged version of his review of the album:
Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables (1980)
It’s also impossible to estimate how punk rock—specifically Never Mind the Bollocks—changed the landscape of popular music. The Dead Kennedys were the most overtly political band since the MC5, and these kids took themselves seriously. Fortunately, their cross-pollination of psycho-surf rock and topical soapboxing made for enjoyable toe-tapping, skateboarding, and whatnot. Haha. Just kidding. This shit is better than Led Zeppelin.
Dexys Midnight Runners – Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (1980)
The influence of Van Morrison in popular music seems to have been relegated to a group of insufferable Irish egomaniacs who heard Astral Weeks and said, “I can do better than that.” Just because you wear the costume, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a clown. Likewise, owning a few Motown and Stax records doesn’t make you a soul group.
Echo & The Bunnymen – Crocodiles (1980)
Tough call here. You should probably hear E&TB, but I’m not convinced this is the record. I’m learning toward a greatest hits collection with these kids. However, the U.S. album version contains a couple of extra jams, including “Do It Clean”.
Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden (1980)
You must hear The Number of the Beast (1982), and that’s it for these guys.
Joy Division – Closer (1980)
Is it as good as Unknown Pleasures? Can’t be sure.
Judas Priest – British Steel (1980)
A fine dose of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a term that includes bands like Iron Maiden.
Killing Joke – Killing Joke (1980)
The gothic precursor to industrial rock.
Motorhead – Ace Of Spades (1980)
Proto-thrash will appeal to fans of hard rock, punk, and heavy metal. Their previous record, Overkill (1979) is better, if you ask me.
Peter Gabriel – Peter Gabriel (III) (1980)
Also known as “Melt”, this is the best Peter Gabriel solo album. “Intruder” features the first use of Phil Collins’ famous “gated drum” sound (heard on “In the Air Tonight”). The distinctive sound was identified via experiments by producer Steve Lillywhite, Phil Collins, and Hugh Padgham, in response to Gabriel’s request that Collins and Jerry Marotta not use cymbals on the album’s sessions.
Steve Winwood – Arc Of A Diver (1980)
This guy is one of the most talented musicians on the planet. His previous work in Blind Faith, Traffic, and the Spencer Davis Group is undeniable. Arc of a Diver marked Winwood’s second reinvention as the white Stevie Wonder. A musician capable of (and compelled to) playing every instrument himself, signaling a prolific and profitable solo career in the adult contemporary format. There were times in Winwood’s career when he rocked, just not after 1977. Arc Of A Diver heads directly into the wash.
Suggested Alternative: Siouxsie and the Banshees – Kaleidoscope (1980)
Get with the Siouxsie program or get out of popular music. This woman and her band paved the way for more than gender. Their impact on music and culture is sublime, but potent.
Talking Heads – Remain In Light (1980)
Arguably, the best Talking Heads album.
The Circle Jerks – Group Sex (1980)
Devoid of nuance and subtlety, the Jerks’ debut album is a solid right hook to the chops. Several songs appear on earlier Black Flag records (“Wasted”, “Don’t Care”, etc).
The Cramps – Songs The Lord Taught Us (1980)
Creepy gothabilly punk. Good stuff.
The Cure – Seventeen Seconds (1980)
As a freshman in high school, I joined the radio station, and it was there that I met a girl named Annette, a sophomore. She was one of the few “punk-ish” girls in school, yet also a star track athlete. Annette was unique in many ways, but what I remember most was her blunt and sometimes brutal honesty, especially when it came to music. She was the first person in life to question my musical tastes, e.g., the first to say, “You’re listening to R.E.O. Speedwagon? What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Annette also had an amazing ability to predict what new bands and records you would like, and whether you should waste your time listening to them. R.E.M. released Murmur in the second semester of 1983, and Annette brought a copy to the radio station. A kid named Dave had first dibs on the R.E.M. record, and the next day he was ebullient. “This is the best record I’ve ever heard!” he claimed, while handing it off to me. Annette said, “You’re not going to like it. Listen to this instead,” and handed me a copy of Seventeen Seconds.
She was right. Upon first listen, I didn’t really dig the R.E.M. record. They sounded like old men; the music was kind of dull. The Cure, on the other hand, were dark, edgy, and kind of creepy. I took Seventeen Seconds home, played it, loved it, played it for my friends, and within a week owned every record the Cure had put out to date. It wasn’t until a year later that another friend turned me on to the Chronic Town EP, and I began to appreciate R.E.M.
The Jam – Sound Affects (1980)
Aw, man. No. It isn’t necessary. I mean…yes, it is. Dammit! So few decent bands were influenced by the Jam precisely because they had a monopoly on the Kinks/Who cover band market. The Jam traveled from town to town via Vespa scooter, not that there’s anything wrong with that. But behind closed doors, they listened to the Steve Miller Band and Cliff Richard.
“That’s Entertainment” is one of the best songs in which you’ll never know what the fuck the dude is talking about without consulting Cliff’s Notes.
The Soft Boys – Underwater Moonlight (1980)
Underwater Moonlight is one of the most under-appreciated, underrated, under-everything albums of the period. And it’s also one of the first neo-psychedelic records, if not the most influential. R.E.M., the Replacements, Minutemen, and the Pixies were all over the Soft Boys, a band that also believed the best part of Pink Floyd was Syd Barrett. Meanwhile, L.A.’s Paisley Underground was raised on a steady diet of this album (and their debut, A Can of Bees). Drop the needle on “I Wanna Destroy You”. Thank me later.
Of course, the band broke up after making Underwater. Main songwriter Robyn Hitchcock went on to greater solo success, and we may hear one of his records, while bassist Kimberly Rew formed Katrina and the Waves (“Walking On Sunshine”), which we won’t be listening to now or anytime in the foreseeable future.
The Specials – More Specials (1980)
One album is more than enough of ska and the Specials.
Suggested Alternative: U2 – Boy (1980)
I’m surprised the official 1001 Albums list leaves this one off. Boy was one of the most important records of the early alternative rock movement. It hasn’t aged as well as some of their later work like War (1983) and The Unforgettable Fire (1984), but the idea and spirit of the band is undeniable.
The Teardrop Explodes – Kilimanjaro (1980)
More post-punk, new wave. Not essential, but not bad. There are some extremely catchy jams on this record, and some queasy-cheesy moments, too. I can’t think of a time when I’ve said, “I’m in the mood for the Teardrop Explodes.” However, Kilimanjaro does explain Simple Minds, the Fixx, and Jane’s Addiction, believe it or not. This is just one more branch on the tree. Oh, and Julian Cope. Some people think he’s something special.
Suggested Alternative: Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
Easily one of the best records of the year, and one of the 10 essential heavy metal albums. As important as Back in Black (1980).
The Undertones – Hypnotized (1980)
You know how Gatorade has several different colors, and the colors imply a particular flavor? Red = fruit punch. Purple = grape. Yellow = lemon-lime. But there’s really nothing fruity or punchy about Red Gatorade. It’s a confounding, salty-sweet beverage that leaves a pinkish ring around your mouth. Purple Gatorade has the slightest, wispiest hint of grape juice. Yellow has as much lemon-lime as I do patience for bad manners.
Of course, Gatorade has official flavor names for these beverages, but when someone makes a run to 7-11, you never say, “Hey, grab me a grape Gatorade.” You say, “Grab me a Purple Gatorade.”
Suggested Alternative: The English Beat – I Just Can’t Stop It
The best record of 1980. Sexy, sharp, accessible; undiminished by time.
Tom Waits – Heartattack And Vine (1980)
Tom Waits has two must-hear albums: Nighthawks At The Diner (1975), and another in 1985, Rain Dogs. I think you can skip this one unless you want to be incredibly disappointed that his “Saving All My Love for You” is not the same as the Whitney Houston song. On the other hand, the title track is probably one of Waits’ best cuts.
UB40 – Signing Off (1980)
UB40 didn’t invent reggae punk, but they didn’t have a lot of competition in 1980.
Did we miss any must-hear albums from 1979–1980? Let us know in the comments. And share this on social media if you enjoyed the post. Thanks for reading!
