80s Music Charts

• 1980 — The decade begins: post-punk matures and synth-pop is born. Top song: Call Me. Top album: Remain in Light.
• 1981 — MTV launches and a new visual age of pop begins. Top song: Don't You Want Me. Top album: Dare.
• 1982 — Thriller is recorded, post-punk goes pop, and Hi-NRG takes the dancefloor. Top song: Billie Jean. Top album: Thriller.
• 1983 — Synth-pop takes over the world. Top song: Blue Monday. Top album: Power, Corruption & Lies.
• 1984 — The imperial year of pop. Top song: When Doves Cry. Top album: Purple Rain.
• 1985 — Live Aid, stadium pop, and a global audience. Top song: Take On Me. Top album: Brothers in Arms.
• 1986 — Indie rises and hip-hop crosses over. Top song: Walk This Way. Top album: The Queen Is Dead.
• 1987 — Stadium pop, Joshua Tree and the rise of alt-rock. Top song: With or Without You. Top album: The Joshua Tree.
• 1988 — Acid house, the second summer of love and a new dance era. Top song: Fine Time. Top album: Surfer Rosa.
• 1989 — The decade closes with one foot in the new world. Top song: Personal Jesus. Top album: The Stone Roses.