7 Classic Rock Albums In The ’80s You Hated But Now Love

Revisiting past decades often stirs controversy, particularly when it involves compiling lists. Here, we present 7 classic rock albums from the ’80s that may not have won you over initially but have now become beloved favorites.

Nirvana – Bleach
Often overshadowed by the polished Nevermind, Bleach captures Nirvana in their rawest form. Stories of speedy recordings and last-minute lyrics contribute to its urgency. A mix of punk, hard rock, metal, and pop, the album hints at Kurt Cobain’s brilliance with tracks like “About a Girl” and “Blew.”

David Bowie – Let’s Dance
A masterpiece from start to finish, Let’s Dance showcases Bowie’s versatility. Calling in Nile Rodgers from Chic injected new life into Bowie’s sound. Hits like “Modern Love,” “Let’s Dance,” and “China Girl” solidify this album as a pivotal moment in Bowie’s career.

Kraftwerk – Computerwelt
Computerwelt is an ode to binary code and a testament to Kraftwerk’s fascination with computers. The album, with its minimalist structure and ambient synth movements, embodies the experimental tradition of artists like Karlheinz Stockhausen.

Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.
An album where every song is a hit, Born in the U.S.A. addresses critical issues of the ’80s while being musically perfect. The title track, along with songs like “Downbound Train” and “Glory Days,” showcases Springsteen’s influential voice.

The Smiths – Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths’ final album, Strangeways, Here We Come, pays homage to the Strangeways prison and features iconic cover art. The blend of Jhonny Marr’s guitar work and Morrissey’s vocals shines in tracks like “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before.”

Talking Heads – Remain In Light
Produced and mixed by Brian Eno, Remain in Light is Talking Heads at their peak. Influenced by tribal sounds and Afrobeat, the album channels Fela Kuti through David Byrne’s absurdist lens. A fusion of vitality and neuroses, it’s a sonic journey like no other.

AC/DC – Back in Black
Following the death of Bon Scott, AC/DC made a triumphant return with Brian Johnson on Back in Black. Initially met with skepticism, it became the best-selling rock album of all time. Its all-black cover symbolizes mourning, but the music inside is a celebration of rock at its finest.