Most Underrated Rock Albums of the ’80s
The 1980s was really the decade of rock ‘n’ roll. Even so, there are quite a few of the most underrated rock albums from the ’80s. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Anton Corbijn
The 1980s was really the decade of rock ‘n’ roll. Even so, there are quite a few underrated rock albums of the ’80s. There’s no denying that rock music, especially stadium-ready rock, ruled the airwaves and hearts of people during that era. Glam rock and metal were huge, and big, blockbuster rock acts with heavy riffs and powerful vocals reigned supreme. While acts like Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC were everywhere in the 1980s, that doesn’t mean the lesser-known rock albums and bands should be neglected. In honor of those unsung musical heroes, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of the most underrated rock albums of the ’80s.
Underrated Rock Albums of the ’80s
Aldo Nova, “Aldo Nova”
In 1982, the very underrated Aldo Nova, a Canadian rock musician and music producer who has a knack for the unexpected. The album offered a new, fresh sound of rock and metal, and there was really no other album like it in the ’80s.
Heart, “Private Audition”
Everyone knows Heart, but the band’s 1982 release, “Private Audition,” is very underrated. Here, the band really experimented with their sound and expanded on the usual rock and folk music of their catalog.
Keith Richards, “Talk is Cheap”
In 1988, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones released a mammoth rock album in “Talk is Cheap.” The album really proved that Richards was more than just a lead guitarist. He was also a songwriter. At the time, he and Mick Jagger were estranged, so it was a welcomed release for Rolling Stones fans. It’s definitely one of the most underrated rock albums of the ’80s.
Kiss, “Creatures of the Night”
Kiss is another act that’s not underrated, but their 1982 album, “Creatures of the Night,” often goes under looked. The guys released this album right before they decided to remove their makeup, so it takes on special importance. It was also the band’s last record on Casablanca Records, which had been their sole label home at the time.
Nirvana, “Bleach”
When people talk about Nirvana, they rarely bring up Nirvana’s 1989 debut album, “Bleach,” but it shouldn’t go underappreciated. “Bleach” was the band’s statement album and debut on SubPop Records, before they made the leap to Geffin. It was highly successful but did nothing like their sophomore album, “Nevermid,” would do in 1991. “Bleach” also featured Chad Channing on drums and was before Dave Grohl joined the band. “About a Girl” is a favorite off this one.
Peter Wolf, “Lights Out”
Peter Wolf went outside of the J. Geils Band and released a solo album with “Lights Out” in 1984. The release featured a lot of great blues-rock and was more modern sounding than anything the Geils Band did. It’s certainly one of the most underrated rock albums of the ’80s.
The Cult, “Electric”
There’s nothing underrated about the Cult, but the band’s 1986 album, “Electric,” too often goes unnoticed. Robert Smith and company always experiment on their albums, and this one was no exception. The college rockers brought a Led Zeppelin vibe to “Electric,” and it really sings.
Find Audio Ink Radio’s tally of the best grunge songs of the ’80s, too, featuring classic rock cuts from Green River to Nirvana.
- Underrated Songs from the ’80s - January 19, 2025
- Best Nu-Metal Songs of All Time - January 8, 2025
- The Greatest Thrash Metal Album of All Time - January 7, 2025
