The Best Albums of 1983

By about 1983, the original movement had dissolved, with surviving acts dropping most of the fashion elements to pursue mainstream careers. Other New Romantic artists included Classix Nouveaux, A Flock of Seagulls, Gary Numan, Japan, Landscape, Thompson Twins, Soft Cell, ABC, the Teardrop Explodes, Yazoo, and Talk Talk. In 1983, 30% of the record sales were from British acts. 18 of the top 40 and 6 of the top 10 singles on July 18 were by British artists. Overall record sales would rise by 10% from 1982.^[40][43] Newsweek magazine featured Annie Lennox and Boy George on the cover of one of its issues while Rolling Stone Magazine would release an England Swings issue. Here are all of the 1983 albums ranked.

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10. The Final Cut (Pink Floyd)

“Possibly Pink Floyd’s most controversial album. Not because of the subject matter, particularly, but because (as is well documented) it represents little more than a Roger Waters solo album. This doesn’t necessarily make it a bad thing, but compared to the rest of the band’s output, it is lacking some magic. There are some highlights (see below), but overall it misses the creative input from the other members. It’s a good album, but that’s not really enough for the boys in Pink.”

9. Let’s Dance (David Bowie)

“Let’s dance. Bowie’s most commercially successful album to date. Reaching #1 on both sides of the Atlantic. In retrospect the album is indeed very popular compared to his earlier material. I really enjoy this album. Quite a lot. With just 8 songs Bowie created a benchmark for artists to follow. Modern Love, has the capacity to turn anyone into a Bowie fan. This album is great. Bowie has been putting out the fire with gasoline. This album is very, very good.”

8. Kill ‘Em All (Metallica)

“The prototypical album of the genre. It’s still shocking this came out in 1983 in the midst of the cheezy hair metal era. This album may not be Metallica’s best, or a genuinely musical accomplishment in and of itself, but it certainly was a breath of fresh, harsh air when it came out.”

See more: Metallica Albums Ranked

7. Speaking In Tongues (Talking Heads)

“The oddball production and quietly paranoid lyrics really give this album a charm. The second half does have some hollow lyrics but is still catchy. And of course “This must be the place” may be the best love song ever written with a beautiful ending note.”

6. Swordfishtrombones (Tom Waits)

“I thought this album was gonna be a bit more experimental than it ended up being after hearing the first track, which, if I’m gonna be honest, disappointed me to some degree. But I was not disappointed by the excellent songwriting. Tom Waits deserves more credit for his ability to craft an interesting collection of songs that are just experimental enough to make you think about how it was written and how it makes you feel. Swordfishtrombones is excellent.”

5. Synchronicity (The Police)

“Best album by the Police. Best album of 1983. Great audio quality. Great singing and drumming. I like the whole album except “Mother”. Favorite song: “Wrapped Around Your Finger” a Bonus track on CD:”Murder By Numbers is also very good.”

4. War (U2)

“There is a rawness and originality to this album which still shines through today over thirty years after it was released. Although I have never liked the sound of the bass drum and snare drum at the beginning of Sunday Bloody Sunday, it isn’t the concept I don’t like, it is the cheap tinny sound they create, possibly because of the kit or mic technique used at the time.”

See more: U2 Albums Ranked

3. Power, Corruption & Lies (New Order)

“Power, Corruption, & Lies sees New Order inching further away from their old sound in Joy Division. The ease you into it by starting with a straight post-punk song and the album slowly morphs into a synthpop project. Pretty great. Every song is enjoyable, definitely worth a listen.”

2. Violent Femmes (Violent Femmes)

“Violent Femmes’ self-titled debut album delivers some of the most cathartic teen angst ever put on record (“Blister in the Sun”), along with some genuinely cringe-worthy moments (“Gimme the Car”). I’m willing to excuse some of the more juvenile turns of phrase because Gordon Gano and company really do seem to understand rejection and are able to translate what is really a very personal experience into something universal.”

1. Murmur (R.E.M.)

“A fun and crisp sounding album. It does seem boring at first listen but it might click after a couple of listens, and it is sophisticated while still seeming simple. That being said, I still feel like its influence, like nirvana nevermind, outweighs its actual musical quality. The only song that really had an effect on me was Moral Kiosk, everything else I can admire and enjoy, but it all blends together as one long chorus honestly.”