The Top 10 Music Albums of August 1986
It's Back In The Highlight Again for those who are True Blue in Graceland while yelling Fore with total Control. So...
August 1986 was a vibrant time in music history, characterized by a diverse range of styles that dominated the charts and left a lasting impact on pop culture.
This article explores the top 10 music albums of that month, highlighting their hit songs, cultural significance, and intriguing anecdotes.
1. "Graceland" by Paul Simon
Hit Songs:
"You Can Call Me Al": A catchy tune with an iconic music video featuring Chevy Chase.
"Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes": A collaboration with South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Pop Culture Influence:
"Graceland" was revolutionary for its blend of American pop and African rhythms. It played a significant role in introducing world music to a broader audience and sparked conversations about cultural appropriation and collaboration.
Interesting Tidbits:
Paul Simon traveled to South Africa during apartheid to record the album, leading to controversy but also to a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1987.
2. "True Blue" by Madonna
Hit Songs:
"Papa Don't Preach": A controversial song dealing with teenage pregnancy.
"Live to Tell": A powerful ballad that showcased Madonna's vocal range.
Pop Culture Influence:
Madonna cemented her status as the "Queen of Pop" with "True Blue," which showcased a more mature and diverse sound. The album's themes of love and rebellion resonated with the youth of the era.
Interesting Tidbits:
"True Blue" was dedicated to Sean Penn, whom Madonna was married to at the time. It became one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s.
3. "Control" by Janet Jackson
Hit Songs:
"What Have You Done for Me Lately": A feminist anthem with a strong beat.
"Nasty": Introduced the world to Janet's signature phrase, "No, my first name ain't baby."
Pop Culture Influence:
Janet Jackson emerged as a powerful voice in pop and R&B, asserting independence and control over her career. "Control" was pivotal in redefining the role of women in the music industry.
Interesting Tidbits:
The album was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and its success led to Jackson becoming the first woman to win a Grammy for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical).
4. "Back in the High Life" by Steve Winwood
Hit Songs:
"Higher Love": A chart-topping hit featuring Chaka Khan on backing vocals.
"Back in the High Life Again": An uplifting track celebrating renewal and optimism.
Pop Culture Influence:
This album marked a successful comeback for Winwood, blending rock, pop, and R&B. It highlighted the trend of veteran artists adapting to contemporary sounds.
Interesting Tidbits:
"Higher Love" won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1987, solidifying Winwood's status as a solo artist after his success with Traffic and Blind Faith.
5. "Invisible Touch" by Genesis
Hit Songs:
"Invisible Touch": A pop-rock anthem with a memorable hook.
"Land of Confusion": Known for its politically charged lyrics and innovative music video featuring puppets.
Pop Culture Influence:
Genesis reached the peak of their commercial success with "Invisible Touch," blending progressive rock with pop sensibilities. The album's themes of technology and societal change resonated with the MTV generation.
Interesting Tidbits:
The "Land of Confusion" video won a Grammy for Best Concept Music Video, illustrating the growing importance of visual media in music.
6. "Slippery When Wet" by Bon Jovi
Hit Songs:
"Livin' on a Prayer": An anthem of resilience and hope.
"You Give Love a Bad Name": A hard-hitting rock track that became a signature song for the band.
Pop Culture Influence:
"Slippery When Wet" catapulted Bon Jovi to international fame, epitomizing the glam metal scene of the 1980s. The album's energetic sound and relatable lyrics appealed to a wide audience.
Interesting Tidbits:
The album cover was originally a wet t-shirt with the title written on it, but it was replaced with the current design after controversy.
7. "Riptide" by Robert Palmer
Hit Songs:
"Addicted to Love": Known for its iconic video featuring models as a backup band.
"I Didn't Mean to Turn You On": A funky track with catchy synth hooks.
Pop Culture Influence:
"Riptide" solidified Palmer's reputation as a sophisticated pop-rock artist. The slick production and stylish videos set a standard for visual presentation in music.
Interesting Tidbits:
The "Addicted to Love" video became a cultural phenomenon, parodied by many artists and establishing a new archetype for music videos.
8. "Raising Hell" by Run-D.M.C.
Hit Songs:
"Walk This Way" (with Aerosmith): A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and rock.
"It's Tricky": A playful yet impactful track with clever wordplay.
Pop Culture Influence:
"Raising Hell" was a pivotal album in hip-hop, bringing the genre to mainstream audiences. The collaboration with Aerosmith bridged cultural gaps and influenced future musical crossovers.
Interesting Tidbits:
The success of "Walk This Way" helped revitalize Aerosmith's career and is credited with breaking down racial barriers in music.
9. "Fore!" by Huey Lewis and the News
Hit Songs:
"Stuck with You": A lighthearted, upbeat love song.
"Hip to Be Square": An ironic take on conformity and the yuppie lifestyle.
Pop Culture Influence:
Huey Lewis and the News became emblematic of 1980s pop-rock with "Fore!," capturing the era's optimism and excess. Their accessible sound and catchy hooks made them a radio staple.
Interesting Tidbits:
"Hip to Be Square" was famously featured in the film "American Psycho," bringing a new layer of interpretation to the song.
10. "So" by Peter Gabriel
Hit Songs:
"Sledgehammer": Known for its groundbreaking stop-motion music video.
"In Your Eyes": A romantic ballad immortalized by its use in the film "Say Anything..."
Pop Culture Influence:
"So" was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Gabriel's innovative approach to music and video. The album's blend of art rock and world music influences set a high bar for artistic expression.
Interesting Tidbits:
The "Sledgehammer" video won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987 and remains one of the most acclaimed music videos of all time.
These albums not only defined the summer of 1986 but also left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. From the innovative fusion of genres to the unforgettable music videos, each album contributed to the dynamic and transformative landscape of 1980s music.
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