1984 (With a few additions to Justin's list): Echo & The Bunnymen--Ocean Rain The Fall--The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall Minutemen--Double Nickels U2--Unforgettable Fire Nick Cave--From Her to Eternity Meat Puppets--Meat Puppets 2 Billy Bragg--Brewing up with Smiths--Smiths Husker Du--Zen Arcade Big Country--Steeltown The Style Council--Cafe Bleu Robyn Hitchcock---I Often Dream of Trains REM--Reckoning
@@meadish You welcome! Big Country had one really big hit called "In a Big Country," which you're probably familiar with--it's on their first album, The Crossing, which is pretty solid from beginning to end. The Style Council were Paul Weller's band after The Jam split up but before his solo career--Cafe Blue is great LP, with some really memorable songs. Hope you get a chance to check them out!
I loved that entire decade of music. Looking back it feels like I lived through some sort of Golden Age so it's impossible for me to choose one year. I suppose 1984 is as good a year as any to choose, but then there was Whitesnake's self-titled album in 1987 which I have fond memories of. I honestly can't choose just one year - the whole decade was virtually a masterpiece.
That’s kinda funny, cause 70’s and the 90’s were so much better. Dylan, Young, Dire Straits, Springsteen etc. all released their worst albums in the 80’s. Then again, I was a kid, and was mesmerized by WASP, Crüe, Twisted Sister, Maiden, Ozzy, Dokken, White Lion etc., so to me personally it was a magical period, but looking back objectively that was pretty bad decade musically. ✌️
Just wanted to say that your continued high quality and engaging output has really meant a lot over the past year. Your passion and enthusiasm has been a welcome tonic to the real world craziness and there has been times I've benefitted greatly from spending 15 mins with your videos. All the best for the future and I hope you are well and continue making great content. Much love
Floodland deserves its own episode! I thought Sisters the moment you said 1987 but never expected you to mention them. Awesome! The Sisters were great because they rocked, but you could also dance to them; plus, Andy was a great lyricist.
Prince was an incredible singer, guitarist, pianist, bass player, drummer, writer, producer, performer - everything! There will never be another one like him. Saw him live 30 times and always walked away open-mouthed at how amazing he was.
@@johnhassall1782 I didn't appreciate Prince until I saw him do "While my guitar gently weeps" with Tom Petty and an all star band. I'm like ,WTF is this? Holy shit, he can fucking play guitar? Then I started looking into him. Very talented musician from a musical family. I never had a clue for 30 years. Still, don't much care for most of the shit he put out, but, he got rich, and I didn't, so, off I fuck. 🤣
Seconded - that interaction was gold, and you "bringing in the ringer" was hilarious. These guys were absolutely terrific, and you picked the best band for a birthday banger!
I cannot express how much I would enjoy an episode of you talking about Floodland. It's an absolute bloody masterpiece from start to finish. 1987 all the way for me
Still like the 1984 first album from W.A.S.P. I prefer the 1984 Whitesnake album. Can't think of 1984 without Ratt's Round and Round. Producer Tom Werman called George Lynch's 1984 solo on the Dokken song Tooth and Nail the greatest guitar solo he's ever heard.
@@XenoMorphGaming79 "I Wanna Be Somebody" I did indeed, "The Torture Never Stops" well ... true you "Hellion" great album and THAT vid Blackie windmilling. Classic.
The Cars' 1984 "Heartbeat City" is as close to a perfect power pop album in existence. On one record: "Hello Again," "Magic," "Drive," "Stranger Eyes," "You Might Think," "It's Not the Night." Just BONKERS good.
The Cars were consistently ahead of their time. While huge, they seemed to have came across a bit odd and nerdy, but I think they were just ahead of their time.
1984 for me. My Mum's generation were so lucky. She was 15 in 1971 and I will never get over the jealousy of the era of music she lived through and danced to when it was all brand new. I've always maintained 1956 to 1986 was the quintessential 30 years for pop and rock music and she was there for every second. Even the super cheesy pop music was awesome (Crazy Horses, Pleasant Valley Sunday etc.) Queen, Bowie, T-Rex, Roxy Music, The Kinks, Al Green, Aretha; it just goes on and on and on.
My older brother bought ‘Never mind the bollocks’ in 79, it did something to my nine year old brain and sent me down the punk road. I eventually came back to more mainstream music when ‘Appetite’ was released, which was the greatest thing I’d heard in over ten years. For me it has to be 87.
1984 can't be topped for me. I saw Van Halen in the summer of '84, still the best concert after all these years. I still have the ticket stub - $14.25 for a great seat!
Nice name, love me some TP! Can you elaborate more on the Van Halen show? I’d love to know more detail. I was born in ‘93, so unfortunately missed the Prime 80s that I so dearly love now.
@@CodyAlushin I can tell you about seeing Van Halen on their first tour in 1978. They opened for Black Sabbath. David Lee Roth seemed unbelievably tall! They were great that night .....so was Sabbath. It was on my 15th birthday. My group of friends gave me a gift once we were at the venue, and it was a little square of 4 way windowpane! ( That's back when we got real LSD). Those days are over. Now I just go to the dispensary and buy the best weed and just party at home, unless I'm going to get obliterated. Then the oil cartridges come in. Was it the show, my friends, or the windowpane? I dunno . I didn't sleep for 2 days. LOL 🤣🤣
The Smiths first album debuted in 1984 and their last album came out in 1987. That was great and hilarious when you sang a little Lou Gramm - I Want To Know What Love Is will stand the test of time.
1987 may have had the better albums at the top (GNR, The Cult, Helloween) but '84 had so much more. In no order: Judas Priest, Anthrax, Whitesnake, 38 Special, Queen, April Wine, TWO from Manowar, Yngwie Malmsteen, Trouble, Savatage, Scorpions, Ratt, Hanoi Rocks, Rush, Venom, Saxon, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, The Cars, Slade, Twisted Sister, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kick Axe, Lizzy Borden, Dio, Lindsey Buckingham, Sammy Hagar, Pantera, Fastway, Y&T, Cirith Ungol, Slayer, WASP, Krokus, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Queensryche, Kiss, Dokken, THREE from Black Flag, Fates Warning, Zebra, Ramones, Bathory, Armored Saint, Grave Digger, Running Wild, Deep Purple, Triumph, Robert Plant, Rough Cutt, The Kinks, Molly Hatchet, Keel, Celtic Frost, TNT...to name a few.
Hammer to Fall is one of the top 5 songs of 1984. It's also one of Queen's best songs - certainly top 10 in their catalog. And a killer performance at Live Aid. But I have to give the award for best year of Music to 1987. Joshua Tree, Hysteria, Tunnel of Love, Sign o the Times, and (as Justin so correctly said) the best debut album ever, Appetite for Destruction.
1984 for me. Twisted Sister with Stay Hungry and Priest with Defenders. But the surprise was Whitesnakes ‘Slide it in’. Not the original lightweight UK version but The US remix with Sykes on guitar. I was never a ‘Snake fan but that remix was right up my alley!
I missed this post originally as I was not yet aware of your orbit, but found it via the Steel Panther 1987 video. I won't pick a year, because I'm biased (as I graduated High School in '87), but I will say that you are spot on regarding In God's Country, but its a toss up with Red Hill Mining Town. I have always said (and listen to a thousand times) that the 2nd side of JT is THE best road tripping playlist ever. Just start it at Running to Stand, turn it up and scream the lyrics out at 3:57 in RHMT..everything after that is Bonus! Cheers and keep making this old guy laugh.
Please, please, do an intro to Floodland, Justin. It contains real high watermarks for both Eldritch and Steinman: "when we were trying to sell 'Corrosion' to Steinman, we told him it was like the high-point of a Borgia's disco evening and he went for it." A classic. Eldritch is such an interesting character, having essentially been on strike from making records since the '90s. You want new Sisters material? You got to see them live. You've talked quite a bit about the mechanics of the music business - Eldritch's take on how his new material is owned and distributed is pretty unique and worth discussing. Keep up the good work...
Prince had the #1 Single, #1 Album, and #1 Movie simultaneously in 1984. Hard to top that. 1984 will always win, in my opinion. So many great albums by artists who maintained longevity and relevance in the industry for decades.
I graduated in 1988 so this was smack dab in my formative years. Man I loved all the years. But if you put a gun to my head, I have to go '87. GN"R, Def Leppard's Hysteria and Whitesnake to name a few. And I won't lie I LOVED Tiffany and Debbie Gibson 🤣
I vote 1987! The Cult - Electric was HUGE for me! Plus the following ... Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction - Prime Mover Fields of the Nephilim - Dawn Razor Suicidal Tendencies - Join The Army
I was originally going to say "It's a tie", but then I considered the things I was doing in both years and realised that 1987 was when I truly fell for Rock 'n' Roll, grew my hair, wore leather jeans and cowboy boots, mainly thanks to Appetite For Destruction, Hysteria, Permanent Vacation, Electric and Whitesnake '87. Also including, but not limited to, Girls, Girls, Girls, Once Bitten, Dream Evil and Faster Pussycat. The list goes on. I even still have most of my hair!
OMG!!!! I’ve posted a dozen times on FB lately (Dominion ), and it’s gotten deleted. It is the song of our times!!! Lucretia ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 1987, hands down because it’s less dominant with the pop genre and it was a much more creative movement; In my opinion. Please do a Sisters of Mercy/Mission UK show....maybe even Bauhaus, Joy Division or Cocteau Twins. You could always get crazed and do Dead Can Dance😼 Thanks Justin! I love your work. Let me know when you come to Bozeman Montana to visit that Gibson factory! 🍏🙀✨
Which year was better for music is a pretty broad question..... 1987 had a lot of underground things brewing and starting up that we didn't hear about until later or that went unnoticed by the mainstream but made an impact later...so great music and exciting scenes were happening but heard by few at the time..... 1984 was the year of pop music that defined the entire decade and if you were asked to submit an 80s setlist for a wedding you could fill it with songs all from 1984 and no one would likely clue in to what you did. Music videos had become the thing to watch. Countdown shows were the equivalent to 70s variety shows (but much better production) and entire families would tune in to watch on Saturday and Sunday nights. With more afterschool video programs popping up the following year this family viewing trend slowed considerably and was forgotten by 87. Whats interesting about this family trend is that it resulted in no bands fully geared towards the kiddies....such massive pop record sales and you didn't have a bay city rollers, no new kids on the block, backstreet boys or anything like that.... Menudo gave it a shot in 83 with some tv appearances and singing some cartoon theme songs....but they were no match for Cindy Lauper, Michael Jackson, Prince, Twisted Sister, Lionel Ritchie, Madonna.....the list goes on and on and on. So in the landscape of mainstream music 1984 is the title and 1987 is a footnote...... yeah I'll probably write a book once I retire....... you could kind of sum up the two years Pop-wise in terms of Michael Jackson.... Sure Thriller was released in 82 but most of the singles were 83 so in 1984 he won 8 Grammy awards....set all the records... in 1987 he released Bad and it did just less than 65% of Thriller even though it had all the advantages of insane preorders, increased distribution, increased production....increased everything in anticipation of matching or beating Thriller....and I ramble.
Has to be 84 for me = VH, Reckless and POWERSLAVE! Passing the open windows on the Works. Love Brian’s tone on that. Really different for him. Can’t you just hear Knopfler singing Private Dancer once you know? I’ve been wondering what you thought about Boston. Hitch a Ride is probably my fav guitar solo of all time.
87 for me. GnR, whitesnake and Def leopard, I can't tell you how many times I have played those entire albums through, over and over. Still love 84 too, but I stand by 87 as the best. Really it's like having to choose a favorite child....
"Hobo" was a horrible word for rock and roll. "Drifter" sounded much nicer. I want to say it was someone in the band that suggested it only because "Hobo" was laughable.
Justin, I have a couple of questions for you…. 1. Repetition is obviously really important in music but during a concert do you ever forget what’s coming next and get the feeling that you’ve already performed a song earlier? 2. Have you ever composed a song in a dream and remembered on waking? 😀
For me 1987 over 1984. I think that 87's music had more bite.. But in all honesty it is 2022 and I just saw The Darkness play live in Toronto. It was my first time seeing The Darkness and I was totally blown away!!!! I was in the second row and in between songs i yelled out "Justin Hawkins rides again" and it did not fo unnoticed by Justin.. If you have not seen The Darkness live then you need to.. The entire set was flawless.. I could not believe how tight the band is live, I could not believe how amazing the guitars sounded and I especially could not believe how Justins voice sounds even better live than on the records.. That is a rarity for singers in my opinion.. Do yourselves a favour folks and make sure you see them on this tour.. This was easily the most fun show i have ever been to and i have seen pretty much every good band from the 80's/90's/2000's.. The Darkness is on Fire.. Dare I say that Dan Hawkins is the best rhythem Guitarist going now that Malcom is gone. you Guys really blew me away and I can't wait to see you again
1984. Paradise City and This Corrosion had me leanin'... but Jump - and primarily Pride - sealed the deal for '84. The Unforgettable Fire is infinitely re-listenable and so wonderful to re-experience. You could have selected A Sort of Homecoming, Indian Summer Sky, Bad ("I'm WIDE AWAKE, I'm wide awake, wide awake, I'm not sleeping"), or Wire ("I'm no dope, I give you hope, here's the rope, now swing away") and the result would be the same. As their follow up to War, TUF was the land shifting under our feet... you could see The Joshua Tree was on the horizon and inevitable. 1984. (P.S. I love your channel. Thank you.)
I had the privilege of being there when you played with Tap I flew over from Ireland. I saw AC/DC 2 days before at Punches town. That was a great week. Tap & DC HEAVEN.
Hey Justin! I was at the show last night in Asbury Park...I was in the VIP crowd as a fan “old” boy… I saw you jamming on the synth…I could definitely see the Darkness playing or jamming to this song…Simmons and Toft “Can’t let it go”…what do you think?
Tough call mate… I’m 53 and was very much in the LA (Hollywood) scene. 1987 wouldn’t be what it was if not for 1984, if you know what I mean. The evolution seemed natural because those big 1987 bands were around in 1984, building their fan base and their sound. I find it impossible to pick “true” favorites when it comes to music. because I truly LOVE most all music. Both years were pivotal for me and all those records became a part of my DNA
Living my teen years through the 80s, in my opinion, 1984 and 1987 are greatly important for all genres of music, especially rock, hard rock, thrash and heavy metal my favourites. I also graduated high school in 1987. I vote 1984 and 1987.
"The Pro's & Con's Of Hitch Hiking" came out in 84' so it has to be that for me. Someone else in the comments also mentioned "Powerslave" was 84' too so it's an easy choice for me.
2003 - The White Strips "Elephant", Jay-Z "The Black Album", Outkast "SpeakerBoxxx" and the best album of the year, no contest The Darkness "Permission to Land"
I remember that year like it was yesterday. I remember retreating into early Prince (pre-Purple Rain) and disco (mainly Chic output) because music was so unimpressive. Franz Ferdinand and all of those haircut wankers were starting to dominate, which made me feel very alienated. I liked the Outcast album and I think Prince released Musicology in that year too. If I'm still trying to think of something positive to say, it was still far and away a better time for music than today, in terms of what's mainstream.
For me 1984 was the greatest year in music - so many great albums and so many great iconic careers cemented wit classic albums - Prince, Springsteen, Madonna (Like A Virgin was released in 1984), Tina Turner, The Smiths, Bryan Adams, Van Halen, Talking Heads - the list goes on. Will there ever be another year so varied or ground breaking for music? I really don't think so. Just now begs the question - is it worth listening to new music when the old songs were so great? Certainly modern artists have a lot to live up to.
White Snakes here I go again was written in late 81, released in 82 and then re-recorded and that version was released in 87..... not sure where you got 70s from....fishing for comments perhaps?
Justin, Love love love your RUclips channel! It's simply delightful, hilarious and informative (The tri-fecta...Ha!) Anyway, please check out a mostly unheard of LA band that was really not part of that whole 80's "Hair-Band" mess....But yet brilliantly using the the heavy guitar sounds coming on at the times and I believe all written and mostly performed by their singer...who's last name (if real...who knows, or cares) is used as the band name. I'm speaking/writing of the great and at least one of the most original voices of Heavy rock/Metal...Davy Vain of the band/namesake - "Vain". As much as you know about music and older rock bands it's possible you may have heard of this band? If not I would love x 3 to get your take on one of my rock/metal idols as a young punk Drummer/Singer-Songwriter/Multi instrumentalist (shameless props...indeed I must admit I needed to squeeze those in to perpetuate my own dignity (actually former acheivmentsnow turned to burnout jobless middle age musician....sigh) Anyway...I am and have been a monster fan of give me a "T-Arkness"...since the day I was nearly floored hearing and seeing the visual extravaganza of the MTV video for "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" And as a serious musician and song writer I can say without doubt that Yes! The Darkness is still the greatest thing since sliced cucumber previously used as pant props, no..seriously since sliced bread w/jam! Please check out Davy and his namesake band "Vain" especially the debut album "No Respect" released I beeive in 1989. I could not possibly pick a favorite song from this album as they are all absolutely perfecto...at least to my humble ears. But please do check out "No Respect" the song, as well as "Watching You" those will really get the heart going! I would never consider them a so called "Hair Band" etc. His voice alone puts them in a category all their own....maybe more punk-ish if anything. Anyway...keep up the awesome work and I'm hating life as I just missed both your concerts in Atlanta as well as Charlotte NC due to illness. So please also come back this way...or if I must, I will travel anywhere to see the greatest Rock n Roll live show on earth! Peace and love to you my friend and brother inmusicianship. Sorry for writing such a long post...just couldn't contain my being overwhelmed by such greatness and starpower! Peace, Robby aka Jade
1987, just for Appetite. That said, and I realise this wasn't the question posed, BUT... 1971 remains the gold standard in my eyes. Zep IV Sticky Fingers LA Woman Electric Warrior Meddle Who's Next Maggot Brain Madman Across The Water What's Going On Blue 10 of the greatest and most important records ever.
Both 1984 and 1987 were great for hard rock and metal albums. I have to give the nod to 84 for great releases by Dio, Scorpions, WASP, Dokken, Ratt, Metallica, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest.
8 bass players! Lol. I seen spinal tap live. Lost it when the blueprints were misread and instead of one giant stone hedge slowly decending to the stage, many little ones rained down on the band. I'll vote 84. Even though ride the lightning was my first music that was MINE. independent of any family or friends.
Sisters of Mercy Floodland is one of my top 10 albums of all time. Lucretia would have been my choice from the album. Flood I & II are extremely atmospheric & another highlight. There isn't a bad track on it at all.
Great vid choice. Really had me thinking.. Out of those two, I’d say 84. But honestly we have to consider ‘76. High Voltage, Rocks, Hotel California, Boston, Rainbow Rising, Day at the races etc. Phenomenal year.
I agree about 1976. Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak, Blue Oyster Cult - Agents of Fortune, Rush - 2112, David Bowie Station to Station, Led Zeppelin - Presence, and the Sex Pistols released Anarchy in the UK. Actually 1977 was pretty good as well. Nothing in the 1980's to compete with those.
I visited my grandparents in America in 1987. I remember a few mtv videos from that time...REM - End of the World as We Know It, They Might Be Giants - Don't Let Start, Faith No More - Epic... I'm not sure if they were released that year but that's when I was introduced to them. Christmas 1987 at my Gramma and Grampa's house...watching American television. Was also introduced to Married With Children on that trip, pretty sure that debuted that year as well.
I was really shocked that I would have even thought about putting 1987 here but I very nearly did. It was so close and Seven Wonders and INXS nearly edged it but VH and Prince made me vote 1984!
You got me with my college years in 1987. INXS, G n R and The Cult!!!! We wore those tapes out, over and over and over. Love that Def Leppard album, too. Aerosmith is amazing, Permanent Vacation & Pump, and of course the 70s stuff. Loved Prince since his 1st album in the late 70s.
They supported the Human League in Sheffield in 1978 when they were starting out. Ten years later both bands had reached the upper reaches of the US charts. Incredible!
The 80's were the best time of my life. So many great songs. (I, myself, am a die hard Purple Hippie) Back in the day when people dressed up to go out. I miss those days. Thanks, Justin.
Aaah I cannot decide and now I will be awake thinking about it! Thanks Justin! I listened to 'Appetite...' so so many times, but also 'Reckless' too. I probably go back to those 1984 songs more often now. 84 probably only just wins for me.
'84. BTW, the original version of Here I Go Again was released in 1982. The lyrical change was because Coverdale originally wanted the word "drifter", but felt that he overused that word(Deep Purple has a song called Drifter). When the song was re-recorded, he felt that "drifter" was more appropriate
1976? Boston, The Eagles - Hotel California, Rush - 2112, AC/DC - High Voltage, BÖC - Agents Of Fortune, Kansas - Leftoverture, Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak, UFO - No Heavy Petting, Rainbow - Rising, Queen - A Day At The Races, Kiss - Destroyer.....
Which year is it 1984 or 1987? Cast your vote NOW!!
1984
1984. Didn't have to scratch my chin once!
1984
1984
1984
1984 (With a few additions to Justin's list):
Echo & The Bunnymen--Ocean Rain
The Fall--The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall
Minutemen--Double Nickels
U2--Unforgettable Fire
Nick Cave--From Her to Eternity
Meat Puppets--Meat Puppets 2
Billy Bragg--Brewing up with
Smiths--Smiths
Husker Du--Zen Arcade
Big Country--Steeltown
The Style Council--Cafe Bleu
Robyn Hitchcock---I Often Dream of Trains
REM--Reckoning
Have you been looking through my record collection 😀
Ooh, you're tingling right up my alley. Since I don't know the Big Country and the Style Council albums I'll be checking them out now. Thanks!
@@meadish You welcome! Big Country had one really big hit called "In a Big Country," which you're probably familiar with--it's on their first album, The Crossing, which is pretty solid from beginning to end. The Style Council were Paul Weller's band after The Jam split up but before his solo career--Cafe Blue is great LP, with some really memorable songs. Hope you get a chance to check them out!
Thanks for mentioning Robyn Hitchcock... Seriously over looked so often!
@@meadish Big Country are wonderful. Steeltown is a masterpiece of guitars and rhythm and thoughtful lyrics.
1984 for me. Judas Priest "Defenders of the Faith" was released on January 4th 1984. Hell of a way to start the year...
underrated album
Great album indeed.
I loved that entire decade of music. Looking back it feels like I lived through some sort of Golden Age so it's impossible for me to choose one year. I suppose 1984 is as good a year as any to choose, but then there was Whitesnake's self-titled album in 1987 which I have fond memories of. I honestly can't choose just one year - the whole decade was virtually a masterpiece.
That’s kinda funny, cause 70’s
and the 90’s were so much better.
Dylan, Young, Dire Straits, Springsteen etc.
all released their worst albums in the 80’s.
Then again, I was a kid, and was mesmerized
by WASP, Crüe, Twisted Sister, Maiden, Ozzy,
Dokken, White Lion etc., so to me personally
it was a magical period, but looking back
objectively that was pretty bad decade musically. ✌️
Just wanted to say that your continued high quality and engaging output has really meant a lot over the past year. Your passion and enthusiasm has been a welcome tonic to the real world craziness and there has been times I've benefitted greatly from spending 15 mins with your videos. All the best for the future and I hope you are well and continue making great content. Much love
You just read my mind. Thanks for expressing so well what so many of us think and feel.
Floodland deserves its own episode! I thought Sisters the moment you said 1987 but never expected you to mention them. Awesome! The Sisters were great because they rocked, but you could also dance to them; plus, Andy was a great lyricist.
Thank you for giving Prince his rock props in both years! People forget that he was a guitar god, sometimes!
Prince was a seriously talented guy wasn't he,, I probably didn't appreciate it back then!
Prince was an incredible singer, guitarist, pianist, bass player, drummer, writer, producer, performer - everything! There will never be another one like him. Saw him live 30 times and always walked away open-mouthed at how amazing he was.
And thank you for making quality Prince content!
@@johnhassall1782 I didn't appreciate Prince until I saw him do "While my guitar gently weeps" with Tom Petty and an all star band.
I'm like ,WTF is this?
Holy shit, he can fucking play guitar?
Then I started looking into him. Very talented musician from a musical family.
I never had a clue for 30 years.
Still, don't much care for most of the shit he put out, but, he got rich, and I didn't, so, off I fuck. 🤣
An interviewer asked Eric Clapton what it was like to be the worlds best guitarist and he said, I don't know, ask prince.
Hey Justin, it's Justin from the Toronto show! Thanks for making it such an amazing birthday night. You guys played amazing!!
Awesome!!!! That was so funny and something I will remember forever.. The Toronto show Rocked!!!
Seconded - that interaction was gold, and you "bringing in the ringer" was hilarious.
These guys were absolutely terrific, and you picked the best band for a birthday banger!
What a beautiful energy coming out from this channel
Prince was a brilliant gutarist.
👍👍 and keyboardist and bassist, too!
And drummer.
He was phenomenal, literally.
@@davecrawley4634 ah, I knew he could play most instruments but was unaware that he was a sick drummer.
I cannot express how much I would enjoy an episode of you talking about Floodland. It's an absolute bloody masterpiece from start to finish.
1987 all the way for me
Still like the 1984 first album from W.A.S.P. I prefer the 1984 Whitesnake album. Can't think of 1984 without Ratt's Round and Round.
Producer Tom Werman called George Lynch's 1984 solo on the Dokken song Tooth and Nail the greatest guitar solo he's ever heard.
That debut by W.A.S.P. is in my top 5 they often get disregarded as just another hair/glam act but they are so much more than that.
@@XenoMorphGaming79 "I Wanna Be Somebody" I did indeed, "The Torture Never Stops" well ... true you "Hellion" great album and THAT vid Blackie windmilling. Classic.
Love George Lynch's solo on Tooth and Nail!
87.. but I'm just delighted you included the 2 prince albums.. both genius
Just saw you guys in Toronto the show was awesome!
The Cars' 1984 "Heartbeat City" is as close to a perfect power pop album in existence. On one record: "Hello Again," "Magic," "Drive," "Stranger Eyes," "You Might Think," "It's Not the Night." Just BONKERS good.
The Cars were consistently ahead of their time. While huge, they seemed to have came across a bit odd and nerdy, but I think they were just ahead of their time.
❤❤❤Love love love The Cars! ❤❤❤
This may be the case if the definition of power pop were changed to something not power pop.
you should check out their first album
1984 for me. My Mum's generation were so lucky. She was 15 in 1971 and I will never get over the jealousy of the era of music she lived through and danced to when it was all brand new. I've always maintained 1956 to 1986 was the quintessential 30 years for pop and rock music and she was there for every second. Even the super cheesy pop music was awesome (Crazy Horses, Pleasant Valley Sunday etc.) Queen, Bowie, T-Rex, Roxy Music, The Kinks, Al Green, Aretha; it just goes on and on and on.
My older brother bought ‘Never mind the bollocks’ in 79, it did something to my nine year old brain and sent me down the punk road. I eventually came back to more mainstream music when ‘Appetite’ was released, which was the greatest thing I’d heard in over ten years.
For me it has to be 87.
1984 can't be topped for me. I saw Van Halen in the summer of '84, still the best concert after all these years.
I still have the ticket stub - $14.25 for a great seat!
Nice name, love me some TP! Can you elaborate more on the Van Halen show? I’d love to know more detail. I was born in ‘93, so unfortunately missed the Prime 80s that I so dearly love now.
@@CodyAlushin I can tell you about seeing Van Halen on their first tour in 1978. They opened for Black Sabbath. David Lee Roth seemed unbelievably tall! They were great that night .....so was Sabbath. It was on my 15th birthday. My group of friends gave me a gift once we were at the venue, and it was a little square of 4 way windowpane! ( That's back when we got real LSD). Those days are over. Now I just go to the dispensary and buy the best weed and just party at home, unless I'm going to get obliterated. Then the oil cartridges come in.
Was it the show, my friends, or the windowpane? I dunno . I didn't sleep for 2 days. LOL 🤣🤣
Nice!! Me too..bought the ticket with my paper route money
That is a lot of money for 1984 prices. Glad the concert was so good.
@@eightiesmusic1984 $13.50
The Smiths first album debuted in 1984 and their last album came out in 1987.
That was great and hilarious when you sang a little Lou Gramm - I Want To Know What Love Is will stand the test of time.
1987 may have had the better albums at the top (GNR, The Cult, Helloween) but '84 had so much more.
In no order: Judas Priest, Anthrax, Whitesnake, 38 Special, Queen, April Wine, TWO from Manowar, Yngwie Malmsteen, Trouble, Savatage, Scorpions, Ratt, Hanoi Rocks, Rush, Venom, Saxon, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, The Cars, Slade, Twisted Sister, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kick Axe, Lizzy Borden, Dio, Lindsey Buckingham, Sammy Hagar, Pantera, Fastway, Y&T, Cirith Ungol, Slayer, WASP, Krokus, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Queensryche, Kiss, Dokken, THREE from Black Flag, Fates Warning, Zebra, Ramones, Bathory, Armored Saint, Grave Digger, Running Wild, Deep Purple, Triumph, Robert Plant, Rough Cutt, The Kinks, Molly Hatchet, Keel, Celtic Frost, TNT...to name a few.
Nice compilation!!!!
Hammer to Fall is one of the top 5 songs of 1984. It's also one of Queen's best songs - certainly top 10 in their catalog. And a killer performance at Live Aid. But I have to give the award for best year of Music to 1987. Joshua Tree, Hysteria, Tunnel of Love, Sign o the Times, and (as Justin so correctly said) the best debut album ever, Appetite for Destruction.
Love that you picked up on the weird drum fill in New Sensation. I’ve always loved dancing to that bit.
1984 for me. Twisted Sister with Stay Hungry and Priest with Defenders. But the surprise was Whitesnakes ‘Slide it in’. Not the original lightweight UK version but The US remix with Sykes on guitar. I was never a ‘Snake fan but that remix was right up my alley!
Can't pick a year, but Purple Rain and Appetite for Destruction are the two most unforgettably awesome records out of everything mentioned here.
I missed this post originally as I was not yet aware of your orbit, but found it via the Steel Panther 1987 video. I won't pick a year, because I'm biased (as I graduated High School in '87), but I will say that you are spot on regarding In God's Country, but its a toss up with Red Hill Mining Town. I have always said (and listen to a thousand times) that the 2nd side of JT is THE best road tripping playlist ever. Just start it at Running to Stand, turn it up and scream the lyrics out at 3:57 in RHMT..everything after that is Bonus! Cheers and keep making this old guy laugh.
Please, please, do an intro to Floodland, Justin. It contains real high watermarks for both Eldritch and Steinman: "when we were trying to sell 'Corrosion' to Steinman, we told him it was like the high-point of a Borgia's disco evening and he went for it." A classic. Eldritch is such an interesting character, having essentially been on strike from making records since the '90s. You want new Sisters material? You got to see them live. You've talked quite a bit about the mechanics of the music business - Eldritch's take on how his new material is owned and distributed is pretty unique and worth discussing. Keep up the good work...
Great video. Love the channel!
This was a nice birthday present for me on Spotify (17/02) thanks Mr Hawkins
Prince had the #1 Single, #1 Album, and #1 Movie simultaneously in 1984.
Hard to top that.
1984 will always win, in my opinion. So many great albums by artists who maintained longevity and relevance in the industry for decades.
I graduated in 1988 so this was smack dab in my formative years. Man I loved all the years. But if you put a gun to my head, I have to go '87. GN"R, Def Leppard's Hysteria and Whitesnake to name a few. And I won't lie I LOVED Tiffany and Debbie Gibson 🤣
I own a collection of Les Paul basses, great to see you pull that one out Justin!
I vote 1987! The Cult - Electric was HUGE for me! Plus the following ...
Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction - Prime Mover
Fields of the Nephilim - Dawn Razor
Suicidal Tendencies - Join The Army
I was originally going to say "It's a tie", but then I considered the things I was doing in both years and realised that 1987 was when I truly fell for Rock 'n' Roll, grew my hair, wore leather jeans and cowboy boots, mainly thanks to Appetite For Destruction, Hysteria, Permanent Vacation, Electric and Whitesnake '87. Also including, but not limited to, Girls, Girls, Girls, Once Bitten, Dream Evil and Faster Pussycat. The list goes on.
I even still have most of my hair!
Finding this channel has been a godsend. I don’t know how in the hell it took me so long, and I can’t imagine my life without it now.
yeah mate, hes good aint he!!! Funny as fark and knows his stuff. Very talented
OMG!!!! I’ve posted a dozen times on FB lately (Dominion ), and it’s gotten deleted. It is the song of our times!!! Lucretia ❤️❤️❤️❤️
1987, hands down because it’s less dominant with the pop genre and it was a much more creative movement;
In my opinion.
Please do a Sisters of Mercy/Mission UK show....maybe even Bauhaus, Joy Division or Cocteau Twins. You could always get crazed and do Dead Can Dance😼
Thanks Justin! I love your work. Let me know when you come to Bozeman Montana to visit that Gibson factory! 🍏🙀✨
Tango in the night is underrated. I often prefer that over Rumors (which I hold to be one of the greatest albums of all time.)
Which year was better for music is a pretty broad question..... 1987 had a lot of underground things brewing and starting up that we didn't hear about until later or that went unnoticed by the mainstream but made an impact later...so great music and exciting scenes were happening but heard by few at the time..... 1984 was the year of pop music that defined the entire decade and if you were asked to submit an 80s setlist for a wedding you could fill it with songs all from 1984 and no one would likely clue in to what you did. Music videos had become the thing to watch. Countdown shows were the equivalent to 70s variety shows (but much better production) and entire families would tune in to watch on Saturday and Sunday nights. With more afterschool video programs popping up the following year this family viewing trend slowed considerably and was forgotten by 87. Whats interesting about this family trend is that it resulted in no bands fully geared towards the kiddies....such massive pop record sales and you didn't have a bay city rollers, no new kids on the block, backstreet boys or anything like that.... Menudo gave it a shot in 83 with some tv appearances and singing some cartoon theme songs....but they were no match for Cindy Lauper, Michael Jackson, Prince, Twisted Sister, Lionel Ritchie, Madonna.....the list goes on and on and on. So in the landscape of mainstream music 1984 is the title and 1987 is a footnote...... yeah I'll probably write a book once I retire....... you could kind of sum up the two years Pop-wise in terms of Michael Jackson.... Sure Thriller was released in 82 but most of the singles were 83 so in 1984 he won 8 Grammy awards....set all the records... in 1987 he released Bad and it did just less than 65% of Thriller even though it had all the advantages of insane preorders, increased distribution, increased production....increased everything in anticipation of matching or beating Thriller....and I ramble.
1984 for me. Great seeing you and the guys on the US Tour !!
1984 > 1987! VH debut 1978 greatest hard rock debut EVER!!
Awesome.
I think I need to look for more evidence to cast my vote
Much love to you Mr. Hawkins
Has to be 84 for me = VH, Reckless and POWERSLAVE!
Passing the open windows on the Works. Love Brian’s tone on that. Really different for him.
Can’t you just hear Knopfler singing Private Dancer once you know?
I’ve been wondering what you thought about Boston. Hitch a Ride is probably my fav guitar solo of all time.
Absolutely Powerslave! The tour for that album gave us the best live album of all time 🤘
Love you wrote POWERSLAVE in capitols. As it should!!!!!!! Imma go and give another listen to it gaddamit
@@emirepresa9500 *capitals, but yeah 🤘
87 for me. GnR, whitesnake and Def leopard, I can't tell you how many times I have played those entire albums through, over and over.
Still love 84 too, but I stand by 87 as the best. Really it's like having to choose a favorite child....
"Hobo" was a horrible word for rock and roll. "Drifter" sounded much nicer. I want to say it was someone in the band that suggested it only because "Hobo" was laughable.
there was that 80's TV series "the littlest hobo".. 🐕 🐕 🐕
Justin, I have a couple of questions for you…. 1. Repetition is obviously really important in music but during a concert do you ever forget what’s coming next and get the feeling that you’ve already performed a song earlier? 2. Have you ever composed a song in a dream and remembered on waking? 😀
1982 through 1987 was an amazing period for pop, rock, r&b, and even early hip-hop.
🌍Laura Branigan's Self Control was THE rock hit of 1984 for me. Heavy riff, then dance eeriness. Perfect. And yes, she was beautiful.🌏
For me 1987 over 1984. I think that 87's music had more bite.. But in all honesty it is 2022 and I just saw The Darkness play live in Toronto. It was my first time seeing The Darkness and I was totally blown away!!!! I was in the second row and in between songs i yelled out "Justin Hawkins rides again" and it did not fo unnoticed by Justin.. If you have not seen The Darkness live then you need to.. The entire set was flawless.. I could not believe how tight the band is live, I could not believe how amazing the guitars sounded and I especially could not believe how Justins voice sounds even better live than on the records.. That is a rarity for singers in my opinion.. Do yourselves a favour folks and make sure you see them on this tour.. This was easily the most fun show i have ever been to and i have seen pretty much every good band from the 80's/90's/2000's.. The Darkness is on Fire.. Dare I say that Dan Hawkins is the best rhythem Guitarist going now that Malcom is gone. you Guys really blew me away and I can't wait to see you again
Iron Maiden - Powerslave - 1984
Purple Rain makes it an easy choice!
1984. Paradise City and This Corrosion had me leanin'... but Jump - and primarily Pride - sealed the deal for '84. The Unforgettable Fire is infinitely re-listenable and so wonderful to re-experience. You could have selected A Sort of Homecoming, Indian Summer Sky, Bad ("I'm WIDE AWAKE, I'm wide awake, wide awake, I'm not sleeping"), or Wire ("I'm no dope, I give you hope, here's the rope, now swing away") and the result would be the same. As their follow up to War, TUF was the land shifting under our feet... you could see The Joshua Tree was on the horizon and inevitable. 1984. (P.S. I love your channel. Thank you.)
1984 fav: U2 - The Unforgettable Fire
1987 fav: Jesus & Mary Chain - Darklands
I had the privilege of being there when you played with Tap I flew over from Ireland. I saw AC/DC 2 days before at Punches town. That was a great week. Tap & DC HEAVEN.
Hey Justin! I was at the show last night in Asbury Park...I was in the VIP crowd as a fan “old” boy… I saw you jamming on the synth…I could definitely see the Darkness playing or jamming to this song…Simmons and Toft “Can’t let it go”…what do you think?
Justin,
Great you tube channel,
I follow it with vigour,,,,,
I have a question,
May I ask what condenser mic you are using for your audio?
Regards
1987 for me.
REM - Document
The Replacements - Pleased to Meet Me
Midnight Oil - Diesel and Dust
Sinead O’Connor - The Lion and The Cobra
George Michael's Faith is actually a bad ass album. Love your style, bro
Tough call mate… I’m 53 and was very much in the LA (Hollywood) scene. 1987 wouldn’t be what it was if not for 1984, if you know what I mean. The evolution seemed natural because those big 1987 bands were around in 1984, building their fan base and their sound. I find it impossible to pick “true” favorites when it comes to music. because I truly LOVE most all music. Both years were pivotal for me and all those records became a part of my DNA
Living my teen years through the 80s, in my opinion, 1984 and 1987 are greatly important for all genres of music, especially rock, hard rock, thrash and heavy metal my favourites. I also graduated high school in 1987. I vote 1984 and 1987.
"The Pro's & Con's Of Hitch Hiking" came out in 84' so it has to be that for me. Someone else in the comments also mentioned "Powerslave" was 84' too so it's an easy choice for me.
Ah yes, but Radio Kaos came out in ‘87…………..
Daniel lanois is pronounced “Lan-WAH” just for your reference. Amazing producer and artist.
It's close but based on the songs you've chosen, I've got to go with 1984.
Purely based on JH's songs I'd agree, but it would be easy to change using other songs.
2003 - The White Strips "Elephant", Jay-Z "The Black Album", Outkast "SpeakerBoxxx" and the best album of the year, no contest The Darkness "Permission to Land"
I remember that year like it was yesterday. I remember retreating into early Prince (pre-Purple Rain) and disco (mainly Chic output) because music was so unimpressive. Franz Ferdinand and all of those haircut wankers were starting to dominate, which made me feel very alienated.
I liked the Outcast album and I think Prince released Musicology in that year too. If I'm still trying to think of something positive to say, it was still far and away a better time for music than today, in terms of what's mainstream.
1987 Prince sign ‘o the times, genius double album. Love the videos Justin 👍🏼💜so many excellent albums from both years
Simple answer is 87' just for Whitesnakes Here I go Again. Good play list though. I've added several to my liked tunes.
I thought this was going to be a debate about Prince and EVH’s guitar skills.
I seem to remember 89 being a great year for Rock , Badlands, Blue Murder, Sonic Temple, Gretchen goes to Nebraska, Pump to name a few
For me 1984 was the greatest year in music - so many great albums and so many great iconic careers cemented wit classic albums - Prince, Springsteen, Madonna (Like A Virgin was released in 1984), Tina Turner, The Smiths, Bryan Adams, Van Halen, Talking Heads - the list goes on. Will there ever be another year so varied or ground breaking for music? I really don't think so. Just now begs the question - is it worth listening to new music when the old songs were so great? Certainly modern artists have a lot to live up to.
1984 was the pinnacle of music in the eighties and the last forty two years.
White Snakes here I go again was written in late 81, released in 82 and then re-recorded and that version was released in 87..... not sure where you got 70s from....fishing for comments perhaps?
I’m so happy to have just discovered your channel. I can’t wait to listen to your playlist. What is it like living in Switzerland?
I watched you play Big Bottoms that day!! All I kept saying fir five mins was “that bass is shaped like a shuttle”!!
Justin, Love love love your RUclips channel! It's simply delightful, hilarious and informative (The tri-fecta...Ha!) Anyway, please check out a mostly unheard of LA band that was really not part of that whole 80's "Hair-Band" mess....But yet brilliantly using the the heavy guitar sounds coming on at the times and I believe all written and mostly performed by their singer...who's last name (if real...who knows, or cares) is used as the band name. I'm speaking/writing of the great and at least one of the most original voices of Heavy rock/Metal...Davy Vain of the band/namesake - "Vain". As much as you know about music and older rock bands it's possible you may have heard of this band? If not I would love x 3 to get your take on one of my rock/metal idols as a young punk Drummer/Singer-Songwriter/Multi instrumentalist (shameless props...indeed I must admit I needed to squeeze those in to perpetuate my own dignity (actually former acheivmentsnow turned to burnout jobless middle age musician....sigh) Anyway...I am and have been a monster fan of give me a "T-Arkness"...since the day I was nearly floored hearing and seeing the visual extravaganza of the MTV video for "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" And as a serious musician and song writer I can say without doubt that Yes! The Darkness is still the greatest thing since sliced cucumber previously used as pant props, no..seriously since sliced bread w/jam! Please check out Davy and his namesake band "Vain" especially the debut album "No Respect" released I beeive in 1989. I could not possibly pick a favorite song from this album as they are all absolutely perfecto...at least to my humble ears. But please do check out "No Respect" the song, as well as "Watching You" those will really get the heart going! I would never consider them a so called "Hair Band" etc. His voice alone puts them in a category all their own....maybe more punk-ish if anything. Anyway...keep up the awesome work and I'm hating life as I just missed both your concerts in Atlanta as well as Charlotte NC due to illness. So please also come back this way...or if I must, I will travel anywhere to see the greatest Rock n Roll live show on earth! Peace and love to you my friend and brother inmusicianship. Sorry for writing such a long post...just couldn't contain my being overwhelmed by such greatness and starpower! Peace, Robby aka Jade
1987, just for Appetite.
That said, and I realise this wasn't the question posed, BUT...
1971 remains the gold standard in my eyes.
Zep IV
Sticky Fingers
LA Woman
Electric Warrior
Meddle
Who's Next
Maggot Brain
Madman Across The Water
What's Going On
Blue
10 of the greatest and most important records ever.
I’m going with 1984 but may I suggest that 1982 1972 are the two greatest years in rock. Love you Justin!
Both 1984 and 1987 were great for hard rock and metal albums. I have to give the nod to 84 for great releases by Dio, Scorpions, WASP, Dokken, Ratt, Metallica, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest.
👍👍 can’t agree more. Peak hair metal.
8 bass players! Lol. I seen spinal tap live. Lost it when the blueprints were misread and instead of one giant stone hedge slowly decending to the stage, many little ones rained down on the band. I'll vote 84. Even though ride the lightning was my first music that was MINE. independent of any family or friends.
Sisters of Mercy Floodland is one of my top 10 albums of all time. Lucretia would have been my choice from the album. Flood I & II are extremely atmospheric & another highlight. There isn't a bad track on it at all.
I Hear so much Freddie mercury in your singing voice. Definitely hear a queen influence in the backing vocals of One way Ticket. Love that tune.
Motley Crue’s Girls Girls Girls album also out in 1987 which had a fair few big hits on it.
Great vid choice. Really had me thinking..
Out of those two, I’d say 84. But honestly we have to consider ‘76. High Voltage, Rocks, Hotel California, Boston, Rainbow Rising, Day at the races etc. Phenomenal year.
I agree about 1976. Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak, Blue Oyster Cult - Agents of Fortune, Rush - 2112, David Bowie Station to Station, Led Zeppelin - Presence, and the Sex Pistols released Anarchy in the UK. Actually 1977 was pretty good as well. Nothing in the 1980's to compete with those.
Leftoverture, 2112, Dreamboat Annie, Silk Degrees, A New World Record, etc. I'm an 80's nut, but there's a lot of '76 in my collection. . .
Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers 1984
Not even close...1984.
Now time to prep for your show in Asbury Park tonight.
I visited my grandparents in America in 1987. I remember a few mtv videos from that time...REM - End of the World as We Know It, They Might Be Giants - Don't Let Start, Faith No More - Epic... I'm not sure if they were released that year but that's when I was introduced to them. Christmas 1987 at my Gramma and Grampa's house...watching American television. Was also introduced to Married With Children on that trip, pretty sure that debuted that year as well.
I was really shocked that I would have even thought about putting 1987 here but I very nearly did. It was so close and Seven Wonders and INXS nearly edged it but VH and Prince made me vote 1984!
You got me with my college years in 1987. INXS, G n R and The Cult!!!! We wore those tapes out, over and over and over. Love that Def Leppard album, too. Aerosmith is amazing, Permanent Vacation & Pump, and of course the 70s stuff. Loved Prince since his 1st album in the late 70s.
1984 for me. Quality releases at the peak of the 80s. Was also the year I commenced High School.
Lived it. 1984.
Def Leppards Hysteria is the ultimate rock album, flawless
They supported the Human League in Sheffield in 1978 when they were starting out. Ten years later both bands had reached the upper reaches of the US charts. Incredible!
The 80's were the best time of my life. So many great songs. (I, myself, am a die hard Purple Hippie) Back in the day when people dressed up to go out. I miss those days. Thanks, Justin.
1984 for me .. it just seems more pure
Aaah I cannot decide and now I will be awake thinking about it! Thanks Justin! I listened to 'Appetite...' so so many times, but also 'Reckless' too. I probably go back to those 1984 songs more often now. 84 probably only just wins for me.
Hi! 1984 is the release year of Talk Talk's 'It's My Life', so I'll vote 1984 as the better of these two years :)
Cheers!
So upset I missed you guys in Charlotte Nc last weekend !! I tried telling my wife Easter was canceled but she wasn’t having it 🤦♂️🤦♂️
Just picked up a “the darkness” shirt, gotta rep the boy
1984. End of discussion! lol. ok, bit more discussion, Van Halen Jump, I wanna know what love is, Summer of 69... I mean come on!
'84 all day.
Led Zeppelin was the greatest debut rock album ever, and you know this, Justin.
Cloud 9 by Harrison was an awesome record. I was DEEEEEP into Guns n Roses at that point but Cloud 9 got a lot of play too.
'84. BTW, the original version of Here I Go Again was released in 1982. The lyrical change was because Coverdale originally wanted the word "drifter", but felt that he overused that word(Deep Purple has a song called Drifter). When the song was re-recorded, he felt that "drifter" was more appropriate
Very tough one. I think 1984 wins my vote with heavy weights VH 1984, ride the lightning and purple rain
Floodland …. You champion! And you nailed that awesome drumfill in new sensation.
1976? Boston, The Eagles - Hotel California, Rush - 2112, AC/DC - High Voltage, BÖC - Agents Of Fortune, Kansas - Leftoverture, Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak, UFO - No Heavy Petting, Rainbow - Rising, Queen - A Day At The Races, Kiss - Destroyer.....