5 Amazing Albums Released 45 Years Ago This Month

It’s not surprising that some of the top albums released in July 1980 come from the British New Wave, the post-punk movement that was all the rage at that time. Those artists formulated bold new sounds that helped influence a multitude of artists in future years.

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The albums released 45 years ago this month also included a hard rock classic and a crucial album from one of pop’s most celebrated duos. Let’s take a look at five standout LPs to which folks were grooving all those years ago.

‘Back In Black’ by AC/DC

AC/DC could easily have packed it in following the sudden death of Bon Scott. Instead, they regrouped, found a new lead singer, and came up with an album, released in July 1980, that helped define hard rock for the rest of the decade. Angus and Malcolm Young provide an endless supply of head-bobbing, gut-shaking riffs. Producer Mutt Lange brought a clarity to the proceedings that somehow makes everything seem heavier. And new singer Brian Johnson captures the right tone on every track. That includes the ominous portent of “Hells Bells”, and the defiance of “Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”.

‘Searching For The Young Soul Rebels’ by Dexy’s Midnight Runners

If you only know this band from “Come On Eileen”, you’re missing out. Their debut album is a stone-cold classic in the Northern Soul department. While many other bands turned to synths to make sense of the post-punk era, Dexys turned to horns. They also separated themselves a bit from the ska bands of the time with a more traditional pop songwriting outlook. Lead singer Kevin Rowland leads this troupe through several up-tempo ravers, such as “Burn It Down”, “Geno”, and “There, There, My Dear”. Rowland also proves up to Otis Redding-style slow ones like “I’m Just Looking” and “I Couldn’t Help If I Tried”.

‘Voices’ by Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates struggled at times to maintain momentum on the charts following the twin mid-70s successes of “Rich Girl” and “She’s Gone”. Voices would provide the momentum that would send them on an extended victory lap through the first half of the 80s. Oddly enough, it was the third and fourth singles, “Kiss On My List” with its flawless pop, and “You Make My Dreams” with its unstoppable bounce, that sealed the deal. Go back through the rest of the LP, and you’ll find one of the most consistent albums of their career. Other highlights include their standout take on “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, and “How Does It Feel To Be Back”, one of John Oates’ finest lead vocal turns.

‘Closer’ by Joy Division

Two months before this classic album was released, Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide. Closer, only their second release, is a thriller all on its own, while also giving an indication of where this band might have gone. This band often gets categorized as synth-rockers. But you might be surprised when you listen at how many of the songs are driven by Bernard Sumner’s grinding guitar. In addition, you’ll hear again and again why Curtis was one of the most riveting lead singers of his generation. Tracks like “Colony” and “Decades” cast a dark yet captivating spell.

‘Vienna’ by Ultravox

This British band stood out for their ability to take some of the dark drama of other post-punk acts and combine it with a bit of a more pop-oriented approach. After three albums where they remained mostly an underground act, Vienna turned them into one of the UK’s biggest bands. (Alas, they never quite crossed over to America with any force.) The opening instrumental “Astradyne” sets the buzzy tone, and it’s followed up by the highly melodic thumper “New Europeans”. There’s a bit of avant-garde weirdness pumping through “Mr. X”. And the title track slows the pace down and luxuriates in elegiac beauty.

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