5 Excellent Albums Released 45 Years Ago This Month in August 1980

Things were changing fast in the music world in 1980. Genres were popping up out of nowhere, while even established styles were being inundated by new acts who took matters in surprising new directions. In August 1980, many artists and bands delivered unforgettable albums that were brand new to record stores. These five albums from that time still stand out 45 years down the road.

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‘One-Trick Pony’ by Paul Simon

We’re guessing that not too many folks remember much about the movie (in which he starred) that inspired Paul Simon to write this record. But at least he delivered a few tracks that stand very tall in his estimable catalog. “Late In The Evening” was the big hit, a song as rhythmically propulsive as any Simon ever delivered, although the title track isn’t too far behind. Elsewhere, Simon offers some languorous, bittersweet reflections within “How The Heart Approaches What It Yearns” and “Long, Long Day”. The movie might have been a flop, but the One-Trick Pony LP deserves your full attention.

‘Panorama’ by The Cars

No big hit singles on this one, which is why it’s likely the Cars album that casual fans know the least. There’s something unapologetically brooding about the material here, which might be why Panorama didn’t get a lot of love. The best stuff here powers through on relentless, robotic grooves, as you’ll hear on tracks like “Don’t Tell Me No” and “Up And Down”. “You Wear Those Eyes” combines some quirky lyrics with one of Ric Ocasek’s tenderest tunes. And we’re here to argue that The Cars were never better than on “Touch And Go”, starring David Robinson’s galloping drumbeat, Greg Hawkes’ lush synths, and Elliot Easton’s torrid guitar solo.

‘Drama’ by Yes

You always needed a scorecard to tell the players on any given Yes album. Drama took that notion to the extreme. Many would assume that the last-minute addition of Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes of The Buggles might lead to some New Wave touches. On the contrary, the album proudly flies its progressive flag. Ironically enough, that fealty to the past likely doomed the record from a commercial standpoint. But there’s no denying that shape-shifting tracks like “Machine Messiah” and “Tempus Fugit” deliver the instrumental thrills, all while Horn does his best approximation of Jon Anderson’s helium-voiced style.

‘Wild Planet’ by The B-52’s

The similarity of The B-52’s sophomore album to their self-titled debut wasn’t a case of the band stagnating in any way. Instead, they simply had a lot of material lying around that they didn’t get to use the first time around. You tend to forget how hard this band could rock, as Ricky Wilson’s peppery guitar tends to drive the musical proceedings. As always, the vocal give-and-take between Fred Schneider’s outsized proclamations and the smooth tones of Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson carries a lot of the load. And the songs all live up to the killer titles: “Private Idaho”, “Devil In My Car”, and “Quiche Lorraine”.

‘Crimes Of Passion’ by Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar’s 1979 debut introduced her as a singer who could establish her identity even amidst the clatter of punchy rock and roll. A year later on one of the best albums of 1980, Crimes Of Passion, she put her stamp on a series of smash singles that, although she didn’t write a few of them, all became unmistakably hers. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” became an anthem of resilience, while “Treat Me Right” scares away any would-be wafflers for her affection. The tightness of the New Wave grooves keeps everything relentlessly catchy. Benatar also shows her excellent taste in covers, handling both the brassiness of “You Better Run” and the tenderness of “Wuthering Heights”.

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