The 1980s. A decade that was musically dominated by synth-pop. The decade had so much more to offer, though. Here are seven underrated albums that defined the 1980s.

9. Nirvana – Bleach (1989)

It wasn’t the success of its monster follow-up Nevermind, but Bleach is Nirvana at its most raw. Although it came at the end of the decade, it wasn’t the start of grunge. The genre had been around for a couple of years, growing around Seattle and Washington. There were a few alt-rock bands around in the 80s, but Nirvana brought the decade to a close with a real bang. The opener ‘Blew’ sets the scene with its unpolished scratchiness. But ‘Negative Creep’ really shows the world what Nirvana are about. Its fusion of punk and sludge metal makes you want to jump into the nearest mosh pit. It may not be their best-known work, but it should be.

8. The Go-Betweens – 16 Lovers Lane (1988)

The Australian indie-rockers formed in the late seventies, but this album dropped in 1988. It was the band’s sixth studio album, and the last one to feature the original line-up. If you’re not familiar with the band then you’re in for a treat. Their unique brand of melody-laden indie is beautiful. This album isn’t perhaps their most well-known, but it’s their most commercially accessible. Rammed full of sun-kissed melancholy, it’s the perfect anecdote to 80s decadence. Great songs combined with intelligent lyrics make for a special listen.

7. Kate Bush – The Dreaming (1982)

By 1982, Kate Bush had already released three albums. Although this offering wasn’t as successful as her previous efforts, it was creatively superb. It also kicked off her more experimental side. Which would be the precursor to her 1985 album Hounds of Love. Tracks like Sat in Your Lap and the title track are brilliant pieces of music, but critics were unsure. This led to poor sales and a low chart position, but it should not be overlooked.

6. Faster Pussycat – Faster Pussycat (1987)

Glam Rock gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes. This is mostly because of the questionable fashion and over-the-top cheesy songs. But Faster Pussycat shouldn’t be overlooked when dipping in for a bit of sleaze. Motley Crue and Poison may have been more successful, but this debut is up there with the best. Cathouse, for example, is the ultimate anthem for driving down the sunset strip with your roof down. Don’t forget Babylon either. It’s a slice of rap-rock that’s up there with the best from the 80s.

5. Badlands – Badlands (1989)

Another band enters our chart with their self-titled debut. Badlands were formed in the mid-80s by former Ozzy guitarist Jake E Lee. It also featured ex-members of Black Sabbath. Despite their supergroup status, album sales didn’t match expectations. The band also disbanded after the untimely death of singer Ray Gillen in 1993. It’s a shame they don’t get more recognition. Lee’s guitar work is sparkling, and Gillen’s vocals are astounding. Every track on the album is a belter, and it winds up the decade with crisp-sounding anthems aplenty.

4. Girlschool – Demolition (1980)

Riding on the waves of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Girlschool arrived with the debut album Demolition in 1980. It only peaked at number 28 in the UK charts, but they certainly made a statement. Opening track Demolition Boys sets the scene. Its punchy riff and punk energy tell you what they are about. The band went on to have greater success in later years, but don’t underestimate this debut. A solid album that showcases a band that know what they want. And you’re not standing in their way.

3. Arthur Russell – World of Echo (1986)

Arthur Russell may not be a name that you recognise, but I strongly suggest you search this album out. The American cellist and composer did many collaborations over his career, but this was entirely his own composition. It may take a few listens to get, but the melding of genres is genius. Tracks like Being It and See Through are haunting and ethereal. It’s a definite departure from the commercial side of 80s music. But it fuses together so many elements from the decade that it deserves your ears.

2. The Blue Nile – A Walk Across the Rooftops (1984)

This debut release from Glaswegian pop-rock experimentalists came out in 1984. Notoriously secretive, they’ve only released four albums from this debut through to the mid-2000s. A Walk Across the Rooftops is quite a work of art. There are pop and synth elements, but also some rockier parts. There are obviously comparisons to David Bowie and various pop bands from the decade, but these guys are special. They have their own unique sound that is beautiful and all-encompassing. What is also surprising is that this album was recorded on an extremely tight budget. You’d never have known.

1. This Kind of Punishment – A Beard of Bees (1984)

New Zealand isn’t an obvious place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about bands. Especially not post-punk. The 80s were awash with post-punk, but nothing was as pleasing as this. The duo of Peter and Graeme Jefferies create a melting pot of gothic overtones with more upbeat guitar tracks. The result is a little confusing on first listen, but it doesn’t take long for the genius to come through. The Horrible Tango will stick in your head for days. And closer An Open Denial is full of ghostly tingles. This is post-punk for the thinking person.

That’s our list of nine underrated albums that defined the 1980s did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.

Check out seven underrated rock albums that defined the 1990s HERE.