Best of 1980- The Album List

The year 1980 marked a fascinating intersection, straddling the influences of the 1970s while gradually embracing the emerging trends of the new decade. Chart-toppers like Blondie, Abba, The Police, and The Jam continued to dominate the music scene. Notable achievements included David Bowie securing his second number one hit, and Kate Bush becoming the first British female artist to claim a No.1 album.

However, amidst the musical successes, 1980 also witnessed tragic losses that left an indelible mark on the industry. Ian Curtis of Joy Division tragically took his own life just before the band's scheduled US Tour, while John Lennon, an iconic figure in music, was shot dead outside his New York City apartment. These losses left families and legions of fans grieving.

The year concluded with John Lennon's posthumous release, "{Just Like) Starting Over," topping the UK charts, serving as both a poignant farewell and a herald of the new decade.

Instant Hit: Data- Fallout

Thirty years ago Data debuted with their first single release "Fallout" which was written and produced by Georg Kajanus . The song was released in several European countries during 1980 and 1981 through different record labels with the song "Politics" as a b-side. The song also appeared on their first album Opera Electronica.

Instant Hit: Alan Burnham- Music To Save The World By

Rolling back to the year 1980 again. We settle with Alan Burnham and his only single release, a seven inch single "Music To Save The World By". The song was released in 1980 through Cherry Red with "Science Fiction" as a b-side. The song also appeared on record label's compilation Singles Collection (1978-1983) which was released in 2008.

Instant Hit: Digital Dance- Faulty

Digital Dance released the self-produced 7" single "Faulty" as their second single on their own Digital label in January 1980. In the same month, they opened for Joy Division at their second Plan K show. During their gigs in Paris they were billed as 'New Rock de Bruxelles'. Their music was reissued on the  Treatment compilation through  LTM Publishing in 2007.

Instant Hit: Siouxsie & The Banshees- Happy House

"Happy House" was the first single Siouxsie & The Banshees released from their third album Kaleidoscope. It was released in March in 1980, and became their second top 20 hit in the UK. The songs intorduction was sampled by Italian dance act Cappella in their song "U got to Know" during the 90's when Cappella was sued by the band and lost. The original celebrates the 30 years anniversary.

Instant Hit: Inertia- The Screen

"The Screen" was one of the early minimal-synth records by the British group Inertia. It was released in 1980 through Inertial Records. The single also included the b-side single "The Submarine". "The Screen" sounds similar to the early Voice Farm and Vice Versa. The band managed to release one studio album in 1981 entitled 'Confection'. Their recording material was never reissued.

Instant Hit: Split Enz- I Hope I Never

"I Hope I Never" is a notable song by Split Enz, featured on their album True Colours, released in 1979. Despite being from the late 1970s, it carries the essence of 80s music. Interestingly, the song has been covered several times, and some listeners have noted a resemblance to "If I Know You" by the Presets, a more recent release. Additionally, the single release of "I Hope I Never" featured two different B-side tracks and artworks for the Australian and international markets.

Instant Hit: The Tapes- Blue Thighs

"Blue Thighs" was the first single released by the Dutch group The Tapes which was considered as Holland's answer to Talking Heads. This song was released in 1980 and it appeared on their second album Party. During their career they released three LP's.

Instant Hit: Mo- Fred Astaire

"Fred Astaire" is a very cheerful and a catchy tune by a Dutch group Mo. This song was released back in 1980 and is from their self titled album Mo. They released another album in 1982, entitled Ha Ha! The sound of Laughing

Instant Hit: Industry- Ready For The Wave

"Ready for the Wave" was featured on Industry's debut EP which was released in 1980. The whole EP was experimental and innovative and differed from the sound the band would later adapt. The track also appeared on the New Wave Complex Compilation Volume 6.