The Best Metal-ish Albums of 1980
1980 was a solid year of heavy metal loaded with classics. It probably is the first year that you could make a legitimate list of undisputed metal albums (some Purple and Zeppelin fans may find the label of metal offensive). Full disclosure, Iron Maiden is my favorite band of all time, so anything that sounds like them may be ranked higher than normal. Without further ado, Let's commence the listing. |
| 1 |  | Black Sabbath
Heaven and Hell
I know I said Maiden is my favorite, but a young Maiden just couldn't compare to a veteran Sabbath churning out monster riffs by Iommi and Butler and huge drumming by Ward on his last album with the band. Let's not forget Dio is on this album. |
| 2 |  | Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I don't think anyone was playing as fast or heavy when this thing came out. They took the metal Judas Priest and Sabbath were churning out and combined it with the speed of punk. This album is filled with youthful energy and some great songwriting. However, the production and singing are just not good enough to top a Dio fronted Sabbath. |
| 3 |  | Judas Priest
British Steel
The metal gods are back! This is a Judas Priest classic (most of their albums are classic though). The music is tight and the riffs are solid.This along with the first two on the list rank among the best metal albums of all time. It's really just personal preference when you're picking the best of artists this good. I put this one lower because it doesn't quite as many amazing moments as Sabbath and Maiden did. |
| 4 |  | Angel Witch
Angel Witch
I hear the organs of Purple and the weight of Sabbath, but you have the speed and riffery of the NWOBHM. It’s too bad they only released one worthwhile album. At least they made it a great one. |
| 5 |  | Diamond Head
Lightning to the Nations
Diamond Head is the second flash in the pan on this list. They packed their NWOBHM with catchy and heavy riffs that later influenced some big names (see Metallica). Unfortunately, the muse or some crucial members left after 1980. |
| 6 |  | Saxon
Wheels of Steel
Fun NWOBHM packed with solid bluesy riffs. |
| 7 |  | Saxon
Strong Arm of the Law
Strong Arm of the Law was Saxon's second of the year and is musically and quality-wise similar to Wheels of Steel. The songs on Wheels of Steel are just a little stronger. |
| 8 |  | Ozzy Osbourne
Blizzard of Ozz
Blizzard of Ozz boasts superior musicianship, production, and songwriting when compared to many of the NWOBHM bands placed above it in this list. However, the more polished, mainstream heavy metal on the album is (in my opinion) not as much fun to listen to as the energetic punk influenced metal of Saxon, Diamond Head, and Angel Witch |
| 9 |  | Samson
Head On
Before Dickinson joined Iron Maiden, he was the lead singer of Samson, and the influence that he later brought to Maiden can clearly be heard on Head On. Additionally, Samson display more variety than many of the NWOBHM bands did in 1980 when they incorporate psychedelic elements in a few songs. It is also worth noting that even Steve Harris has a song writing credit on the album. |
| 10 |  | Motorhead
Ace of Spades
On Ace of Spades, Motorhead plays rock n' roll just like they always do. I know the placement on this list is blasphemy, but Motorhead tends to sound samey after a while. Despite being backed the superb tracks, the album can get boring after a while. |
| 11 |  | Van Halen
Women and Children First
On Women and Children First, Van Halen sound like a bunch of world class musicians having fun and playing hard rock. It's not their best, but they are still Van Halen. |
| 12 |  | Def Leppard
On Through the Night
Def Leppard debut foreshadowed the two powerful releases they would have later on in the decade. Their brand of NWOBHM was a bit more accessible (listen to "Hello America") and less energetic, but the strong riffs and tight playing still packed a punch. |
| 13 |  | Jeff Beck
There and Back
I know this technically isn't metal. In fact, it's more like jazz fusion. However, the album is filled with solid riffs and exceptional double bass drumming. Those two things sound pretty metal to me. |
| 14 |  | Scorpions
Animal Magnetism
In my opinion, Animal Magnetism is a bit inconsistent. Some of the songs are so heavy and driving they could be on Heaven and Hell (mainly just "The Zoo" is that awesome, but some songs are close). Other songs are too commercial in my opinion. Fan of the more mainstream metal should still give this one a listen. All fans of metal should listen to "The Zoo." |
| 15 |  | Tygers Of Pan Tang
Wild Cat
Great NWOBHM and the second best album art of year. |
| 16 |  | AC/DC
Back In Black
The songs on this album are HUGE. Back in Black boasts some of the best riffs and song intros ever. It is one of the most popular hard rock/heavy metal albums ever. When this came out, it probably blew people away and was extremely influential. Who am I kidding? It still is influential. However, Back In Black is an exhausting listen as an album. The songs lack variety and all sound rather similar. Each song loses steam after the first minute in my opinion. |
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