In February of 1983 U2 released their 3rd studio album.

It was the most overtly political musical statement to date by the band, with Sunday Bloody Sunday to this day being considered one of the best protest songs ever written.

The album would finally unseat Thriller from the number one spot on the UK charts and many tracks are still staples of their live show.

Lets talk U2, War!

In January of 1983 Eurythmics released their second studio album.

It became the record that broke them out on both sides of the pond.

Let’s talk Eurythmics, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)!

In late March of 1983 ZZ Top released their eighth studio album.

Every dang track is a stone cold classic and the album would go on to achieve diamond sales status.

But is it really a Billy Gibbons solo record in disguise?

Let’s talk ZZ Top, Eliminator!

In February of 1983 Echo and the Bunnymen released their 3rd studio album.

Though initially panned by critics the album would go on to be their best selling to date and eventually reach gold status in sales.

It’s also maybe there best record?

Let’s talk Echo and the Bunnymen, Porcupine!

In November of 1983 Paul Simon released his 6th studio album.

Entering into his fourth decade, Paul found himself in a rut. His vanity movie project One-Trick Pony was a commercial flop, the reunion concert with former band mate showed just why they broke up in the first place, and his pending divorce from Carrie Fisher was an open wound.

What’s a sad middle aged man to do? Write a song about cars we guess?

Let’s talk Paul Simon, Hearts & Bones!

In October of 1983 Cyndi Lauper released her debut album.

The album is a pop masterpiece and has gone on to sell over 16 million copies worldwide.

Let’s talk Cyndi Lauper, She’s So Unusual!

In May of 1983 Hanoi Rocks released their fourth studio album.

These Finnish street urchins w/ the help of ex-Mott The Hoople alum Dale Griffen and Peter Watts production, made Glam Metal a thing and inspired the Sunset Strip crowd to step up their game.

Let’s talk Hanoi Rocks, Back to Mystery City!

In April of 1984 The Blue Nile released their debut album.

Linn Electronics had a conundrum, the hi-fi equipment they made was just too good to demo previously recorded artists. Their solution was to start a record label and give three art school kids studio time.

Let’s talk The Blue Nile, A Walk Across the Rooftops!

In September of 1983 Tom Waits released his 8th studio album.

Gone are the days of piano balladry and thus begins the experimental Muppet phase of his storied career.

Let’s talk Tom Waits, Swordfishtombones!

In October of 1983 The The released their debut album.

NME’s Don Johnson:

“In days when the pop song has been reduced to the reiteration of catch-phrases, Matt Johnson flexes a rare literary flair. More importantly he has the command of music’s immense possibilities to carry them through without self-indulgence. Ignore this LP if you must, but you’ll be ignoring one of the year’s rare heart-stopping moments.”

Lets talk The The, Soul Mining!