Explore the sonic landscape of 1984 as we take a deep dive into the year's landmark albums on this episode of WorkTape. We discuss iconic releases like Metallica's "Ride the Lightning," Van Halen's "1984," Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," and Prince's "Purple Rain." We also reflect on the rise of synth-rock with The Cars' "Heartbeat City", and the enduring influence of U2's "The Unforgettable Fire." Join us as we celebrate these pivotal moments in music history and their lasting impact.

Episode Highlights:

• Was "Ride the Lightning" Metallica's main transition from thrash into more mass-appealing sounds?
• Did Van Halen peak with "1984"?
• How did "The Unforgettable Fire" set the stage for U2's future sound?
• Are Simple Minds simply underrated?
• Is “How Soon Is Now” Morrissey and Marr at their best?
• Does Wham!'s "Make It Big" hold up beyond its hit singles?