As part of my Decades project, I counted down my own favorite albums of the year then explored other notable releases with which I was less familiar.

The year 1981 had a short but mighty list of my favorites, highlighted by the strength of Elvis Costello as both a performer and a producer. Of the other albums I covered, a trio by women artists made the biggest impression.

Originally published: 2018 | Song of the Day posts featured: 15

My top ten albums of 1981:

#1. Trust – Elvis Costello

#2. East Side Story – Squeeze

#3. Songs in the Attic – Billy Joel

#4. Escape – Journey

#5. Face Value – Phil Collins

Other notable albums of 1981…

High ‘N’ Dry – Def Leppard

4 – Foreigner

Abacab – Genesis

Beauty and the Beat – Go-Go’s

I Love Rock ‘n Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Bella Donna – Stevie Nicks

Ghost in the Machine – The Police

Tattoo You – The Rolling Stones

Moving Pictures – Rush

Paradise Theater – Styx