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 1985 found R.E.M. claiming my top spot for the third straight year among an eclectic and deep field featuring several artists following up their biggest hits.

Originally published: 2023 | Song of the Day posts featured: 20

My top ten albums of 1985:

#1. Fables of the Reconstruction – R.E.M.

#2. Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits

#3. Southern Accents – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

#4. Little Creatures – Talking Heads

#5. Meat is Murder – The Smiths

#6. The Dream of the Blue Turtles – Sting

#7. No Jacket Required – Phil Collins

#8. Hounds of Love – Kate Bush

#9. Scarecrow – John Cougar Mellencamp

#10. Songs from the Big Chair – Tears for Fears

Other notable albums of 1985…

The Head on the Door – The Cure

Be Yourself Tonight – Eurythmics

Centerfield – John Fogerty

Heart – Heart

Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston

Listen Like Thieves – INXS

Rum, Sodomy and the Lash – The Pogues

Around the World in a Day – Prince

Promise – Sade

Once Upon a Time – Simple Minds