The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1986
1986 was a landmark year in music, brimming with artistic ambition and sonic experimentation. It not only contributed to defining the decade but was the apex of the 80s sound, before a significant shift came in 1987; one that ultimately laid the blueprint for the music of the late-80s and early 90s. Nevertheless, 1986 delivered some of the greatest albums in the history of recorded music. From hard-edged rock and metal that redefined aggressive intensity, to pop records infused with glossy production and undeniable hooks, to blues and soul albums that proved timelessness could still cut through an era of excess, the diversity of releases in 1986 was nothing short of remarkable.
The industry was thriving on the momentum of music television and the growing dominance of the Compact Disc, allowing artists to push their music further, particularly in terms of runtime. Even so, most albums still adhered to the traditional single LP length, as vinyl remained a mainstream, though waning, format. What stood out most was the leap in production values, with polished arrangements and innovative studio techniques that gave the era its distinctive sound. Thankfully, these advancements largely served as tools of enhancement, allowing raw emotion and artistry to shine through, proving that innovation and style could coexist beautifully.
At Subjective Sounds, our ranked lists aim to capture not just the biggest names or the chart-topping hits, but the breadth of creativity that shaped the musical landscape of the era. Looking back, 1986 stands as one of those pivotal years when genres collided, boundaries blurred, and unforgettable records were born.
Ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. Although, depending on your subjective preferences, you may prefer a different order, omit some, or even ponder some that are not included. Trust me, I’ve changed the order countless times because determining the best albums often depends on how one feels at any given moment. Either way, let’s simply enjoy the best music from 1986.
1. Metallica – Master Of Puppets
Master Of Puppets isn’t just another entry in Metallica’s discography—it’s a landmark release in heavy metal history. From the moment the opening track “Battery” explodes into action, the album asserts itself with relentless energy and razor-sharp musicianship. With this release, Metallica refined their sound to be a near-perfect balance of aggression and melody, demonstrating exceptional compositional skills along the way.
What, ultimately, makes Master Of Puppets endure, decades later, is its completeness—every song contributes something vital to the overall sonic journey, ensuring that this is an uncompromising and essential listen worthy of every music lover’s collection.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Metallica’s Master Of Puppets.
2. Alice Cooper – Constrictor
Following a three-year hiatus, Constrictor marked Alice Cooper's bold return, and what a return it was. Reinvigorated and embracing the glam-metal aesthetics of the mid-80s, Cooper unleashed a record that’s unapologetically theatrical, ferociously fun, and laced with the dark humour fans had come to love.
With razor-sharp production, stadium-sized riffs, and memorable cuts like “Teenage Frankenstein,” Constrictor didn’t just revive Alice Cooper, it redefined his music for a new generation.
Often underrated in his discography, this 1986 release is a guilty pleasure and a cult classic that deserves far more recognition than it usually receives.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Alice Cooper’s Constrictor.
3. Crowded House – Crowded House (Self-Titled)
Crowded House’s self-titled debut album is an extraordinary introduction to a band that would go on to define an era of emotionally resonant, melodic pop-rock. Upon release, this album immediately showcased Neil Finn’s remarkable songwriting skills and vocal delivery, with tracks that are introspective, catchy, and timeless. From the haunting vulnerability of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” to the punchy optimism of “Something So Strong,” every song contributes to a debut that feels both confident and deeply personal and delivers a quintessential album experience.
Crowded House wasn’t just a strong start; it’s a landmark record that continues to resonate with listeners decades later, proving that great songwriting and heartfelt performances never go out of style.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Crowded House’s self-titled debut.
4. Joe Cocker – Cocker
Joe Cocker’s 1986 album Cocker is a masterclass in soulful interpretation and mid-80s production finesse. Following the success of Civilized Man, this release proved that Cocker had fully settled into a new phase of his career, one defined by polished arrangements, commanding vocal performances, and a cohesive mix of originals and covers.
What makes Cocker stand out, however, is its consistency from start to finish. Whether he’s making a Marvin Gaye classic his own with “Inner City Blues” or turning Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” into a definitive performance, Cocker brings sincerity and power to every track. It’s an album that remains captivating decades later and is a must-listen for music lovers and fans as it’s an essential entry in Cocker’s celebrated discography.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Joe Cocker’s Cocker.
5. Lionel Richie – Dancing On The Ceiling
Dancing On The Ceiling sees Lionel Richie embracing a more polished, pop-centric sound while still maintaining the smooth soul and romanticism that made him a household name. The album offers a vibrant mix of infectious hooks, danceable rhythms, and heartfelt ballads. With hits like the title track and “Say You, Say Me,” Richie continued to dominate the airwaves, offering a perfect blend of commercial appeal and smooth sophistication.
While it may not have reached the groundbreaking heights of his earlier works, Dancing On The Ceiling showcases Richie’s ability to seamlessly blend genres, from pop and R&B to funk and country influences. The album’s upbeat energy and catchy melodies make it an undeniable feel-good listen, and it’s an album that captures both the exuberance of the mid-‘80s and the timeless charm that Richie brought to his music.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Lionel Richie’s Dancing On The Ceiling.
6. John Farnham – Whispering Jack
With the power of a voice that could level arenas and the emotion of a performer with something to prove, John Farnham transformed himself from teen idol to national icon with this 1986 release.
Anchored by the anthemic “You’re the Voice,” this album is packed with melodic sophistication, sleek ‘80s production, and a vocal performance that remains unmatched. It's bold, heartfelt, and unrelenting in its confidence.
Whispering Jack is more than just a career resurrection—it's a masterclass in reinvention, and every track pulses with purpose. If you want to understand Australian pop rock, this is the gold standard, and you should start here.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of John Farnham’s Whispering Jack.
7. ICEHOUSE – Measure For Measure
By the time Measure For Measure was released in 1986, ICEHOUSE had firmly established themselves as one of Australia’s most significant new wave and synth-rock bands. This fourth studio album marked a noticeable shift in style and production, trading in the rawness and urgency of Sidewalk for a more refined and cinematic approach. From the opening notes, Measure For Measure immerses the listener in a rich, atmospheric soundscape that feels both expansive and meticulously constructed. It is also amongst ICEHOUSE’s most cohesive and artistically mature albums.
Whether you’re rediscovering the album or hearing it for the first time, Measure For Measure is a must-listen for fans and music lovers alike and is one of the greatest releases from the era.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of ICEHOUSE’s Measure For Measure.
8. Queen – A Kind Of Magic
A Kind Of Magic, Queen’s twelfth studio album, stands as a fascinating blend of rock album and film soundtrack, shaped in large part by its close ties to the cult fantasy film Highlander. With six of the album’s tracks featured in the film, it's tempting to see the release as a companion piece. However, when considered on its own as a mid-80s Queen album, it holds up remarkably well.
Stylistically, the album embraces synths, soul influences, and cinematic flourishes while still delivering on Queen’s trademark theatricality and musical precision. Ultimately, A Kind of Magic transcends the “soundtrack” label and rewards listeners who approach it as a standalone work, reaffirming Queen’s enduring ability to surprise and impress.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Queen’s A Kind Of Magic.
9. Meat Loaf – Blind Before I Stop
Often overshadowed by the towering legacy of Bat Out Of Hell, Blind Before I Stop is an underrated gem in Meat Loaf’s discography that deserves far more recognition than it receives.
Released during a difficult period in his career, this 1986 album showcases a bold stylistic shift as Meat Loaf embraces the synth-heavy sound of the decade without abandoning the flair that defines his best works. While some fans will lament the absence of Jim Steinman’s compositions, Blind Before I Stop proves its worth with a strong sense of musical identity, blending rock, pop, and balladry into a cohesive and compelling listen—despite its underwhelming cover art.
Blind Before I Stop may not be his most famous work, but it holds its own, especially for those interested in 80s-era music, willing to step outside the shadow of Bat Out Of Hell and discover a different, but no less compelling, side of Meat Loaf’s artistic legacy.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Meat Loaf’s Blind Before I Stop.
10. Robert Cray – Strong Persuader
Robert Cray’s Strong Persuader is a masterclass in modern blues, perfectly blending soulful vocals, sharp guitar work, and compelling storytelling. The album particularly stands out for its polished production and ability to appeal to both dedicated blues fans and mainstream audiences, with each track ensuring the record is engaging from start to finish.
Ultimately, Strong Persuader isn’t just one of Cray’s defining works; it’s a landmark blues record of the 80s that continues to captivate with every listen.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Robert Cray’s Strong Persuader.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1986 that I appreciate but don’t feel are the best of the best. However, there’s some killer music to be heard here, so load up your favourite streaming service and give them a listen, for our music tastes are subjective and you may just come across an album that you consider a masterpiece.
