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5 great albums released 35 years ago this month

What was going on in the music world in August 1989? Well, as this list shows, a lot. Variety is the key word when we look at some of the memorable albums released 35 years ago this month.

In this quintet of albums we get a bit of classic rock, hair metal, country pop and hip hop. Let's take a look back at the LPs that caused a sensation back then and still enchant us today.

Steel rims by The Rolling Stones

The Stones had just come out of a difficult phase when they Steel rimsTheir last few records were disappointing, they insulted each other in the press and in their songs, and people began to wonder if this seemingly indestructible band was finally going to break up. The opening guitar sounds of “Sad Sad Sad” on Steel rims seemed to blow away all those bad vibes and clear the way for a stellar comeback. The rocking songs are there, while the departures from form are all spot on, like the medieval-sounding “Blinded by Love” and the after-hours soul closer “Slipping Away.”

Storms by Nanci Griffith

Nanci Griffith's unique songwriting touch has always been a hard sell to pop music audiences used to having meaning spoon-fed to them. Even when she tried to go in a more radio-friendly direction on this album, it was still a bit too quirky for the masses. But anyone who likes excellent singer/songwriter qualities on an entire LP will enjoy being right in the middle of this special Storms“You Made This Love a Teardrop” is a stunning song about heartbreak, “Radio Fragile” is a heartbreaking character sketch, and “Listen to the Radio” is a joyful banger.

Nobody can do it better by The DOC

This should have been the start of a legendary rap career. Instead, The DOC (born Tracy Lynn Curry)'s entire career momentum was destroyed by a car accident that left his vocal cords severely damaged. Nobody can do it better still stands out as one of the best albums from the late '80s heyday of classic hip-hop. The DOC's connection to NWA meant he was able to enjoy stellar production from Dr. Dre and even a posse cut (“The Grand Finale”) featuring Ice Cube, MC Ren and Eazy-E. But it's Curry's smooth flow and inventive lyrical associations that make the biggest impression.

Dr. Well-being by Mötley Crüe

Whatever you may think of the Hair Metal era, it is hard to argue against the idea that Dr. Well-being was their high point. In fact, it was such a huge success that it seemed Mötley Crüe didn't have much artistic energy left afterward. Bob Rock's production ensures that every guitar blast or powerful drum fill has maximum impact. The songwriting (mostly by Mick Mars and Nikki Sixx) is also the strongest the band has ever produced. It spawned five hit singles, and each one is worth the price.

Enough Z'Nuff by Enuff Z'Nuff

With their big hair and big guitars, Enuff Z'Nuff was one of the heavy metal bands dominating MTV at the time. But at the most basic level, Chip Z'Nuff and Donnie Vie's songs had more in common with Cheap Trick than Mötley Crüe. When they got the formula right, they could deliver top-notch catchy tunes with plenty of weight. The singles from their debut, “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle,” offer hints of glam rock and psychedelia that most of their peers couldn't pull off, while album tracks like “I Could Never Live Without You” showcase top-notch songwriting skills.

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Photo by Ilpo Musto/Shutterstock

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