In 1983, we’re reaching the heart of what we think about when we think about the 1980s. Here, voted on by the Paste music writers and editors, are the 20 best albums of 1983.

What Were the Best Albums of 1983? Several LPs in the list of Top 40 Albums of 1983 have since become classics of their time and field.

But 1983 as a whole was a particularly rich year for influential albums. Some were massive hits from the jump, flying out of record stores on the day of release.

1983: 40 years ago, these were the year’s most influential albums Subscribers are entitled to 10 gift sharing articles each month. These can be shared with friends and family who are not ...

But 1983 as a whole was a particularly rich year for influential albums. Some were massive hits from the jump, flying out of record stores on the day of release.