History's Best Selling Music of 1986

Revisiting 1986 presents a grand parade of music history, marked by neon-soaked culture and synthwave energy and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Master of Puppets, Black Celebration, and 5150 took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Metallica and Depeche Mode led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Master of Puppets

   Released in 1986 by Metallica, Elektra Records

   On March 3, 1986, the landscape of heavy metal was irrevocably altered with the release of Metallica's third studio album, "Master of Puppets." Arriving at a time when thrash metal was bubbling up from the underground, this album served as a powerful declaration of the genre's artistic and commercial potential. It was released by Elektra Records and represented a major step forward for the band, building upon the foundations of their previous work while pushing musical boundaries. For fans and critics alike, this date marks the moment Metallica transitioned from being a promising thrash band to becoming undisputed titans of metal, delivering an album that would be hailed as a masterpiece for decades to come.

2. Black Celebration

   Released in 1986 by Depeche Mode, Mute Records

   On March 17, 1986, Depeche Mode released their fifth studio album, "Black Celebration," marking a pivotal moment in their career and the evolution of electronic music. Released during a period of Cold War tension and social unease, the album captured the zeitgeist with its darker, more somber tone. It represented a deliberate departure from the poppier sounds of their earlier work, solidifying their status as pioneers of a more atmospheric and gothic-influenced synth-pop. This date signifies the moment the band fully embraced the brooding, industrial-tinged aesthetic that would define them for years to come, influencing countless artists and cementing their place as icons of alternative music.

3. 5150

   Released in 1986 by Van Halen, Warner Bros. Records

   On March 24, 1986, the rock world held its breath as Van Halen released "5150", their first album without charismatic frontman David Lee Roth. The departure of Roth had led many to believe the band's golden era was over. Instead, with new singer Sammy Hagar, the album marked a triumphant and surprising rebirth. Its release on this day was a pivotal moment, not just for the band but for 80s rock, proving that a major lineup change could lead to even greater commercial heights and a successful evolution of a band's signature sound.

4. A Kind of Magic

   Released in 1986 by Queen, EMI Records

   Released on June 2, 1986, Queen's twelfth studio album, "A Kind of Magic," marked a significant moment for the band. Coming off their triumphant performance at Live Aid in 1985, which had spectacularly revitalized their career, the band was riding a wave of renewed popularity. This album was unique as it served as the unofficial soundtrack for the fantasy action film *Highlander*, directed by Russell Mulcahy. The film's themes of immortality and epic struggle provided a rich creative well for the band, allowing them to craft a powerful, cinematic rock record that perfectly captured the spirit of the mid-80s while solidifying their status as global rock royalty.

5. True Blue

   Released in 1986 by Madonna, Stephen Bray, Patrick Leonard, Sire Records

   On June 30, 1986, Madonna released her third studio album, "True Blue," at the apex of her early fame. Coming off the world-conquering success of "Like a Virgin," the new record was a statement of artistic and personal growth, dedicated to her then-husband, actor Sean Penn. The album was a global phenomenon from the moment it dropped, signaling a more mature and sonically ambitious direction for the artist who was already being called the Queen of Pop. "True Blue" was not just another album release; it was a cultural event that would cement Madonna's status as the definitive musical icon of the decade.

6. Lifes Rich Pageant

   Released in 1986 by R.E.M., I.R.S. Records

   On July 28, 1986, the landscape of alternative rock was irrevocably altered with the release of R.E.M.'s fourth studio album, "Lifes Rich Pageant." Coming off the more atmospheric and murky sound of its predecessor, "Fables of the Reconstruction," this album marked a deliberate pivot. It was the moment the Athens, Georgia quartet turned up the volume and clarified their message, both sonically and lyrically. Produced by Don Gehman, known for his work with John Mellencamp, the album was designed to capture the raw energy of their live performances, resulting in a punchier, more direct sound that would propel them from college radio darlings toward mainstream consciousness.

7. Crowded House

   Released in 1986 by Neil Finn, Paul Hester, Nick Seymour, Capitol Records

   On August 1, 1986, the music world received a timeless collection of pop-rock perfection with the North American release of Crowded House's self-titled debut album. Emerging from the dissolution of the beloved New Zealand band Split Enz, this project, led by songwriter Neil Finn, had much to prove. The album's release marked a pivotal moment, not just for the band members, but for Australian and New Zealand music on the global stage. It was the day a new creative force was unleashed, one that would soon captivate listeners worldwide with its blend of melancholic introspection and soaring, optimistic melodies, planting the seeds for what would become an enduring legacy.

8. Slippery When Wet

   Released in 1986 by Bon Jovi, Mercury Records

   On August 18, 1986, the landscape of rock and roll was irrevocably altered with the release of Bon Jovi's third studio album, "Slippery When Wet." Arriving at the zenith of the glam metal movement, the album was not just a collection of songs but a cultural phenomenon in waiting. It perfectly captured the aspirational, blue-collar spirit of the 1980s, wrapping tales of love, hope, and rebellion in massive, radio-friendly hooks. The release date marked the beginning of Bon Jovi's ascent from a moderately successful rock band to global superstars. This album would go on to dominate the charts, define the sound of an era, and produce some of the most enduring anthems in the history of popular music, making its debut a pivotal moment for the band and the genre.