History's Best Selling Music of 1987

Hats off to 1987! Few music commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as The Joshua Tree. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Sign o' the Times and Whitesnake, consumers eagerly embraced the neon-soaked culture and synthwave energy. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like U2 and Prince set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. The Joshua Tree

   Released in 1987 by U2, Island Records

   On March 9, 1987, the Irish rock band U2 released their fifth studio album, 'The Joshua Tree.' The release came at a time of significant political and social tension, with the Cold War still ongoing and figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher dominating the political landscape. U2, already a major international act, sought to explore the dichotomy of America—its vast, open landscapes and its often-turbulent political ideals. This date marked a pivotal moment, not just for the band, but for rock music in the 1980s, as the album would elevate U2 from arena rock stars to global superstars, defining the sound of a generation and becoming one of the best-selling albums in history.

2. Sign o' the Times

   Released in 1987 by Prince, Paisley Park Records, Warner Bros. Records

   On March 30, 1987, the music world received a monumental and sprawling masterpiece with the release of Prince's ninth studio album, "Sign o' the Times." Arriving at a creative zenith for the artist, this double album was a breathtaking statement of musical genius. Released after disbanding his famous backing band, The Revolution, the album was largely a solo effort, showcasing Prince's unparalleled multi-instrumentalism and genre-defying vision. It served as a powerful cultural document, reflecting on the social and political anxieties of the late 1980s—from the AIDS crisis to urban decay—while simultaneously exploring themes of love, lust, spirituality, and celebration.

3. Whitesnake

   Released in 1987 by Whitesnake, Geffen Records

   Released on April 7, 1987, Whitesnake's self-titled seventh studio album (known as '1987' in Europe) was a watershed moment for the British hard rock band. It represented a deliberate and wildly successful pivot towards the American market, transforming the group from a respected rock act into global superstars. The album's release marked the culmination of a difficult period of lineup changes and personal setbacks for frontman David Coverdale, but it ultimately became the band's commercial zenith, perfectly encapsulating the slick, powerful, and radio-friendly sound of the late-80s glam metal era and setting a new standard for the genre.

4. Tango in the Night

   Released in 1987 by Fleetwood Mac, Warner Bros. Records

   On April 13, 1987, the legendary band Fleetwood Mac released "Tango in the Night," an album that would become a colossal commercial success and the final studio project from the band's most famous lineup for over a decade. Released into the slick, polished pop landscape of the late 1980s, the album masterfully blended the band's signature rock sensibilities with contemporary production techniques, including synthesizers and drum machines. This release marked a significant moment, as it was both a triumphant return to the top of the charts and a swansong for Lindsey Buckingham's initial tenure with the group, capturing a band at the peak of its commercial power yet on the brink of internal fracture.

5. Appetite for Destruction

   Released in 1987 by Guns N' Roses, Geffen Records

   On July 21, 1987, the landscape of rock and roll was seismically altered with the release of Guns N' Roses' debut album, "Appetite for Destruction." At a time when glam metal, with its polished production and hairspray-heavy image, dominated the charts, this album emerged from the gritty streets of Los Angeles as a raw, aggressive, and unapologetic statement. It was a sonic Molotov cocktail thrown into the mainstream music scene, offering a dangerous and authentic alternative that was desperately needed. The album's release didn't create an immediate explosion; instead, it was a slow-burning fuse that, once lit, would engulf the world and redefine hard rock for a new generation, setting the stage for one of the most meteoric rises in music history.

6. Diesel and Dust

   Released in 1987 by Midnight Oil, Columbia Records

   Released on August 2, 1987, Midnight Oil's "Diesel and Dust" was far more than just another rock album; it was a powerful political statement that catapulted the Australian band to global stardom. Arriving at a time of increased social consciousness in popular music, the album served as a vibrant and impassioned plea for the rights of Indigenous Australians. The record was born from the band's direct experiences touring remote Aboriginal communities, and its release brought these crucial, and often overlooked, issues to a massive international audience, transforming the band from local heroes into global activists.

7. Bad

   Released in 1987 by Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Epic Records

   Released on August 31, 1987, Michael Jackson's album 'Bad' was not just a record; it was a global cultural event. The world waited with bated breath for the follow-up to 'Thriller,' the best-selling album of all time. The pressure on Jackson was immense, but he delivered an album that simultaneously met and defied expectations. 'Bad' cemented his status as the undisputed 'King of Pop' and kicked off a new era of his imperial phase. The album's release marked the culmination of years of meticulous work and launched a series of singles and iconic music videos that would dominate the charts and airwaves for the next two years, proving Jackson's artistic and commercial prowess was no fluke.

8. Music for the Masses

   Released in 1987 by Depeche Mode, Mute Records

   On September 28, 1987, UK synth-pop pioneers Depeche Mode released their sixth studio album, 'Music for the Masses'. The title was somewhat ironic, as the band felt their dark, atmospheric music was anything but mainstream. Yet, this very album would become their commercial breakthrough in the United States, transforming them from a beloved cult act into global stadium headliners. Released into a musical landscape dominated by hair metal and pop superstars, the album's sophisticated electronic soundscapes and introspective lyrics provided a powerful alternative, cementing the band's status as icons of the burgeoning alternative rock scene and setting the stage for their massive worldwide success in the 1990s.

9. Surfing with the Alien

   Released in 1987 by Joe Satriani, Relativity Records

   On October 15, 1987, the landscape of rock guitar was irrevocably altered with the release of Joe Satriani's second studio album, "Surfing with the Alien." At a time when instrumental rock was a niche genre, Satriani's work burst into the mainstream, proving that a guitar-led album could be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. The album's release marked a pivotal moment, showcasing a level of technical wizardry, melodic sensibility, and innovative sound that would inspire a generation of guitarists and redefine the possibilities of the electric guitar as a lead melodic instrument.

10. Kick

    Released in 1987 by INXS, Atlantic Records, WEA

    On October 19, 1987, the landscape of global pop-rock was irrevocably altered with the release of "Kick," the sixth studio album by Australian band INXS. At a time when rock was fragmenting into hair metal and alternative scenes, INXS delivered a masterclass in synthesis, blending rock, funk, and dance music into a cohesive, impossibly catchy package. The album didn't just give the band a handful of hits; it catapulted them from Australian heroes to international superstars, defining the sound of the late 1980s and cementing their place in music history. "Kick" was a perfect storm of impeccable songwriting, charismatic performance, and slick production that arrived at the perfect moment to dominate global airwaves and MTV.

11. Cloud Nine

    Released in 1987 by George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Dark Horse Records

    On November 2, 1987, George Harrison shattered a five-year musical silence with the release of 'Cloud Nine', an album that marked a triumphant commercial and critical comeback for the former Beatle. In a decade often dominated by synthesized pop and bombastic rock, Harrison's return was a breath of fresh air, re-establishing his relevance and reminding the world of his profound songwriting talent. The album arrived at a perfect time, tapping into a nostalgic appreciation for classic rock sounds while feeling contemporary and vibrant, thanks in large part to the production work of ELO's Jeff Lynne. This release wasn't just another record; it was a powerful reassertion of Harrison's enduring musical identity.