1983 4Ever: Let's Not Dance and Say We Did

As with The Police’s Synchronicity and Michael Jackson’s Thriller, it’s impossible to talk about 1983 without talking about David Bowie’s multi-platinum LP, Let’s Dance.

At once both Bowie’s biggest-seller and his least-inspired album (at least until 1999’s somnolent Hours), Let’s Dance also marked both a commercial peak and the start of a very long and excruciating creative drought for the rock legend. 

1983 4EVER: You Will Know Synchronicity

 

Whether you loved it or hated it, there’s no talking about 1983 without talking about the Police’s mega-smash Synchronicity, released 38 years ago last Thursday. The album even knocked Michael Jackson’s mighty Thriller off the top of the Billboard charts, a position it reached no less than 17 times. 

Did I mention it was released on the 17th? Do I need to?

1983 4Ever: Dreams Stay with You

My obsession with Scottish post-punk probably began the first time I heard John McGeoch's guitar, but certainly reached an apogee with Big Country. 

I first heard them in September of 1983 during the height of the New British Invasion/synth pop craze and almost immediately ran out to buy their debut The Crossing at the old Quincy Records off the main drag in Quincy Square. I remember actually being afraid that if I didn't get the album right away they might disappear back into the ether somehow. It was that kind of year.