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Albums First Released in 1981

Club music, new wave and synthesiser-led pop became more visible in 1981, while rock and soul continued to change. Key releases from 1981 include Nightclubbing by Grace Jones, Moving Pictures by Rush, Never Too Much by Luther Vandross and Juju by Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Grace Jones joined reggae rhythm, funk and new wave at Compass Point; Luther Vandross brought a new polish to soul; Rush condensed progressive rock; and Siouxsie and the Banshees made darker guitar music.

Browse new vinyl editions alongside second-hand copies.

Our Pick of the Year: Nightclubbing by Grace Jones

Nightclubbing placed Grace Jones inside the Compass Point rhythm section's mix of reggae, funk and new wave. Pull Up to the Bumper, Walking in the Rain and I've Seen That Face Before use space as carefully as rhythm. Jones's controlled delivery makes the album feel unified even when the songs come from different writers.

Explore the year before or after

1980 Vinyl Records  |  1982 Vinyl Records  |  All years