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Albums First Released in 1986

Hip hop and thrash metal reached larger audiences in 1986, while global pop and Australian rock travelled widely. Among the defining albums released in 1986 were Graceland by Paul Simon, Master of Puppets by Metallica, Crowded House by Crowded House and So by Peter Gabriel.

The year shows popular music becoming more international. Crowded House took Australasian songwriting worldwide, Peter Gabriel mixed art rock with modern pop and Metallica expanded metal's scope.

Browse new vinyl editions alongside second-hand copies.

Our Pick of the Year: Graceland by Paul Simon

Graceland joined Paul Simon's songwriting with musicians and styles from South Africa and the United States. You Can Call Me Al, The Boy in the Bubble and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes use complex rhythms without losing direct melodies. The collaboration also prompted debate about cultural exchange and the apartheid-era boycott.

Explore the year before or after

1985 Vinyl Records  |  1987 Vinyl Records  |  All years