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Albums First Released in 1988

Hip hop became more forceful in 1988, while independent rock moved towards noise, atmosphere and slower forms. Standout albums from 1988 include Spirit of Eden by Talk Talk, Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A., Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth and It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy.

Public Enemy and N.W.A. showed the growing range of rap, Sonic Youth brought experimental guitar music closer to a wider audience, and Talk Talk built a rock album around space and improvisation.

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Our Pick of the Year: Spirit of Eden by Talk Talk

Spirit of Eden was assembled from long studio improvisations rather than conventional song-by-song sessions. Mark Hollis and producer Tim Friese-Greene left silence around organ, guitar, brass and voice, creating music that unfolds slowly. It sold modestly at first, but its method became important to later post-rock and experimental bands.

Explore the year before or after

1987 Vinyl Records  |  1989 Vinyl Records  |  All years