Albums from the Year 1981

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Other Years: 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1990s 2000s

This page lists the top albums of 1981 in the source charts. The way that the various charts are combined to reach this final list is described in the site generation page. A list of biggest hit songs of 1981 can be found here.

The top five album artists of 1981 were:

1:The Rolling Stones2:Queen3:The Police4:The Human League5:Phil Collins
# Artist Album Title Year Chart Entries
1 The Rolling Stones Tattoo You 1981 US num 1 for 9 weeks - Sep 1981, Canada 1 for 7 weeks - 1981, Australia num 1 for 11 weeks - Sep 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 2000), UK 2 - Sep 1981 (29 weeks), Austria 2 - Oct 1981 (3 months), Norway 3 - Sep 1981 (20 weeks), Sweden 3 - Sep 1981 (26 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), US BB 7 of 1981, US CashBox 10 of 1981, Australia (Kent) 12 of 1981 (peak 1), Italy 27 of 1981, Holland free40 27 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 40 of 1981 (peak 1, 35 weeks), Fox101 79, German RS100 82, RYM 122 of 1981, Rolling Stone 211, Radio Caroline 221 (1981), WTMD 478, WXPN 741 (1981), Acclaimed 1016 (1981), AVrev 46, Xgau rating A- (1981)
2 The Police Ghost In The Machine 1981 UK 1 - Oct 1981 (27 weeks), Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1981, Australia num 1 for 1 week - Dec 1981, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 2001), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), Norway 5 - Oct 1981 (13 weeks), Melody Maker 5 of 1981, Sweden 6 - Oct 1981 (17 weeks), Holland free40 7 of 1981, US BB 8 of 1981, BEA 8 of 1981, Austria 11 - Dec 1981 (1 month), US CashBox 12 of 1982, Italy 12 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 46 of 1981 (peak 1, 32 weeks), RYM 113 of 1981, WXPN 253 (1981), Rolling Stone 322, WTMD 637, Acclaimed 1255 (1981), KEXP 471, Xgau rating B+ (1981), Global 131 - 8 M claimed
3 Phil Collins Face Value 1981 UK 1 - Feb 1981 (274 weeks), Canada 1 for 3 weeks - 1981, Sweden 1 - Mar 1981 (30 weeks), US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1999), UK 5 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1995), Germany 3 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1993), Diamond in Canada (certified in Nov 1996), Austria 3 - Apr 1981 (4 months), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1990), Norway 5 - Mar 1981 (31 weeks), Australia (Kent) 7 of 1981 (peak 2), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), Italy 21 of 1981, US BB 25 of 1981, US CashBox 33 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 33 of 1981 (peak 1, 33 weeks), Holland free40 37 of 1981, Guiness 71, RYM 149 of 1981, Acclaimed 1676 (1981), Global 51 - 17 M claimed
4 The Human League Dare! 1981 UK 1 - Oct 1981 (72 weeks), Sweden 1 - Nov 1981 (32 weeks), Holland free40 1 of 1981, UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Apr 1985), Australia (Kent) 2 of 1982 (peak 3), BEA 2 of 1981, US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jul 1982), Norway 6 - Jan 1982 (26 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 6 of 1982 (peak 5, 78 weeks), Melody Maker 9 of 1981, US BB 20 of 1982, US CashBox 28 of 1982, RYM 41 of 1981, Italy 62 of 1982, UK Radio2 77, Channel4 100, Acclaimed 214 (1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
5 Foreigner 4 1981 US num 1 for 10 weeks - Aug 1981, France (InfoDisc) 1 of 1981 (peak 6, 110 weeks), US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1991), US BB 2 of 1981, Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1984), US 3 of 1982, US CashBox 4 of 1981, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Apr 1982), UK 5 - Jul 1981 (60 weeks), US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), Australia (Kent) 15 of 1982 (peak 3), Holland free40 38 of 1981, Fox101 61, RYM 109 of 1981, Acclaimed 2575 (1981)
6 Queen Queen's Greatest Hits I 1981 UK 1 - Nov 1981 (492 weeks), Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Dec 1981, Austria 1 - Dec 1981 (14 months), UK 1 of all time (5.4 M claimed) (1981), US 8 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 2006), UK 11 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jan 1992), Germany 3 x Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1993), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), BEA 7 of 1981, Norway 21 - Nov 1981 (20 weeks), Australia (Kent) 23 of 1982 (peak 2), Worldwide 33 - 18 M, US BB 48 of 1981, US CashBox 76 of 1982, Internet 83 - 15 M claimed (1981), Global 51 - 17 M claimed
7 REO Speedwagon Hi Infidelity 1981 US CashBox 1 of 1981, US 1 of 1981, US num 1 for 15 weeks - Feb 1981, Canada 1 for 2 weeks - 1981, US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Mar 1995), US BB 3 of 1981, UK 6 - Apr 1981 (29 weeks), US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), Norway 17 - Apr 1981 (9 weeks), Sweden 25 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), Fox101 43, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jun 1981), Xgau rating B- (1980)
8 Electric Light Orchestra Time 1981 UK 1 - Aug 1981 (32 weeks), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Sep 1981, Sweden 1 - Aug 1981 (38 weeks), Norway 2 - Aug 1981 (17 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1982), Austria 3 - Sep 1981 (4 months), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Oct 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), BEA 6 of 1981, Australia (Kent) 18 of 1981 (peak 3), Holland free40 30 of 1981, RYM 38 of 1981, Italy 66 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 100 of 1982 (peak 28, 16 weeks)
9 Styx Paradise Theater 1981 US num 1 for 3 weeks - Apr 1981, Canada 1 for 2 weeks - 1981, US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1984), US CashBox 2 of 1981, Norway 5 - Feb 1981 (13 weeks), US BB 6 of 1981, Sweden 6 - Jan 1981 (12 weeks), UK 8 - Jan 1981 (8 weeks), Holland free40 28 of 1981, Fox101 54, RYM 146 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1981)
10 Rush Moving Pictures 1981 BEA 1 of 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1995), RYM 2 of 1981, UK 3 - Feb 1981 (12 weeks), US CashBox 11 of 1981, US BB 13 of 1981, Holland free40 31 of 1981, Sweden 32 - Feb 1981 (2 weeks), Norway 34 - Mar 1981 (3 weeks), WTMD 268, WXPN 335 (1981), Acclaimed 919 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), AVrev 54, Global 164 - 6 M claimed
11 Kim Carnes Mistaken Identity 1981 US num 1 for 4 weeks - Jun 1981, Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1981, Norway 1 - Jun 1981 (29 weeks), Grammy in 1981 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1981), Sweden 4 - May 1981 (28 weeks), US CashBox 17 of 1981, US BB 18 of 1981, UK 26 - Jun 1981 (16 weeks), Italy 29 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 31 of 1981 (peak 1, 38 weeks)
12 AC/DC For Those About To Rock We Salute You 1981 US num 1 for 3 weeks - Dec 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 2001), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1993), UK 3 - Dec 1981 (29 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), Norway 6 - Dec 1981 (9 weeks), Austria 9 - Jan 1982 (4 months), Sweden 9 - Dec 1981 (13 weeks), US BB 22 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 27 of 1981 (peak 1, 43 weeks), US CashBox 29 of 1982, Italy 47 of 1982, RYM 181 of 1981, Xgau rating C (1981)
13 Journey Escape 1981 US num 1 for 1 week - Sep 1981, US BB 1 of 1981, US 9 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1994), US CashBox 6 of 1981, US sales 9 M (according to RIAA), UK 32 - Mar 1982 (15 weeks), RYM 48 of 1981, Fox101 75, Defin200 126 (1981), Acclaimed 1138 (1981)
14 Steve Winwood Arc Of A Diver 1981 Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1981, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1981), Holland free40 8 of 1981, UK 13 - Jan 1981 (20 weeks), Australia (Kent) 15 of 1981 (peak 5), US BB 17 of 1981, US CashBox 18 of 1981, Norway 24 - Feb 1981 (5 weeks), Sweden 33 - Jan 1981 (4 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 56 of 1981 (peak 3, 28 weeks), RYM 160 of 1980, WXPN 681 (1980), WTMD 832, Acclaimed 1828 (1980), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jan 1981), Xgau rating B- (1980)
15 Abba The Visitors 1981 UK 1 - Dec 1981 (21 weeks), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Jan 1982, Norway 1 - Dec 1981 (13 weeks), Sweden 1 - Dec 1981 (15 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1982), Austria 3 - Jan 1982 (5 months), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1983), RYM 61 of 1981, Italy 81 of 1982, France (InfoDisc) 94 of 1982 (peak 17, 16 weeks)
16 Stevie Nicks Bella Donna 1981 US num 1 for 1 week - Sep 1981, Australia num 1 for 1 week - Sep 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1990), US BB 4 of 1981, UK 11 - Aug 1981 (16 weeks), US CashBox 12 of 1981, Sweden 14 - Aug 1981 (10 weeks), Australia (Kent) 17 of 1981 (peak 1), Italy 73 of 1981, RYM 84 of 1981, WXPN 672 (1981)
17 The Moody Blues Long Distance Voyager 1981 US num 1 for 3 weeks - Jul 1981, Canada 1 for 10 weeks - 1981, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1981), UK 7 - May 1981 (19 weeks), US CashBox 9 of 1981, US BB 12 of 1981, Norway 12 - May 1981 (11 weeks), Australia (Kent) 21 of 1981 (peak 7), Holland free40 72 of 1981, RYM 189 of 1981, Radio Caroline 269 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jun 1981)
18 Rod Stewart Tonight I'm Yours 1981 Canada 1 for 3 weeks - 1982, Sweden 2 - Nov 1981 (24 weeks), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), Hong Kong Platinum (certified by IFPI-HK in 1983), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), UK 8 - Nov 1981 (20 weeks), Norway 20 - Nov 1981 (13 weeks), US BB 40 of 1981, Italy 59 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 59 of 1981 (peak 16, 27 weeks), US CashBox 63 of 1982, Holland free40 69 of 1981, Xgau rating B (1981)
19 Genesis Abacab 1981 UK 1 - Sep 1981 (27 weeks), US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1988), Norway 4 - Oct 1981 (11 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 4 of 1981 (peak 1, 92 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1988), Sweden 11 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), Italy 13 of 1981, Holland free40 25 of 1981, US BB 29 of 1981, US CashBox 51 of 1981, AVrev 16, Global 131 - 8 M claimed
20 Olivia Newton-John Physical 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1984), Sweden 3 - Oct 1981 (18 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Apr 1982), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), Norway 8 - Nov 1981 (16 weeks), UK 11 - Oct 1981 (22 weeks), US CashBox 11 of 1982, US BB 14 of 1981, Australia (Kent) 21 of 1982 (peak 3), Italy 56 of 1982, RYM 142 of 1981
21 Pat Benatar Precious Time 1981 US num 1 for 1 week - Aug 1981, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1984), Sweden 9 - Aug 1981 (10 weeks), US CashBox 13 of 1981, US BB 15 of 1981, Norway 28 - Sep 1981 (2 weeks), UK 30 - Jul 1981 (7 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 58 of 1981 (peak 3, 24 weeks), Holland free40 68 of 1981
22 The Who Face Dances 1981 Canada 1 for 1 week - 1981, UK 2 - Mar 1981 (9 weeks), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1981), Sweden 17 - Apr 1981 (4 weeks), Norway 19 - Apr 1981 (11 weeks), Holland free40 29 of 1981, US BB 30 of 1981, US CashBox 34 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 90 of 1981 (peak 12, 16 weeks), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Mar 1981), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
23 Van Halen Fair Warning 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1994), BEA 10 of 1981, Sweden 18 - May 1981 (12 weeks), Norway 27 - Jun 1981 (4 weeks), US BB 41 of 1981, US CashBox 45 of 1981, UK 49 - May 1981 (4 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 52 of 1981 (peak 13, 32 weeks), RYM 53 of 1981, Holland free40 56 of 1981, Italy 78 of 1981, Xgau rating B- (1981)
24 Neil Diamond The Jazz Singer 1981 US 5 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1991), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), UK 3 - Nov 1980 (110 weeks), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), US CashBox 7 of 1981, US BB 11 of 1981, Australia (Kent) 14 of 1981 (peak 10), US sales 5 M (according to RIAA), France (InfoDisc) 85 of 1981 (peak 5, 16 weeks)
25 Quincy Jones The Dude 1981 Grammy in 1981 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1982), Norway 8 - May 1981 (23 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 10 of 1981 (peak 2, 74 weeks), Sweden 12 - May 1981 (18 weeks), UK 19 - Apr 1981 (25 weeks), US BB 51 of 1982, US CashBox 66 of 1981, RYM 179 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Sep 1981)
26 Duran Duran Duran Duran 1981 Holland free40 2 of 1981, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1985), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1982), UK 3 - Jun 1981 (117 weeks), Sweden 3 - Aug 1981 (30 weeks), Australia (Kent) 16 of 1982 (peak 9), US CashBox 28 of 1993, US BB 45 of 1983, RYM 107 of 1981, Global 177 - 5 M claimed
27 Billy Joel Songs in the Attic 1981 US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1999), Norway 12 - Oct 1981 (9 weeks), Sweden 38 - Sep 1981 (4 weeks), US CashBox 41 of 1981, US BB 42 of 1981, Holland free40 47 of 1981, UK 57 - Oct 1981 (3 weeks), RYM 87 of 1981, WXPN 528 (1981), WTMD 744
28 Rickie Lee Jones Pirates 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Sep 1981), Norway 16 - Aug 1981 (4 weeks), US BB 31 of 1981, UK 37 - Aug 1981 (11 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 37 of 1981 (peak 19, 40 weeks), US CashBox 43 of 1981, RYM 45 of 1981, Holland free40 95 of 1981, WXPN 278 (1981), Acclaimed 994 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jul 1990), Xgau rating C+ (1981)
29 Iron Maiden Killers 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jan 1987), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Nov 1985), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1987), BEA 4 of 1981, Sweden 11 - Mar 1981 (8 weeks), UK 12 - Feb 1981 (8 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 17 of 1981 (peak 1, 60 weeks), Norway 19 - Mar 1981 (10 weeks), RYM 31 of 1981, Acclaimed 2921 (1981)
30 Shakin' Stevens Shaky 1981 UK 1 - Sep 1981 (28 weeks), Austria 1 - Feb 1982 (6 months), Norway 2 - Oct 1981 (44 weeks), Sweden 2 - Oct 1981 (38 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), RYM 185 of 1981
31 The Pretenders The Pretenders II 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Sep 2001), UK 7 - Aug 1981 (26 weeks), Holland free40 19 of 1981, Sweden 20 - Sep 1981 (6 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 49 of 1981 (peak 13, 32 weeks), US BB 51 of 1981, US CashBox 70 of 1981, RYM 104 of 1981, Acclaimed 2795 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
32 Earth, Wind & Fire Raise! 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1981), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), Sweden 9 - Nov 1981 (22 weeks), UK 11 - Nov 1981 (22 weeks), Norway 15 - Nov 1981 (17 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 18 of 1981 (peak 1, 58 weeks), US BB 21 of 1981, US CashBox 22 of 1981, Italy 43 of 1981, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
33 Santana Zebop! 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1999), Norway 3 - Apr 1981 (23 weeks), Sweden 9 - Apr 1981 (10 weeks), Austria 12 - Jun 1981 (1 month), France (InfoDisc) 23 of 1981 (peak 2, 48 weeks), UK 33 - Apr 1981 (4 weeks), US BB 33 of 1981, US CashBox 36 of 1981, Italy 77 of 1981
34 U2 October 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 1995), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Mar 1992), Holland free40 4 of 1981, UK 11 - Oct 1981 (43 weeks), Sweden 40 - Nov 1981 (2 weeks), WTMD 418, WXPN 696 (1981), Acclaimed 2725 (1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
35 Blondie The Best of Blondie 1981 Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Feb 1982, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 2005), UK 2 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Aug 1988), UK 4 - Oct 1981 (27 weeks), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), Australia (Kent) 14 of 1982 (peak 1), Xgau rating A- (1981)
36 Heaven 17 Penthouse & Pavement 1981 Melody Maker 1 of 1981, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Oct 1982), Holland free40 5 of 1981, UK 14 - Sep 1981 (77 weeks), Sweden 24 - Feb 1982 (2 weeks), RYM 100 of 1981, Acclaimed 1759 (1981)
37 Squeeze East Side Story 1981 Melody Maker 4 of 1981, Holland free40 17 of 1981, UK 19 - May 1981 (26 weeks), Sweden 25 - Feb 1982 (6 weeks), RYM 39 of 1981, WXPN 669 (1998), WTMD 837, Acclaimed 1008 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
38 The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Hooked On Classics 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1981), Hong Kong Platinum (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), UK 4 - Sep 1981 (44 weeks), Sweden 9 - Oct 1981 (9 weeks), US BB 13 of 1982, US CashBox 15 of 1982, Xgau rating B (1982)
39 Kim Wilde Kim Wilde 1981 Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Aug 1981, Sweden 1 - Jul 1981 (34 weeks), UK 3 - Jul 1981 (14 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), RYM 169 of 1981
40 Grace Jones Nightclubbing 1981 Sweden 4 - May 1981 (20 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1992), Melody Maker 9 of 1981, Norway 19 - Jul 1981 (17 weeks), UK 35 - May 1981 (18 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 44 of 1981 (peak 5, 36 weeks), Holland free40 52 of 1981, RYM 68 of 1981, Acclaimed 763 (1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
41 Eric Clapton Another Ticket 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in May 1981), Norway 5 - Mar 1981 (14 weeks), UK 18 - Mar 1981 (8 weeks), Sweden 26 - Mar 1981 (4 weeks), US BB 34 of 1981, US CashBox 44 of 1981, Italy 71 of 1981, Holland free40 77 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 92 of 1981 (peak 9, 16 weeks)
42 Al Jarreau Breaking Away 1981 Grammy in 1981 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1982), Norway 9 - Aug 1981 (7 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 24 of 1981 (peak 9, 48 weeks), US BB 35 of 1981, US CashBox 40 of 1981, UK 60 - Sep 1981 (8 weeks)
43 Visage Visage 1981 Germany 1 for 1 week - Apr 1981, Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), Austria 11 - May 1981 (2 months), UK 13 - Jan 1981 (29 weeks), Sweden 22 - Apr 1981 (4 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 38 of 1981 (peak 2, 38 weeks), RYM 120 of 1980, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Mar 1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
44 Soft Cell Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret 1981 UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Nov 1982), UK 5 - Dec 1981 (46 weeks), Melody Maker 9 of 1981, Holland free40 16 of 1981, RYM 23 of 1981, Sweden 25 - Dec 1981 (13 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 82 of 1982 (peak 28, 20 weeks), Acclaimed 791 (1981), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
45 The Stray Cats Stray Cats 1981 Sweden 3 - Apr 1981 (20 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jul 1981), UK 6 - Feb 1981 (22 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 6 of 1981 (peak 1, 72 weeks), Melody Maker 9 of 1981, Norway 24 - Apr 1981 (6 weeks), RYM 59 of 1981, Holland free40 70 of 1981
46 Starsound Stars On 45 1981 UK 1 - May 1981 (21 weeks), Hong Kong Platinum (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jun 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), Norway 13 - Jun 1981 (17 weeks), Australia (Kent) 19 of 1981 (peak 1), France (InfoDisc) 91 of 1981 (peak 12, 16 weeks)
47 Grover Washington Jr Winelight 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 2004), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1989), Norway 24 - Jul 1981 (3 weeks), US CashBox 26 of 1981, UK 34 - May 1981 (9 weeks), RYM 168 of 1980, UK Silver (certified by BPI in May 1984)
48 Starsound Long Play Album 1981 Germany 1 for 4 weeks - Jul 1981, Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Jul 1981, Austria 3 - Jul 1981 (5 months), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jul 1981), Sweden 15 - Jun 1981 (20 weeks)
49 Rush Exit Stage Left 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1987), UK 6 - Nov 1981 (14 weeks), Norway 28 - Dec 1981 (8 weeks), RYM 35 of 1981, US BB 52 of 1981, US CashBox 60 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1981)
50 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Hard Promises 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1981), US CashBox 20 of 1981, Sweden 22 - May 1981 (6 weeks), US BB 23 of 1981, UK 32 - May 1981 (5 weeks), Holland free40 49 of 1981, RYM 94 of 1981, Xgau rating B (1981)
51 Elvis Costello Trust 1981 Melody Maker 2 of 1981, Sweden 8 - Feb 1981 (6 weeks), UK 9 - Jan 1981 (7 weeks), Norway 28 - Feb 1981 (4 weeks), RYM 40 of 1981, Holland free40 54 of 1981, Acclaimed 1025 (1981), Xgau rating A (1981)
52 Motorhead No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith 1981 UK 1 - Jun 1981 (21 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), RYM 5 of 1981, Norway 24 - Jul 1981 (5 weeks), Sweden 27 - Jul 1981 (10 weeks), Acclaimed 495 (1981), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
53 Dr Hook Dr Hook's Greatest Hits 1981 Australia num 1 for 4 weeks - Mar 1981, UK 2 - Dec 1980 (29 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1980), Australia (Kent) 13 of 1981 (peak 1), Norway 14 - May 1999 (1 week), Australia (ARIA) 31 of 1992
54 Meatloaf Dead Ringer 1981 UK 1 - Sep 1981 (46 weeks), Sweden 1 - Sep 1981 (32 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1982), Norway 10 - Sep 1981 (11 weeks), Holland free40 83 of 1981
55 Depeche Mode Speak & Spell 1981 Holland free40 3 of 1981, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1993), UK 10 - Nov 1981 (34 weeks), Sweden 21 - Dec 1981 (17 weeks), RYM 176 of 1981, Acclaimed 2743 (1981), Xgau rating C+ (1981)
56 Diana Ross Why Do Fools Fall In Love 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), Norway 5 - Nov 1981 (16 weeks), Sweden 6 - Nov 1981 (16 weeks), UK 17 - Nov 1981 (25 weeks), US CashBox 61 of 1982
57 George Harrison Somewhere In England 1981 Norway 2 - Jun 1981 (9 weeks), UK 13 - Jun 1981 (4 weeks), Sweden 13 - Jun 1981 (10 weeks), Austria 15 - Jul 1981 (1 month), US BB 53 of 1981, US CashBox 71 of 1981, Holland free40 96 of 1981, Xgau rating C- (1981)
58 Kool & The Gang Something Special 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1981), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Apr 1982), UK 10 - Nov 1981 (20 weeks), US BB 55 of 1981, US CashBox 58 of 1981, Italy 58 of 1982
59 Loverboy Loverboy 1981 Juno Award in 1982, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1989), US BB 57 of 1981, US CashBox 86 of 1981
60 Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Architecture & Morality 1981 UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1982), UK 3 - Nov 1981 (39 weeks), Austria 16 - May 1982 (1 month), Holland free40 24 of 1981, Sweden 28 - Jan 1982 (2 weeks), RYM 28 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 96 of 1982 (peak 21, 16 weeks)
61 The Cure Faith 1981 BEA 9 of 1981, UK 14 - Apr 1981 (8 weeks), Holland free40 14 of 1981, RYM 25 of 1981, Sweden 38 - Jun 1981 (2 weeks), Acclaimed 2131 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1985)
62 Prince Controversy 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1985), Holland free40 51 of 1981, US CashBox 95 of 1981, RYM 110 of 1981, Acclaimed 2628 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1989), Xgau rating A- (1981)
63 Japan Tin Drum 1981 UK Gold (certified by BPI in Mar 1982), Holland free40 10 of 1981, UK 12 - Nov 1981 (50 weeks), Norway 16 - Mar 1982 (9 weeks), RYM 16 of 1981, Sweden 33 - Feb 1982 (2 weeks), Acclaimed 796 (1981)
64 Brian Eno & David Byrne My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts 1981 BEA 5 of 1981, Melody Maker 9 of 1981, UK 29 - Feb 1981 (8 weeks), RYM 32 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 66 of 1981 (peak 3, 22 weeks), Acclaimed 327 (1981), KEXP 264, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
65 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band Nine Tonight 1981 US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 2003), UK 24 - Sep 1981 (10 weeks), US CashBox 25 of 1981, US BB 27 of 1981, RYM 158 of 1981, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
66 Rick James Street Songs 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1981), US CashBox 14 of 1981, US BB 16 of 1981, RYM 81 of 1981, Acclaimed 1432 (1981), Xgau rating A- (1981)
67 Kraftwerk Computer World 1981 Holland free40 6 of 1981, RYM 12 of 1981, Austria 14 - Jul 1981 (2 months), UK 15 - May 1981 (22 weeks), Sweden 27 - Jun 1981 (10 weeks), Acclaimed 549 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1982), Xgau rating B (1981)
68 Simon & Garfunkel The Simon & Garfunkel Collection - 17 Of Their All-Time Greatest Recordings 1981 UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1988), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), UK 4 - Nov 1981 (79 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1982), Austria 8 - Jan 1982 (2 months)
69 Barry Manilow If I Should Love Again 1981 UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Nov 1981), UK 5 - Oct 1981 (25 weeks), US BB 62 of 1981, US CashBox 67 of 1981
70 Starsound Stars on 45, Vol. 2 1981 UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), Austria 13 - Nov 1981 (1 month), Norway 17 - Oct 1981 (4 weeks), UK 18 - Sep 1981 (6 weeks), Sweden 19 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), Italy 46 of 1981
71 Elton John The Fox 1981 Norway 5 - Jun 1981 (17 weeks), Austria 11 - Jul 1981 (1 month), UK 12 - May 1981 (12 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 15 of 1981 (peak 5, 66 weeks), Sweden 25 - Jun 1981 (2 weeks), US CashBox 85 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1985)
72 King Crimson Discipline 1981 RYM 9 of 1981, Sweden 37 - Oct 1981 (2 weeks), UK 41 - Oct 1981 (4 weeks), WTMD 203, WXPN 311 (1981), Acclaimed 1250 (1981), KEXP 394, AVrev 53, Xgau rating B (1981)
73 George Benson The George Benson Collection 1981 UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1986), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), UK 19 - Nov 1981 (35 weeks), US BB 57 of 1982, US CashBox 81 of 1982
74 Bob Dylan Shot Of Love 1981 Norway 5 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), UK 6 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), Sweden 8 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), Austria 20 - Nov 1981 (1 month), Italy 67 of 1981, Holland free40 75 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
75 Ultravox Rage In Eden 1981 UK 4 - Sep 1981 (23 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Sweden 5 - Sep 1981 (15 weeks), Norway 20 - Oct 1981 (8 weeks), Holland free40 34 of 1981, RYM 140 of 1981
76 Kenny Rogers Share Your Love 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1981), Norway 13 - Jul 1981 (11 weeks), US CashBox 30 of 1981, Sweden 37 - Aug 1981 (2 weeks), US BB 38 of 1981
77 Billy Squier Don't Say No 1981 US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1992), US CashBox 24 of 1981, US BB 24 of 1981, RYM 192 of 1981
78 Dan Fogelberg The Innocent Age 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1997), US CashBox 27 of 1981, US BB 32 of 1981, RYM 99 of 1981
79 Deborah Harry Koo Koo 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Oct 1981), UK 6 - Aug 1981 (7 weeks), Sweden 7 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), Norway 24 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), Holland free40 78 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Aug 1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
80 James Taylor Dad Loves His Work 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Mar 2000), Norway 20 - Apr 1981 (8 weeks), US CashBox 42 of 1981, US BB 44 of 1981, Holland free40 87 of 1981
81 Journey Captured 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1994), US BB 47 of 1981, US CashBox 50 of 1981, RYM 147 of 1981
82 The Commodores In The Pocket 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1981), Sweden 25 - Aug 1981 (2 weeks), US CashBox 49 of 1981, US BB 59 of 1981, UK 69 - Jul 1981 (5 weeks), Xgau rating B- (1981)
83 Cliff Richard Love Songs 1981 UK 1 - Jul 1981 (43 weeks), Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Mar 1982, UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Sep 1981)
84 The Smurfs Hitparade der Schlumpfe 1981 Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Jan 1981, Austria 1 - Mar 1981 (4 months), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1981)
85 Ozzy Osbourne Diary Of A Madman 1981 US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1994), UK 14 - Nov 1981 (12 weeks), RYM 15 of 1981, US CashBox 89 of 1982
86 Bob & Doug McKenzie Great White North 1981 Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1981, US BB 41 of 1982, US CashBox 52 of 1982, RYM 156 of 1981
87 Sheena Easton You Could Have Been With Me 1981 Sweden 2 - Oct 1981 (26 weeks), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Oct 1984), Norway 7 - Oct 1981 (19 weeks), UK 33 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Oct 1981)
88 Queen Flash Gordon 1981 Austria 3 - Feb 1981 (6 months), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jan 1981), UK 10 - Dec 1980 (15 weeks), Norway 25 - Jan 1981 (7 weeks), Sweden 29 - Mar 1981 (2 weeks), Italy 58 of 1981
89 The Boomtown Rats Mondo Bongo 1981 UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jan 1981), Sweden 5 - Jan 1981 (12 weeks), UK 6 - Jan 1981 (7 weeks), Norway 17 - Jan 1981 (19 weeks), Austria 19 - Mar 1981 (1 month), Holland free40 89 of 1981
90 Abba A wie Abba 1981 Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Jun 1981, Austria 1 - Jun 1981 (6 months), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981)
91 Elvis Costello Almost Blue 1981 Melody Maker 3 of 1981, UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jan 1982), UK 7 - Oct 1981 (18 weeks), Sweden 17 - Nov 1981 (5 weeks), Holland free40 35 of 1981, Xgau rating B- (1981)
92 The Kinks Give The People What They Want 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), Sweden 23 - Sep 1981 (4 weeks), Norway 28 - Oct 1981 (2 weeks), US CashBox 99 of 1981, RYM 200 of 1981, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
93 Luther Vandross Never Too Much 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1997), UK 41 - Feb 1987 (30 weeks), US CashBox 77 of 1981, Defin200 196 (1981), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
94 Tom Tom Club Tom Tom Club 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in May 1982), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1983), Sweden 32 - Nov 1981 (3 weeks), UK 78 - Oct 1981 (1 week), RYM 164 of 1981, Xgau rating A- (1981)
95 Air Supply The One That You Love 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1981), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), US BB 37 of 1981, US CashBox 47 of 1981
96 Black Flag Damaged 1981 BEA 3 of 1981, RYM 11 of 1981, Rolling Stone 340, Acclaimed 405 (1981), KEXP 469, Xgau rating A- (1981)
97 Pink Floyd A Collection Of Great Dance Songs 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 2001), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), Norway 5 - Dec 1981 (11 weeks), UK 37 - Dec 1981 (10 weeks), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
98 Whitesnake Come an' Get It 1981 UK 2 - Apr 1981 (23 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Sweden 24 - May 1981 (4 weeks), Norway 26 - May 1981 (6 weeks), RYM 134 of 1981
99 Black Sabbath Mob Rules 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in May 1986), UK 12 - Nov 1981 (13 weeks), Sweden 30 - Dec 1981 (2 weeks), RYM 49 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1982)
100 Status Quo Never Too Late 1981 UK 2 - Mar 1981 (13 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Mar 1981), Austria 9 - May 1981 (2 months), Norway 12 - Apr 1981 (16 weeks), Sweden 14 - Mar 1981 (10 weeks)

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