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Albums from the Year 1981

Other Years: 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

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 ten album artists of 1981 were:

1:Queen3:Phil Collins5:Rush7:Starsound9:Abba
2:The Rolling Stones4:The Police6:AC/DC8:The Human League10:Foreigner
# Artist Album Title Year Chart Entries
1 The Rolling Stones Tattoo You 1981 Billboard 1 - Sep 1981 (58 weeks) (9 weeks at number 1) (22 weeks in top 10), US num 1 for 9 weeks - Sep 1981, Canada 1 for 7 weeks - 1981, Australia num 1 for 11 weeks - Sep 1981, New Zealand 1 for 2 - Sep 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in May 2000), UK 2 - Sep 1981 (29 weeks), Austria 2 - Oct 1981 (3 months), ODK Germany 3 - Sep 1981 (14 weeks) (4 weeks in top 10), Germany 3 - Sep 1981 (7 weeks), 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, UK Albums 2013-23 peak 7 - Oct 2021 (1 week), US CashBox 10 of 1981, Australia (Kent) 12 of 1981 (peak 1), US Albums 2014-23 peak 24 - Nov 2021 (1 week), Italy 27 of 1981, Holland free40 27 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 40 of 1981 (peak 1, 35 weeks), Fox101 79, German RS100 82, Rolling Stone 211, Radio Caroline 221 (1981), WTMD 478, WXPN 741 (1981), Acclaimed 1016 (1981), RYM 122 of 1981, AVrev 46, Xgau rating A- (1981)
2 Queen Queen's Greatest Hits I 1981 UK 1 - Nov 1981 (492 weeks), ODK Germany 1 - Nov 1981 (112 weeks) (2 weeks at number 1) (24 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Dec 1981, Germany 1 - Nov 1981 (64 weeks), Austria 1 - Dec 1981 (14 months), New Zealand 1 for 5 - Nov 1981, UK all time album 1 (1981), 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, Billboard 11 - Nov 1981 (261 weeks), Norway 21 - Nov 1981 (20 weeks), Australia (Kent) 23 of 1982 (peak 2), US Longest Running Album 31 1981 (219 weeks), Worldwide 33 - 18 M, US BB 48 of 1981, Global 51 - 17 M claimed, Australia (ARIA) 68 of 2015, US CashBox 76 of 1982, Internet 83 - 15 M claimed (1981)
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), ODK Germany 2 - Mar 1981 (39 weeks) (26 weeks in top 10), Germany 2 - Mar 1981 (27 weeks), Austria 3 - Apr 1981 (4 months), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1990), Norway 5 - Mar 1981 (31 weeks), Billboard 7 - Mar 1981 (148 weeks) (10 weeks in top 10), 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, UK Albums 2013-23 peak 47 - Feb 2016 (1 week), Global 51 - 17 M claimed, Guiness 71, US Longest Running Album 79 1981 (164 weeks), Acclaimed 1676 (1981), RYM 149 of 1981
4 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), Billboard 2 - Oct 1981 (109 weeks) (24 weeks in top 10), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Oct 1981), ODK Germany 4 - Oct 1981 (28 weeks) (5 weeks in top 10), Germany 4 - Oct 1981 (8 weeks), 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), Global 131 - 8 M claimed, WXPN 253 (1981), Rolling Stone 322, WTMD 637, Acclaimed 1255 (1981), RYM 113 of 1981, KEXP 471, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
5 Foreigner 4 1981 Billboard 1 - Jul 1981 (81 weeks) (10 weeks at number 1) (34 weeks in top 10), 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, ODK Germany 4 - Aug 1981 (68 weeks) (19 weeks in top 10), Germany 4 - Oct 1981 (54 weeks), 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, Billboard200 46, Fox101 61, Acclaimed 2575 (1981), RYM 109 of 1981
6 The Human League Dare! 1981 UK 1 - Oct 1981 (72 weeks), Sweden 1 - Nov 1981 (32 weeks), New Zealand 1 for 3 - Jun 1982, 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, Billboard 3 - Feb 1982 (38 weeks) (9 weeks in top 10), 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, ODK Germany 19 - Feb 1982 (17 weeks), US BB 20 of 1982, US CashBox 28 of 1982, Italy 62 of 1982, UK Radio2 77, Channel4 100, Acclaimed 214 (1981), RYM 41 of 1981, Xgau rating B- (1981)
7 REO Speedwagon Hi Infidelity 1981 Billboard 1 - Dec 1980 (101 weeks) (15 weeks at number 1) (30 weeks in top 10), 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), ODK Germany 18 - May 1981 (25 weeks), Sweden 25 - Aug 1981 (8 weeks), Fox101 43, Billboard200 66, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jun 1981), Xgau rating B- (1980)
8 Rush Moving Pictures 1981 BEA 1 of 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1995), Juno Award in 1982 (Nominated), UK 3 - Feb 1981 (12 weeks), Billboard 3 - Mar 1981 (74 weeks) (14 weeks in top 10), US CashBox 11 of 1981, US Albums 2014-23 peak 11 - Apr 2022 (1 week), US BB 13 of 1981, Holland free40 31 of 1981, Sweden 32 - Feb 1981 (2 weeks), Norway 34 - Mar 1981 (3 weeks), UK Albums 2013-23 peak 57 - May 2022 (1 week), Global 164 - 6 M claimed, WTMD 268, WXPN 335 (1981), Acclaimed 919 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), RYM 2 of 1981, AVrev 54
9 Kim Carnes Mistaken Identity 1981 Billboard 1 - May 1981 (51 weeks) (4 weeks at number 1) (12 weeks in top 10), US num 1 for 4 weeks - Jun 1981, Canada 1 for 5 weeks - 1981, Norway 1 - Jun 1981 (29 weeks), New Zealand 1 for 3 - Jul 1981, Grammy in 1981 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1981), ODK Germany 3 - Jul 1981 (20 weeks) (11 weeks in top 10), Germany 3 - Jul 1981 (14 weeks), 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)
10 Starsound Stars On 45 1981 UK 1 - May 1981 (21 weeks), ODK Germany 1 - May 1981 (27 weeks) (4 weeks at number 1) (19 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 4 weeks - Jul 1981, Germany 1 - May 1981 (22 weeks), Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Jul 1981, New Zealand 1 for 3 - Aug 1981, Hong Kong Platinum (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), Austria 3 - Jul 1981 (5 months), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jul 1981), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jun 1981), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), Billboard 9 - May 1981 (24 weeks) (5 weeks in top 10), Norway 13 - Jun 1981 (17 weeks), Sweden 15 - Jun 1981 (20 weeks), Australia (Kent) 19 of 1981 (peak 1), France (InfoDisc) 91 of 1981 (peak 12, 16 weeks)
11 Electric Light Orchestra Time 1981 UK 1 - Aug 1981 (32 weeks), ODK Germany 1 - Aug 1981 (41 weeks) (5 weeks at number 1) (14 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Sep 1981, Germany 1 - Aug 1981 (25 weeks), 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, Billboard 16 - Aug 1981 (20 weeks), Australia (Kent) 18 of 1981 (peak 3), Holland free40 30 of 1981, Italy 66 of 1981, France (InfoDisc) 100 of 1982 (peak 28, 16 weeks), RYM 38 of 1981
12 AC/DC For Those About To Rock We Salute You 1981 Billboard 1 - Dec 1981 (30 weeks) (3 weeks at number 1) (12 weeks in top 10), US num 1 for 3 weeks - Dec 1981, US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 2001), ODK Germany 2 - Dec 1981 (22 weeks) (9 weeks in top 10), Germany 2 - Dec 1981 (10 weeks), 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 Billboard 1 - Aug 1981 (152 weeks) (1 week at number 1) (38 weeks in top 10), 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), Billboard200 47, ODK Germany 49 - Sep 1981 (4 weeks), US Albums 2014-23 peak 60 - Nov 2021 (3 weeks), Fox101 75, Defin200 126 (1981), Acclaimed 1138 (1981), RYM 48 of 1981
14 Styx Paradise Theater 1981 Billboard 1 - Jan 1981 (60 weeks) (3 weeks at number 1) (27 weeks in top 10), 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), ODK Germany 21 - Feb 1981 (15 weeks), Holland free40 28 of 1981, Fox101 54, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), RYM 146 of 1981
15 Stevie Nicks Bella Donna 1981 Billboard 1 - Aug 1981 (143 weeks) (1 week at number 1) (26 weeks in top 10), 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), US Albums 2014-23 peak 52 - May 2022 (1 week), Italy 73 of 1981, Billboard200 184, WXPN 672 (1981), RYM 84 of 1981
16 Abba The Visitors 1981 UK 1 - Dec 1981 (21 weeks), ODK Germany 1 - Dec 1981 (31 weeks) (5 weeks at number 1) (14 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Jan 1982, Germany 1 - Dec 1981 (16 weeks), 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), Billboard 29 - Jan 1982 (17 weeks), Italy 81 of 1982, France (InfoDisc) 94 of 1982 (peak 17, 16 weeks), RYM 61 of 1981
17 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), ODK Germany 6 - Oct 1981 (20 weeks) (3 weeks in top 10), Germany 6 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), Billboard 7 - Oct 1981 (64 weeks) (6 weeks in top 10), 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, Global 131 - 8 M claimed, AVrev 16
18 The Moody Blues Long Distance Voyager 1981 Billboard 1 - Jun 1981 (39 weeks) (3 weeks at number 1) (12 weeks in top 10), 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), ODK Germany 28 - Jun 1981 (15 weeks), Holland free40 72 of 1981, Radio Caroline 269 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jun 1981), RYM 189 of 1981
19 Steve Winwood Arc Of A Diver 1981 Canada 1 for 4 weeks - 1981, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jun 1981), Billboard 3 - Jan 1981 (43 weeks) (13 weeks in top 10), 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), ODK Germany 26 - Feb 1981 (33 weeks), Sweden 33 - Jan 1981 (4 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 56 of 1981 (peak 3, 28 weeks), WXPN 681 (1980), WTMD 832, Acclaimed 1828 (1980), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jan 1981), RYM 160 of 1980, Xgau rating B- (1980)
20 Vangelis Chariots Of Fire 1981 Billboard 1 - Oct 1981 (57 weeks) (4 weeks at number 1) (14 weeks in top 10), US num 1 for 4 weeks - Apr 1982, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Apr 1982), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1982), Australia (Kent) 3 of 1982 (peak 5), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1983), UK 5 - Apr 1981 (103 weeks), US CashBox 9 of 1982, US BB 10 of 1982, Austria 11 - Jul 1982 (2 months), ODK Germany 39 - Jun 1981 (13 weeks), Holland free40 90 of 1981, RYM 155 of 1981
21 Adam & The Ants Kings Of The Wild Frontier 1981 UK 1 - Nov 1980 (66 weeks), Brit best album 1982, UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), Sweden 4 - Mar 1981 (22 weeks), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Aug 1994), Melody Maker 5 of 1980, ODK Germany 11 - Jul 1981 (16 weeks), Germany 11 - Jul 1981 (4 weeks), Austria 18 - Aug 1981 (2 months), Australia (Kent) 23 of 1981 (peak 2), Billboard 44 - Feb 1981 (35 weeks), UK Albums 2013-23 peak 69 - May 2016 (1 week), Acclaimed 1458 (1980), RYM 85 of 1980, Xgau rating B (1980)
22 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), Billboard 11 - Nov 1981 (31 weeks), Norway 20 - Nov 1981 (13 weeks), US BB 40 of 1981, ODK Germany 42 - Dec 1981 (6 weeks), 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)
23 Pat Benatar Precious Time 1981 Billboard 1 - Jul 1981 (54 weeks) (1 week at number 1) (14 weeks in top 10), 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), ODK Germany 57 - Aug 1981 (2 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 58 of 1981 (peak 3, 24 weeks), Holland free40 68 of 1981
24 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), Billboard 10 - Feb 1983 (87 weeks), Australia (Kent) 16 of 1982 (peak 9), US BB 45 of 1983, US CashBox 60 of 1983, UK Albums 2013-23 peak 71 - Oct 2020 (1 week), Global 177 - 5 M claimed, RYM 107 of 1981
25 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), Billboard 4 - Apr 1981 (20 weeks) (8 weeks in top 10), Sweden 17 - Apr 1981 (4 weeks), Norway 19 - Apr 1981 (11 weeks), ODK Germany 29 - Apr 1981 (8 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)
26 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), Billboard 6 - Oct 1981 (57 weeks) (14 weeks in top 10), 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), ODK Germany 30 - Nov 1981 (19 weeks), Italy 56 of 1982, RYM 142 of 1981
27 Kim Wilde Kim Wilde 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Jul 1981 (31 weeks) (5 weeks at number 1) (13 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Aug 1981, Germany 1 - Jul 1981 (15 weeks), 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), Billboard 86 - Jun 1982 (22 weeks), RYM 169 of 1981
28 Van Halen Fair Warning 1981 US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1994), Billboard 5 - May 1981 (23 weeks) (5 weeks in top 10), BEA 10 of 1981, Sweden 18 - May 1981 (12 weeks), Norway 27 - Jun 1981 (4 weeks), ODK Germany 37 - Jun 1981 (10 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), Holland free40 56 of 1981, Italy 78 of 1981, RYM 53 of 1981, Xgau rating B- (1981)
29 Visage Visage 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Mar 1981 (34 weeks) (1 week at number 1) (23 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 1 week - Apr 1981, Germany 1 - Mar 1981 (28 weeks), 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), Billboard 178 - Aug 1981 (4 weeks), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Mar 1981), RYM 120 of 1980, Xgau rating B- (1981)
30 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, ODK Germany 10 - Mar 1981 (33 weeks) (1 week in top 10), Germany 10 - Apr 1981 (12 weeks), 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), Billboard 78 - Jun 1981 (23 weeks), Acclaimed 2921 (1981), RYM 31 of 1981
31 The Pretenders The Pretenders II 1981 New Zealand 1 for 1 - Aug 1981, US Gold (certified by RIAA in Sep 2001), UK 7 - Aug 1981 (26 weeks), Billboard 10 - Aug 1981 (19 weeks) (3 weeks in top 10), 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, Acclaimed 2795 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), RYM 104 of 1981, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
32 The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Hooked On Classics 1981 New Zealand 1 for 2 - Oct 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), Billboard 4 - Nov 1981 (68 weeks) (9 weeks in top 10), Sweden 9 - Oct 1981 (9 weeks), US BB 13 of 1982, US CashBox 15 of 1982, Xgau rating B (1982)
33 Quincy Jones The Dude 1981 Grammy in 1981 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1982), Norway 8 - May 1981 (23 weeks), Billboard 10 - Apr 1981 (80 weeks) (1 week in top 10), 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, ODK Germany 54 - Aug 1981 (9 weeks), US CashBox 66 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), RYM 179 of 1981
34 Billy Joel Songs in the Attic 1981 US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1999), Billboard 8 - Oct 1981 (27 weeks) (5 weeks in top 10), 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, ODK Germany 51 - Nov 1981 (6 weeks), UK 57 - Oct 1981 (3 weeks), WXPN 528 (1981), WTMD 744, RYM 87 of 1981
35 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), ODK Germany 4 - Oct 1981 (56 weeks) (9 weeks in top 10), Germany 4 - Oct 1981 (27 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981), RYM 185 of 1981
36 Rickie Lee Jones Pirates 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Sep 1981), Billboard 5 - Aug 1981 (28 weeks) (8 weeks in top 10), 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, Holland free40 95 of 1981, WXPN 278 (1981), Acclaimed 994 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jul 1990), RYM 45 of 1981, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
37 Earth, Wind & Fire Raise! 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1981), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Dec 1981), Billboard 5 - Nov 1981 (25 weeks) (10 weeks in top 10), 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, ODK Germany 30 - Dec 1981 (23 weeks), Italy 43 of 1981, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
38 Grace Jones Nightclubbing 1981 Sweden 4 - May 1981 (20 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1992), ODK Germany 8 - Aug 1981 (20 weeks) (1 week in top 10), Germany 8 - Aug 1981 (7 weeks), Melody Maker 9 of 1981, Norway 19 - Jul 1981 (17 weeks), Billboard 32 - May 1981 (20 weeks), UK 35 - May 1981 (18 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 44 of 1981 (peak 5, 36 weeks), UK Albums 2013-23 peak 46 - May 2014 (1 week), Holland free40 52 of 1981, Acclaimed 763 (1981), RYM 68 of 1981, Xgau rating B- (1981)
39 Simon & Garfunkel The Simon & Garfunkel Collection - 17 Of Their All-Time Greatest Recordings 1981 New Zealand 1 for 2 - Dec 1981, UK 3 x Platinum (certified by BPI in Jun 1988), France 2 X Platinum (certified by SNEP Apr 1995), ODK Germany 2 - Dec 1981 (16 weeks) (6 weeks in top 10), Germany 2 - Dec 1981 (9 weeks), UK 4 - Nov 1981 (79 weeks), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1982), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1983), Austria 8 - Jan 1982 (2 months), France (InfoDisc) 41 of 1990 (peak 6, 20 weeks)
40 AC/DC Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 1981 US 6 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 2001), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 2003), Billboard 3 - Apr 1981 (55 weeks) (12 weeks in top 10), US sales 6 M (according to RIAA), US CashBox 16 of 1981, US BB 20 of 1981, Acclaimed 2760 (1976), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Jul 1979), RYM 66 of 1976, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
41 Santana Zebop! 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1999), Norway 3 - Apr 1981 (23 weeks), Billboard 9 - Apr 1981 (32 weeks) (7 weeks in top 10), Sweden 9 - Apr 1981 (10 weeks), Austria 12 - Jun 1981 (1 month), ODK Germany 21 - May 1981 (21 weeks), 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
42 Blondie The Best of Blondie 1981 Australia num 1 for 2 weeks - Feb 1982, New Zealand 1 for 3 - Jan 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), Billboard 30 - Oct 1981 (23 weeks), Xgau rating A- (1981)
43 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), ODK Germany 96 - Aug 2008 (1 week), Billboard 104 - Nov 1981 (37 weeks), WTMD 418, WXPN 696 (1981), Acclaimed 2725 (1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
44 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Hard Promises 1981 New Zealand 1 for 2 - Jun 1981, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1981), Billboard 5 - May 1981 (31 weeks) (11 weeks in top 10), 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)
45 Eric Clapton Another Ticket 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in May 1981), Norway 5 - Mar 1981 (14 weeks), Billboard 7 - Mar 1981 (21 weeks) (8 weeks in top 10), UK 18 - Mar 1981 (8 weeks), ODK Germany 26 - Apr 1981 (10 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)
46 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, Billboard 22 - Feb 1982 (40 weeks), ODK Germany 23 - Jan 1982 (17 weeks), Sweden 25 - Dec 1981 (13 weeks), UK Albums 2013-23 peak 31 - Dec 2023 (1 week), France (InfoDisc) 82 of 1982 (peak 28, 20 weeks), Acclaimed 791 (1981), RYM 23 of 1981, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
47 Meat Loaf Dead Ringer 1981 UK 1 - Sep 1981 (46 weeks), Sweden 1 - Sep 1981 (32 weeks), UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Feb 1982), ODK Germany 8 - Sep 1981 (31 weeks) (2 weeks in top 10), Germany 8 - Sep 1981 (4 weeks), Norway 10 - Sep 1981 (11 weeks), Billboard 45 - Sep 1981 (11 weeks), Holland free40 83 of 1981
48 Al Jarreau Breaking Away 1981 Grammy in 1981 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1982), Billboard 9 - Aug 1981 (103 weeks) (4 weeks in top 10), 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)
49 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), Billboard 44 - May 1981 (25 weeks), WXPN 669 (1998), WTMD 837, Acclaimed 1008 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), RYM 39 of 1981, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
50 Rush Exit Stage Left 1981 Juno Award in 1982 (Nominated), US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1987), UK 6 - Nov 1981 (14 weeks), Billboard 10 - Nov 1981 (21 weeks) (3 weeks in top 10), Norway 28 - Dec 1981 (8 weeks), US BB 52 of 1981, US CashBox 60 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), RYM 35 of 1981
51 Queen Flash Gordon 1981 ODK Germany 2 - Jan 1981 (35 weeks) (9 weeks in top 10), Germany 2 - Feb 1981 (21 weeks), Austria 3 - Feb 1981 (6 months), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Jan 1981), UK 10 - Dec 1980 (15 weeks), Billboard 23 - Dec 1980 (15 weeks), Norway 25 - Jan 1981 (7 weeks), Sweden 29 - Mar 1981 (2 weeks), Italy 58 of 1981
52 The Cure Faith 1981 New Zealand 1 for 3 - May 1981, BEA 9 of 1981, UK 14 - Apr 1981 (8 weeks), Holland free40 14 of 1981, Sweden 38 - Jun 1981 (2 weeks), US Albums 2014-23 peak 196 - Jun 2021 (1 week), Acclaimed 2131 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1985), RYM 25 of 1981
53 George Harrison Somewhere In England 1981 Norway 2 - Jun 1981 (9 weeks), Billboard 11 - Jun 1981 (13 weeks), UK 13 - Jun 1981 (4 weeks), Sweden 13 - Jun 1981 (10 weeks), Austria 15 - Jul 1981 (1 month), ODK Germany 36 - Jul 1981 (9 weeks), US BB 53 of 1981, US CashBox 71 of 1981, Holland free40 96 of 1981, Xgau rating C- (1981)
54 Starsound Stars on 45, Vol. 2 1981 UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), Hong Kong Gold (certified by IFPI-HK in 1982), ODK Germany 8 - Oct 1981 (8 weeks) (2 weeks in top 10), Germany 8 - Oct 1981 (4 weeks), 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, Billboard 120 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks)
55 Motorhead No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith 1981 UK 1 - Jun 1981 (21 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), ODK Germany 12 - Aug 1981 (22 weeks), Germany 12 - Aug 1981 (13 weeks), Norway 24 - Jul 1981 (5 weeks), Sweden 27 - Jul 1981 (10 weeks), UK Albums 2013-23 peak 42 - Jul 2021 (1 week), Acclaimed 495 (1981), RYM 5 of 1981, Xgau rating B+ (1981)
56 Kraftwerk Computer World 1981 Holland free40 6 of 1981, ODK Germany 7 - Jun 1981 (23 weeks) (5 weeks in top 10), Germany 7 - Jun 1981 (12 weeks), Austria 14 - Jul 1981 (2 months), UK 15 - May 1981 (22 weeks), Sweden 27 - Jun 1981 (10 weeks), Billboard 72 - Jun 1981 (41 weeks), Acclaimed 549 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1982), RYM 12 of 1981, Xgau rating B (1981)
57 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band Nine Tonight 1981 US 4 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Sep 2003), Billboard 3 - Sep 1981 (72 weeks) (10 weeks in top 10), UK 24 - Sep 1981 (10 weeks), US CashBox 25 of 1981, US BB 27 of 1981, ODK Germany 34 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), RYM 158 of 1981, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
58 Jean-Michel Jarre Les chants magnetiques 1981 UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), UK 6 - Jun 1981 (17 weeks), Austria 6 - Jul 1981 (6 months), ODK Germany 9 - Jun 1981 (29 weeks) (3 weeks in top 10), Germany 9 - Jun 1981 (14 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 11 of 1981 (peak 1, 66 weeks), Norway 20 - Jul 1981 (6 weeks), Sweden 22 - Jun 1981 (8 weeks), Billboard 98 - Jul 1981 (12 weeks), RYM 152 of 1981
59 Prince Controversy 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1985), Billboard 21 - Nov 1981 (65 weeks), Holland free40 51 of 1981, US Albums 2014-23 peak 55 - May 2016 (2 weeks), US CashBox 95 of 1981, Acclaimed 2628 (1981), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1989), RYM 110 of 1981, Xgau rating A- (1981)
60 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), ODK Germany 49 - Feb 1982 (8 weeks), Billboard 192 - Dec 1981 (8 weeks), Acclaimed 2743 (1981), RYM 176 of 1981, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
61 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), Acclaimed 1759 (1981), RYM 100 of 1981
62 Elvis Costello Trust 1981 Melody Maker 2 of 1981, Sweden 8 - Feb 1981 (6 weeks), UK 9 - Jan 1981 (7 weeks), Billboard 28 - Feb 1981 (15 weeks), Norway 28 - Feb 1981 (4 weeks), Holland free40 54 of 1981, Acclaimed 1025 (1981), RYM 40 of 1981, Xgau rating A (1981)
63 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, Billboard 142 - Dec 1980 (12 weeks)
64 The Smurfs Hitparade der Schlumpfe 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Jan 1981 (37 weeks) (11 weeks at number 1) (13 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 11 weeks - Jan 1981, Germany 1 - Dec 1980 (16 weeks), Austria 1 - Mar 1981 (4 months), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1981)
65 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), Billboard 15 - Nov 1981 (33 weeks), UK 17 - Nov 1981 (25 weeks), US CashBox 61 of 1982
66 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), Billboard 12 - Oct 1981 (67 weeks), US BB 55 of 1981, US CashBox 58 of 1981, Italy 58 of 1982
67 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), Billboard 21 - Jun 1981 (19 weeks), Sweden 25 - Jun 1981 (2 weeks), ODK Germany 34 - Jul 1981 (13 weeks), US CashBox 85 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Feb 1985)
68 Abba A wie Abba 1981 ODK Germany 1 - May 1981 (29 weeks) (5 weeks at number 1) (13 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Jun 1981, Germany 1 - May 1981 (14 weeks), Austria 1 - Jun 1981 (6 months), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1981)
69 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), Billboard 33 - Sep 1981 (9 weeks), ODK Germany 50 - Sep 1981 (4 weeks), Italy 67 of 1981, Holland free40 75 of 1981, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Nov 1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
70 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, UK Albums 2013-23 peak 48 - Oct 2022 (1 week), ODK Germany 48 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), Billboard 144 - Oct 1981 (6 weeks), RYM 140 of 1981
71 Split Enz Waiata 1981 Australia num 1 for 3 weeks - Apr 1981, New Zealand 1 for 3 - Apr 1981, Australia (Kent) 10 of 1981 (peak 1), Holland free40 23 of 1981, Billboard 45 - May 1981 (19 weeks), RYM 184 of 1981, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
72 Spider Murphy Gang Dolce vita 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Jul 1981 (91 weeks) (8 weeks at number 1) (28 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 8 weeks - Mar 1982, Germany 1 - Oct 1981 (67 weeks), Austria 2 - Mar 1982 (5 months), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1982)
73 Diana Ross & Lionel Richie Endless Love 1981 Hong Kong Platinum (certified by IFPI-HK in 1983), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Sep 1981), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Feb 1995), Billboard 9 - Aug 1981 (20 weeks) (2 weeks in top 10), UK 26 - Oct 1982 (8 weeks), US CashBox 38 of 1981, US BB 49 of 1981
74 Rainbow Difficult To Cure 1981 UK 3 - Feb 1981 (22 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Feb 1981), Sweden 9 - Feb 1981 (10 weeks), ODK Germany 13 - Mar 1981 (22 weeks), Germany 13 - Mar 1981 (2 weeks), Norway 17 - Mar 1981 (10 weeks), Holland free40 46 of 1981, Billboard 50 - Mar 1981 (16 weeks)
75 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), Holland free40 70 of 1981, RYM 59 of 1981
76 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), Billboard 44 - Mar 1981 (13 weeks), France (InfoDisc) 66 of 1981 (peak 3, 22 weeks), Acclaimed 327 (1981), RYM 32 of 1981, KEXP 264, Xgau rating C+ (1981)
77 The Smurfs Hitparade der Schlumpfe 2 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Nov 1981 (17 weeks) (2 weeks at number 1) (9 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 2 weeks - Dec 1981, Germany 1 - Nov 1981 (10 weeks), Austria 2 - Jan 1982 (1 month), Germany Gold (certified by BMieV in 1983)
78 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), Billboard 31 - Dec 1981 (16 weeks), ODK Germany 36 - Jan 1982 (13 weeks), UK 37 - Dec 1981 (10 weeks), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
79 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), Billboard 47 - Nov 1981 (53 weeks), ODK Germany 52 - Nov 1981 (4 weeks), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Oct 1981)
80 Loverboy Loverboy 1981 Juno Award in 1982, US 2 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Nov 1989), Billboard 13 - Jan 1981 (104 weeks), US BB 57 of 1981, US CashBox 86 of 1981
81 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), ODK Germany 16 - Feb 1981 (14 weeks), Norway 17 - Jan 1981 (19 weeks), Austria 19 - Mar 1981 (1 month), Holland free40 89 of 1981, Billboard 116 - Feb 1981 (8 weeks)
82 The Commodores In The Pocket 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Dec 1981), Billboard 13 - Jul 1981 (40 weeks), 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 Joan Armatrading Walk Under Ladders 1981 Norway 4 - Sep 1981 (21 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), UK 6 - Sep 1981 (29 weeks), Sweden 17 - Sep 1981 (9 weeks), ODK Germany 46 - Oct 1981 (2 weeks), Billboard 88 - Oct 1981 (31 weeks), WXPN 789 (1981), Xgau rating B- (1981)
84 King Crimson Discipline 1981 Sweden 37 - Oct 1981 (2 weeks), UK 41 - Oct 1981 (4 weeks), Billboard 45 - Oct 1981 (16 weeks), WTMD 203, WXPN 311 (1981), Acclaimed 1250 (1981), RYM 9 of 1981, AVrev 53, KEXP 394, Xgau rating B (1981)
85 Ideal Ideal 1981 Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1982), ODK Germany 3 - Jul 1981 (52 weeks) (18 weeks in top 10), Germany 3 - Jul 1981 (38 weeks), Austria 3 - Jan 1982 (5 months), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Aug 2000), Billboard 83 - Oct 1999 (37 weeks)
86 Kiss Music From The Elder 1981 Norway 7 - Nov 1981 (9 weeks), ODK Germany 10 - Dec 1981 (17 weeks) (1 week in top 10), Germany 10 - Dec 1981 (3 weeks), Austria 14 - Jan 1982 (1 month), Sweden 19 - Dec 1981 (2 weeks), UK 51 - Dec 1981 (3 weeks), Italy 69 of 1981, Billboard 75 - Dec 1981 (11 weeks)
87 Sky Sky 3 1981 UK 3 - Mar 1981 (23 weeks), Austria 4 - Apr 1981 (4 months), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Mar 1981), Norway 11 - May 1981 (9 weeks), Sweden 19 - May 1981 (8 weeks), ODK Germany 39 - May 1981 (9 weeks), Billboard 181 - May 1981 (3 weeks)
88 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), Billboard 14 - Oct 1981 (25 weeks), US BB 62 of 1981, US CashBox 67 of 1981
89 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, Billboard 50 - Nov 1981 (12 weeks), Xgau rating B- (1981)
90 Judas Priest Point Of Entry 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Nov 1989), UK 14 - Mar 1981 (5 weeks), Sweden 14 - Mar 1981 (8 weeks), ODK Germany 19 - Apr 1981 (16 weeks), Norway 32 - Apr 1981 (5 weeks), Billboard 39 - Apr 1981 (25 weeks), UK Silver (certified by BPI in Mar 1981)
91 Kenny Rogers Share Your Love 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Aug 1981), Billboard 6 - Jul 1981 (50 weeks) (5 weeks in top 10), Norway 13 - Jul 1981 (11 weeks), US CashBox 30 of 1981, Sweden 37 - Aug 1981 (2 weeks), US BB 38 of 1981
92 Rick James Street Songs 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jul 1981), Billboard 3 - May 1981 (74 weeks) (12 weeks in top 10), US CashBox 14 of 1981, US BB 16 of 1981, Acclaimed 1432 (1981), RYM 81 of 1981, Xgau rating A- (1981)
93 George Benson The George Benson Collection 1981 UK Platinum (certified by BPI in Dec 1986), US Gold (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), Billboard 14 - Nov 1981 (26 weeks), UK 19 - Nov 1981 (35 weeks), US BB 57 of 1982, US CashBox 81 of 1982
94 Neil Diamond On The Way To The Sky 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Jan 1982), Billboard 17 - Nov 1981 (27 weeks), UK 39 - Dec 1981 (13 weeks), ODK Germany 56 - Dec 1981 (3 weeks), US CashBox 74 of 1982, UK Silver (certified by BPI in Dec 1981)
95 Ozzy Osbourne Diary Of A Madman 1981 US 3 X Platinum (certified by RIAA in Oct 1994), UK 14 - Nov 1981 (12 weeks), Billboard 16 - Nov 1981 (74 weeks), US Albums 2014-23 peak 77 - Nov 2021 (1 week), US CashBox 89 of 1982, RYM 15 of 1981
96 Electronica's Quietsch Fidelio 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Oct 1981 (22 weeks) (5 weeks at number 1) (12 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 5 weeks - Nov 1981, Germany 1 - Oct 1981 (13 weeks), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1981)
97 Roland Kaiser Dich zu lieben 1981 ODK Germany 1 - Oct 1981 (36 weeks) (1 week at number 1) (16 weeks in top 10), Germany 1 for 1 week - Nov 1981, Germany 1 - Sep 1981 (17 weeks), Germany Platinum (certified by BMieV in 1982)
98 ZZ Top El Loco 1981 US Gold (certified by RIAA in Oct 1981), Billboard 17 - Aug 1981 (22 weeks), Sweden 26 - Aug 1981 (4 weeks), ODK Germany 52 - Aug 1981 (2 weeks), US CashBox 72 of 1981, UK 88 - Aug 1981 (2 weeks), Xgau rating B+ (1981)
99 James Taylor Dad Loves His Work 1981 US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Mar 2000), Billboard 10 - Mar 1981 (23 weeks) (3 weeks in top 10), Norway 20 - Apr 1981 (8 weeks), US CashBox 42 of 1981, US BB 44 of 1981, Holland free40 87 of 1981
100 Whitesnake Come an' Get It 1981 UK 2 - Apr 1981 (23 weeks), UK Gold (certified by BPI in Sep 1981), ODK Germany 20 - May 1981 (23 weeks), Sweden 24 - May 1981 (4 weeks), Norway 26 - May 1981 (6 weeks), Billboard 151 - May 1981 (6 weeks), RYM 134 of 1981