1985
in MusicAlbums
18
Artists
15
Milestones
16
Notable Releases
Mr. Bad Guy
Freddie MercuryMercury's first solo album, featuring the hit single "Living on My Own".
Twende Nairobi
Tabu LeySong sung by M'bilia Bel praising Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi that led to lifting government radio ban
Chain Reaction
Diana RossA Barry Gibb-produced track that reached number one in multiple countries including the UK and Australia.
She's the Boss
Mick JaggerJagger's debut solo album produced by Nile Rodgers and Bill Laswell, featuring the Top Ten hit "Just Another Night."
Dancing in the Street
Mick JaggerDuet with David Bowie recorded for Live Aid, reaching number one in UK and Australia and becoming a pop culture phenomenon.
Dancing on the Ceiling
Lionel RichieMajor album featuring the title track and showcasing his romantic ballad style that dominated the mid-1980s
No Jacket Required
Phil CollinsBreakthrough solo album that won Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album; established Collins as successful solo artist independent of Genesis
Soul Kiss
Olivia Newton-JohnAlbum featuring adult contemporary material that demonstrated her artistic evolution in the mid-1980s.
Significant Milestones
Live Aid performance
AchievementQueen's performance at Live Aid was voted by music executives as the greatest live performance in the history of rock music.
Live Aid Performance
AchievementU2 performed at Live Aid before 72,000 fans and a worldwide television audience of 1.5 billion people. Bono's impromptu stage descent and interaction with a fan became iconic, and journalists cited their performance as one of 50 key events in rock history.
Government Radio Ban Lifted
AchievementComposed "Twende Nairobi," which when performed by M'bilia Bel, led to lifting of government ban on foreign music from national radio.
