1987
in MusicAlbums
20
Artists
16
Milestones
17
Notable Releases
The Joshua Tree
BonoU2's most commercially successful album featuring Bono's evolved vocal maturity and exploration of blues influences on tracks like 'Where the Streets Have No Name' and 'With or Without You'.
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
BonoA major hit from The Joshua Tree album featuring religious imagery and demonstrating Bono's ability to command the full whisper-to-shout range of blues mannerisms.
Ocean Front Property
George StraitThe first country album to ever debut at number one on the charts by any artist, featuring the hit single 'Ocean Front Property.'
All My Ex's Live in Texas
George StraitOne of Strait's most iconic songs from the album 'Ocean Front Property,' becoming a signature tune that exemplified his success in the late 1980s.
Faith
George MichaelDebut solo album that won Grammy Award for Album of the Year; sold over 25 million copies worldwide with four U.S. number-one singles.
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
George MichaelDuet with Aretha Franklin reaching No. 1 in UK and US; won Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance; Michael's first solo single not written by himself.
Sangoma
Miriam MakebaAlbum of healing chants named in honor of her sangoma mother, released after her involvement with Paul Simon's Graceland Tour.
Trio
Dolly PartonCritically acclaimed collaboration with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt; spent five weeks at number one on country charts and produced four Top 10 country hits
My Baby Just Cares for Me
Nina SimoneOriginally recorded in 1958, this song became a major European hit reaching number 4 on the UK NME singles chart after being featured in a 1986 Chanel No. 5 perfume commercial.
Locomotion
Kylie MinogueDebut single, best-selling single of the decade in Australia, reached number three on US Billboard Hot 100
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Whitney HoustonMassive worldwide hit, won Grammy Award
Significant Milestones
The Joshua Tree Release
AchievementU2's most commercially successful album was released, establishing U2 as one of rock's biggest bands and showcasing Bono's matured vocal abilities and personal songwriting approach.
Second duo album milestone
AchievementReleased "BeBe & CeCe Winans" album as a duo, continuing their crossover success in gospel music.
First Album Release
DebutReleased debut album *Just as I Am* on Sound of Gospel Records, establishing her as an emerging gospel artist.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
AwardGaye was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, with the Hall acknowledging his huge contribution to soul music and the Motown Sound.
