1989
in MusicAlbums
17
Artists
19
Milestones
21
Notable Releases
Garth Brooks
Garth BrooksBrooks' debut album that launched his career, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and producing his first number-one single 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' and fan-favorite 'The Dance'.
The Dance
Garth BrooksBreakthrough single whose music video gave Brooks his first push toward a broader mainstream audience and remains his personal favorite song he has recorded.
Beasts of No Nation
Fela KutiAnti-apartheid album featuring cover depicting Reagan, Thatcher, and Botha; evolved from Botha's statement about 'bringing out the beast in us'
Foreign Affair
Tina TurnerHer seventh studio album that reached No. 1 in eight countries including the UK and sold over six million copies worldwide. It included the international hit single 'The Best'.
The Best
Tina TurnerAn international hit from the Foreign Affair album that became one of her signature songs. The song later returned to the UK charts in 2010 and contributed to her achievement of top 40 hits across seven decades.
Here and Now
Luther VandrossFrom The Best of Luther Vandross album, his first single to reach top ten on Billboard pop chart, peaking at No. 6.
...But Seriously
Phil CollinsSecond major solo album featuring socially conscious themes and commercial pop-rock sound; multiple Grammy nominations
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet JacksonHer fourth album featuring socially conscious themes, it became the first album to produce number-one hits in three separate calendar years and the only album to achieve seven top-five singles on the Hot 100, selling over 12 million copies worldwide.
Significant Milestones
Debut Album Release
DebutGarth Brooks' self-titled debut album was released and achieved chart success, establishing him as a new force in country music.
Associate Minister at Perfecting Church
AchievementHired as an associate minister at Marvin Winans' Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan, beginning his pastoral career alongside his music ministry.
First CMA Entertainer of the Year Award
DebutStrait won the prestigious CMA Entertainer of the Year award, beginning his dominance in country music awards. He would win this award again in 1990 and 2013, becoming the only artist to win it in three different decades.
Release of Beasts of No Nation Anti-Apartheid Album
CollaborationReleased anti-apartheid album 'Beasts of No Nation' featuring cover depicting Reagan, Thatcher, and Botha, advancing his international activism.
