What was going on in the music world in August 1989? Well, as this list will show, a lot. Variety is the key word, as we check on some of the memorable albums that came out 35 years ago this month.
In this quintet of albums, we get a little classic rock, hair metal, country pop, and hip-hop. Let’s look back at the LPs that were making the noise back then and still have us entranced today.
Steel Wheels by The Rolling Stones
The Stones were coming out of a rough stretch when they made Steel Wheels. Their last few records had been underwhelming, they were sniping at each other in the press and in song, and folks began to wonder if this seemingly indestructible band was finally about to break. The opening guitar blasts of “Sad Sad Sad” on Steel Wheels seemed to blow all those bad vibes away, clearing the path for an outstanding comeback. The rocking songs are there, while the divergences from usual form all succeed, such as the medieval-sounding “Blinded by Love” and the after-hours soul closer “Slipping Away.”
Storms by Nanci Griffith
Nanci Griffith’s unique songwriting touch was always going to be a tough sell for pop music audiences used to meanings being spoon-fed to them. Even when she tried to go in more of a radio-friendly direction on this album, she still was a little bit too quirky for the masses. But for those who like singer/songwriter excellence spread over a full LP, you’ll enjoy being out in the middle of these particular Storms. “You Made This Love a Teardrop” is a killer heartbreak song, “Radio Fragile” a heartbreaking character sketch, and “Listen to the Radio” a joyous blast.
No One Can Do It Better by The D.O.C.
This should have been the kickoff to a legendary rap career. Instead, The D.O.C. (nee Tracy Lynn Curry) saw all his career momentum destroyed by a car accident that left his vocal cords severely damaged. As it is, No One Can Do It Better still stands out as one of the best full-lengths from the classic hip-hop heyday of the late ’80s. The D.O.C.’s connection to N.W.A. means he enjoyed stellar production from Dr. Dre and even a posse cut (“The Grand Finale”) with Ice Cube, MC Ren, and Eazy-E. But it’s Curry’s smooth flow and inventive lyrical associations that make the biggest impact.
Dr. Feelgood by Mötley Crüe
Whatever you might think of the hair metal era, it’s hard to argue against the notion that Dr. Feelgood represented its pinnacle. In fact, it was such a massive success it seemed like Mötley Crüe didn’t have much left in the artistic tank after it was done. Bob Rock’s production ensures that every blast of guitar or powerful drum fill makes maximum impact. The songwriting (mostly courtesy of Mick Mars and Nikki Sixx) is also the strongest the band ever managed. Five hit singles emerged, and every one of them earns its keep.
Enuff Z’Nuff by Enuff Z’Nuff
Because of the big hair and big guitars, Enuff Z’Nuff was lumped in with the heavy metal bands that tended to dominate MTV at the time. But at their most basic level, the songs of Chip Z’Nuff and Donnie Vie had more in common with Cheap Trick than Mötley Crüe. When they got the formula just right, they were able to deliver primo ear candy with serious heft. The singles from their debut, “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle,” deliver touches of glam rock and psychedelia that most of their peers couldn’t pull off, while album tracks like “I Could Never Live Without You” display top songwriting chops.
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