5 Fantastic Albums Released 35 Years Ago This Month

The year 1989 was when hip-hop surged into the mainstream in ways that it had never done before. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that, as we look back to July of that year, we see that rap albums were dominant in terms of notable new releases.

Let’s go back and look at what the release schedule was like 35 years ago this month, focusing on five outstanding albums. Chances are, you’re going to find a favorite or two, or maybe even discover something that’s new to you.

Paul’s Boutique by The Beastie Boys

Coming three years after the massive success of License to Ill, Paul’s Boutique confused a lot of people when it was dropped on an unsuspecting world. Of course, now we know it as a true masterpiece, the album where The Beastie Boys proved they were dynamic record-makers as well as anarchic MCs. Who knows what this album might have sounded like had clearance protocols for all the samples not been so lax? But give credit to the trio for taking what was available to them and creating a collage of sound that still sounds breathtakingly inventive today.

Waking Hours by Del Amitri

This album sort of came and went in the United States, as this Scottish band stayed more of a cult item in America until their breakout single “Roll to Me” in 1995. But right from Waking Hours, their debut album, they were providing smart, spirited rock and roll characterized by the outstanding songwriting of Justin Currie. Songs like the loping opening track “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” sounds like the band hanging out on the porch, effortlessly spinning yarns. But they also prove they can get serious with the closer “Nothing Ever Happens,” a somber, touching look at humanity’s foibles.

Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop by Boogie Down Productions and KRS-One

Few rappers could get away with saying they had the blueprint of the entire genre in their hands. That’s how revered KRS-One was for the work he’d put in before the game got so big. Part of the reason for his sterling reputation was how he didn’t simply settle for braggadocio in his raps. Instead, he was taking on issues relevant to the culture, and doing so with a combination of passion, smarts, and, of course, flow. Highlights here include the slamming single “Jack of Spades” and “Hip Hop Rules,” where KRS lets us know the state of the game like only he can.

Peace and Love by The Pogues

You only have so long to be a kind of “it” band, and, in America at least, The Pogues’ time had pretty much come and gone by the time of Peace and Love, their fourth studio album. But that didn’t in any way diminish the quality of the work they were delivering. It’s an album that proves they had more songwriting talent in the band than just Shane McGowan. Jem Finer delivers the touching “Misty Morning, Albert Bridge” and “Lorelei,” written by Phil Chevron, features lovely supporting vocals from special guest Kirsty MacColl.

Unfinished Business by EPMD

While we saluted KRS-One for expanding the topical content on his album, there’s certainly a place for throwing down and boasting in the genre. And in the late ‘80s, no one did it with quite as much gusto as Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, the duo who made up EPMD. Musically, they tended to keep it simple but still exciting, thanks to their expert selection of funky loops. “So Wat Cha Sayin,’” one of the finest hip-hop singles of that era, starts Unfinished Business off on a high note, and tracks like “Total Kaos” and “The Big Payback” make sure there’s no drop-off.

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