The very same time Prince unveiled his “Purple Rain” tour and new band, The Revolution, Ronald Reagan was re-elected President Of the United States in a landslide victory, and McDonalds made its 50 billionth hamburger, these were the top 10 albums rocking our radios on November 10, 1984.

• 10. Eliminator - ZZ Top

  Who’d have thought Billy, Dusty and Frank would become the darlings of MTV? That exposure catapulted this album to incredible heights and selling more than 11 million copies…ten times more than any of their other releases. A year and a half after its release, Eliminator was still in the top 10, at #10.

• 9. 1984 - Van Halen

  Van Halen’s sixth album was the first to be recorded at Eddie Van Halen’s home studio, 5150.  While it was a huge success, selling over 10 million copies, it never hit #1, thanks to an album called Thriller.  On November 10, 1984, 1984 the album was #9.

   

• 8. Midnight Madness - Night Ranger

  The biggest album Night Ranger ever had was this one, Midnight Madness, which peaked here at #8 and also gave them their biggest selling song, “Sister Christian.”

• 7. Stay Hungry - Twisted Sister

  Originally formed in Bergen County, New Jersey in 1972, Twisted Sister broke through with this album, Stay Hungry, and a U.S. tour where Metallica were their opening act!  On November 10, 1984, the album was at #7.

• 6. Out Of The Cellar - Ratt

  After their independent EP sold over 100,000 copies in the L.A. area alone, Ratt were scooped up by Atlantic Records and released their biggest album, their debut called Out Of The Cellar.  The album is #6 on the countdown this week, and the video for “Round And Round” features an appearance by the band manager’s uncle Miltie, who happened to be comedian Milton Berle!

• 5. The Unforgettable Fire - U2

  It was on this album that U2 began a decade-long working relationship with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who would shape U2’s sound in exciting new ways.  Recorded at Slane Castle in the Boyne Valley of Ireland, The Unforgettable Fire peaked here at #5 on November 10, 1984.

• 4. Eddie And the Cruisers - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

  While the movie wasn’t exactly a box office smash, it grew in popularity due to multiple showings on cable, the soundtrack album for Eddie And The Cruisers was a hit, due in large part to the very Bruce Springsteen-sounding “On the Dark Side” by John Cafferty And The Beaver Brown Band.  It peaked at #4 on November 10, 1984.

• 3. Heartbeat City - The Cars

  The Cars scored both a hit album with Heartbeat City and an MTV Video Music Award for video of the year for this song, “You Might Think.”  Heartbeat City is the #3 rock album on this week’s countdown.

• 2. Sports - Huey Lewis And The News

  This album was the breakthrough for Huey Lewis And the News.  Well written songs and lots of video play on MTV took Sports to #1 and 7 million copies sold.  It drops one to #2 on November 10, 1984.

• 1. Born In the USA - Bruce Springsteen

  At the top of the charts this week is the crown jewel of this legendary singer/songwriter’s recorded career.  It was his seventh album and turned him into an international superstar, and selling over 30 million copies worldwide, one of the biggest sellers ever!  #1 on November 10, 1984 was Born In The USA by Bruce Springsteen!

   

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