Lita is the third studio album from British-born ex-Runaways guitarist Lita Ford and was her most successful reaching platinum status in the US and spawning a clutch of singles

Vivid is the 1988 debut from funk rock band Living Colour – hear MP3 samples and video

With a career only spanning one album, US glam metal band Madam X produced We Reserve The Right, their debut and swansong, in 1984.

Power and Passion is a 1985 album from Irish rock band Mama’s Boys – hear MP3 samples and video

Kill ‘Em All is the debut album from Metallica which pioneered what was to become thrash, or speed, metal. It’s essential listening as James Hetfield and co breathed fresh air into the world of 1980s metal.

I have to confess that Shout At The Devil is a real belter and for those like me, who rather overlooked Motley Crue back in the day, I’d recommend putting aside what you know of their image, attitude and ’scene’ that they in a large part pioneered and just listen to the tracks with an open mind.

Another Perfect Day is a 1983 album by Motorhead featuring ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, Lemmy and Phil Taylor – hear MP3 samples and video

Operation Mindcrime is a 1988 concept album from hard rock band Queensryche featuring Geoff Tate and Chris DeGarmo – hear MP3 samples and video

Difficult to Cure is a 1981 album by Rainbow featuring Joe Lynn Turner, Richie Blackmore, Don Airey and Roger Glover – hear MP3 samples and video

Moving Pictures is a 1981 album from Canadian prog rock group Rush featung Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart – hear MP3 samples and video