The Groove

The greatest artists of the 1980s

333 artists ranked by the Groove — music.nw’s own measure of renown. Not an opinion, a fact computed from the record. Why?

No. 1

Metallica

United States of America · 1981– · heavy metal

251.080

Why this number?

The full board · page 10

217 The Bangles

United States of America · 1981– · pop rock 5.220

218

Led Zeppelin

United Kingdom · 1968–1980 · rock 5.200

219 Morrissey

United Kingdom · 1959– · alternative rock 5.180

220 Eric B. & Rakim

United States of America · 1986–1992 · hip hop 5.180

221 The Wedding Present

United Kingdom · 1985– · indie rock 4.980

222 Twisted Sister

United States of America · 1972– · hard rock 4.980

223 Survivor

United States of America · 1977–2020 · rock 4.830

224

Sade

United Kingdom · 1982– · smooth soul 4.800

225 Adam Ant

United Kingdom · 1954– · new wave 4.800

226 Cutting Crew

United Kingdom · 1985– · rock 4.800

227 Don Henley

United States of America · 1947– · rock 4.800

228 Fine Young Cannibals

United Kingdom · 1984–1996 · rock 4.800

229 Quiet Riot

United States of America · 1973– · heavy metal 4.800

230 Savatage

United States of America · 1979– · heavy metal 4.800

231

Traveling Wilburys

United States of America · 1988–1990 · rock 4.765

232 The Human League

United Kingdom · 1977– · new wave 4.690

233 Bad Company

United Kingdom · 1973–2023 · rock 4.620

234 Fields of the Nephilim

United Kingdom · 1984– · gothic rock 4.620

235 Dexys Midnight Runners

United Kingdom · 1978– · new wave 4.620

236 Kevin Rowland

United Kingdom · 1953– · new wave 4.620

237 Midnight Oil

Australia · 1976– · rock 4.620

238 Tesla

United States of America · 1981– · hard rock 4.620

239 The B‐52s

United States of America · 1976– · pop rock 4.620

240 Wendy Carlos

United States of America · 1939– · experimental 4.620