The greatest albums of 1986

July 17, 2026 The greatest albums of 1986 JULY 17, 2026 TOP STORIES The 25 greatest albums of 1986 Let's look back at the year that delivered landmark releases from The Smiths, Janet Jackson, and R.E.M. Swapmeet linger at the ledge on Mount Zero The Adelaide band’s shimmering, guitar-forward debut toys with the impossible, ecstatic pains of young adulthood. Session of the Day: Randy Travis brings "Diggin' Up Bones" to Tennessee in 1986 We just featured Randy Travis' debut album in our best albums of 1986 list. Listen to him perform "Diggin' Up Bones at Music Village USA here. Nia Archives pushes jungle music toward indie pop on Emotional Junglist The London-based musician’s second album eschews clich... read