Madonna - Think of Me (1983)

The thing that is particularly amazing about this album is not Madonna, it's the fact that the entire album is almost all synthesizers and drum machines. In fact, the earliest version of the album featured even less fiddly guitar bits and was all the synth parts by itself. Only in post were guitar bits added in tot he album to give it a more organic feel.

Quite simply, this album has that perfect sterile 80s tone to it that only synth could provide. It's that weird sheik futuristic sound that the 80s became known for. First with synths, then with FM synths. There is something about a cold instrument being played by a live player that really just creates a juxtaposition of expectations.

Then, of course, Madonna's performance is oozing with character. This was her at her best, before she was trying to be too weird and varied in her approach, she was just full of great pop energy. You get all those players, and her singing, with so much performance and delivery, through these sterile and cold new instruments.

Consequently, the drum machine used throughout this album, the Linn Drum was an absolute staple of the 80s as well. before samplers and midi, if you wanted some guaranteed punch to your drum track, a drum machine was the way to go, and the Linn Drum was the cream of the crop for a long time.

The 80s were great.