I was born in January of 1985, which makes 1985 the first year of my life. I obviously don't really have any memories of this year, but there is still a lot of media from this year that I love. So get ready to travel Back in Time together.
Albums
I was just an infant in 1985 so any music that I fell in love with from this year I discovered later in life.
| Rank | Album | Artist | Title | Label | Impression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Various Artists | Back to the Future Soundtrack | MCA | I'm giving away my favorite movie of the year here, but most of the music I love from the 80's are the soundtracks to movies. The power of love is a curious thing indeed. Wikipedia |
| 2 | 
|
Descendents | I Don't Want to Grow Up | New Alliance | One of the greatest pop punk bands of all time. It's not their best album, but still contains some of their best songs. Wikipedia |
| 3 | 
|
Rites of Spring | Rites of Spring | Dischord | 1985 wasn't just my birth year, but also the birth of emo where Rites of Spring gave us this classic album that still holds up. Wikipedia |
| 4 | 
|
Starship | Knee Deep in the Hoopla | RCA | I have no idea what "knee deep in the hoopla" means, but We Built This City is classic 80's. If you've seen the LP, the vocalist's cheetah outfit on the back cover is the epitome of 80's style. Wikipedia |
| 5 | 
|
Tears for Fears | Songs from the Big Chair | Phonogram | I was introduced to Tears for Fears through Donnie Darko, which spoiler alert is my favorite movie of all time. This one doesn't have Mad World on it, but is one of their most successful. Wikipedia |
Books
Only three books I remember from 1985 that I read in three different decades of my life.
| Rank | Book | Title | Author | Impression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
The Handmaid's Tale | Margaret Atwood | I finally got around to this book when the TV show came out. I had been hesistant to go back to Margaret Atwood after being forced to read The Edible Woman for school and not enjoying it. I'm glad I did though because even though this book was written as science fiction back in 1985, it feels a little too close to reality in 2020. Wikipedia |
| 2 | 
|
Ender's Game | Orson Scott Card | We're off to a good start with problematic creators. Unfortunately there will likely be a lot of them, Orson Scott Card especially. That being said, I still think is a great science-fiction book, with a neat concept. Wikipedia |
| 3 | 
|
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer | Patrick Süskind | I wish this book was assigned for my German literature class, it's slightly disturbing, but a thrilling read. Wikipedia |
Movies
Now for the best part of the 80's, starting with one of my all-time favorite movies.
| Rank | Movie | Title | Impression |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Back to the Future | Still a perfect fun movie. I think I got a copy on VHS back in junior high and ever since I've been dreaming of grabbing hold of a car while skateboarding. Great Scott! Wikipedia |
| 2 | 
|
The Goonies | Goonies Never Say Die! Wikipedia |
| 3 | 
|
Brazil | Sorry Monty Python fans, this is the better Terry Gillam movie (though still not the best, that's Twelve Monkeys). Wikipedia |
| 4 | 
|
Witness | Neo-noir with Harrison Ford protecting an amish child who witnessed a murder. Wikipedia |
| 5 | 
|
After Hours | I'm not a big Scorsese fan, but I did enjoy this one. Wikipedia |
Video Games
| Rank | Game | Title | Developer | Impression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Super Mario Bros. | Nintendo | I never had a NES and I don't know if I've ever finished the game, but I do have lots of memories of playing it and watching other people play it over the years. Wikipedia |