Yeagh I'm not sure that the idea that the 80s was mostly not up to much with the lists above being exceptions. Or at least if that is so then it is so for all decades. I think it is mostly down to an age thing. Many people like the popular music of their era and can be dismissive of music that came afterwards and many perhaps don't really give it a fair hearing. Likewise youngsters can often initially be dismissive of older music but will often then give it a chance if their current favourites cite older music as influences.

Just out of interest I looked at the NME's 2013 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Compiled by their journalists past and present. So not exactly scientific but perhaps is somewhat in line with tastes through the years. The artist with most albums in the top 500 is Bowie with 10 then the Beatles and Dylan both with 7. However if you look at the top 20 then the 1960s and 1970s are represented less than the 1980s. In fact the 80s and 90s are the best represented with 5 each whilst the 60s and 70s both have only 3 each.

Of the 1960s albums only "Revolver" and "White Album" by the Beatles along with the Velvet Underground's first album make the top 20. On the other hand from the 1980s "The Queen Is Dead" by The Smiths; "Stone Roses" by Stone Roses; "Dolittle" by The Pixies; "Closer" by Joy Division; and "It Takes A Nation Of Millions" by Public Enemy all make the list.

So not saying that I'd agree with the said list but it shows that whether 80s music is good or not depends on who is being asked. People rooted in the 1960s may not appreciate it much but slightly younger people often do.