Yes - "Talk"

Released: 1994
Format: standard album (CD, cassette or download)

Songwriting: 7
Performance: 8
Recording: 8
First Impression: 8
Staying Power: 7

Arguably the best album from the 1980's era of Yes was actually a "comeback", released in the mid 1990's following a reunion tour.  As far as new wave influenced prog rock is concerned, it doesn't get much better than this.  Despite its high quality, however, it was doomed from the start due to bad timing.  It makes me cry a little inside to remember that at that moment in time, almost everyone (myself included) preferred grunge.

Suggested Sample Track: "The Calling"

Recommendation: if you like "Owner of a Lonely Heart" or any other recording from the 1980's era of Yes, then you'd do well to give this album a spin.

Bad Religion - "New Maps of Hell"

Released: 2007
Format: standard album (CD or download)

Songwriting: 8
Performance: 8
Recording: 3
First Impression: 8
Staying Power: 7

At the risk of abusing a tired internet cliche: this is the best, Bad Religion album, ever!  It picks up where "Stranger Than Fiction" left off a decade prior, and takes it to a whole new level.  The highly intellectual lyrics, multiple-part vocal harmonies and tight musicianship are exemplary.  The recording quality is craptacular, but hey, it's punk rock, so who cares?

Suggested Sample Track: it's really difficult to choose just one, but "New Dark Ages" will do.

Recommendation: if you like punk rock, then this album should absolutely be a part of your collection.  If you're undecided on the band or the genre as a whole, then this album is a good introduction.

Eight Seconds - "Almacantar"

Released: 1986
Format: standard album (CD, cassette or vinyl; download if you're lucky enough)

Songwriting: 7
Performance: 7
Recording: 7
First Impression: 6
Staying Power: 7

I'll kiss you when it's dangerous - 'Nuff said!

Actually, I could say a lot more, but I'll keep it simple: this album is a rare gem of mid 1980's new wave music.  Yes, I am indeed biased, as the band was based in my hometown, but I will vouch for it any day.  It is just as cheesy and yet as likable as The Fixx, Mr. Mister, Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw, etc.

Suggested Sample Track: "Sincere" (as of writing, there's a decent version on YouTube)

Recommendation: Definitely worth owning if you're a fan of the genre.  Though it is out of print and likely to remain so indefinitely, there are lots of used CD and vinyl copies available.