I actually watched a movie last night that was a comedy and 90% of the music on the movie was by the 80s group Europe.... They were part of what killed 80s metal. Along with all the other groups that went to the Power Ballads and started using tons of Makeup and Hairspray. BUT there is no doubt they still had some of the best killer guitar parts. And their songs had killer hooks and were super tight. But the lyrics were super corny and they looked like a freak show.
I am happy though that Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath and many of the others that did not go the route of the Hair Farmers are still out making music. Just the opinion of a person who graduated High School in 85 and wore nothing but Iron Maiden, Metallica and Judas Priest Concert Shirts to school every day. :rolleyes: Oops I almost forgot the original topic. I would have to go with ride the lightning. And I think all of their albums are good. Even the ones that get all the commercial play. Its funny when I listen to Master of Puppets or Ride the Lightning I cannot believe how they do not sound that Heavy anymore. I remember back in the day when they were just the most insane Heavy thing out there. Now compared to Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, Mastadon, Trivium Etc. They do not sound so Heavy. But they still Kick Butt!!