Prince dropped the double album Sign O’ the Times in 1987, a critical smash (Robert Christgau gave it a rare “A+) that produced three top ten singles. Bruce Springsteen contemplated married life and The Replacements saluted a Memphis legend and worked with The Memphis Horns. R.E.M. released their most muscular album while the Grateful Dead had a Top Ten pop hit. It was a good year to have a little change in your pocket. Going jing-aling-aling.
Alex Chilton, The Replacements
Can’t Hardly Wait, The Replacements
Clean Sheets, Descendents
Dear God, XTC
Don’t Dream It’s Over, Crowded House
Forever and Ever, Amen, Randy Travis
Hazy Shade of Winter, The Bangles
How Ya Like Me Now, Kool Moe Dee
I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man, Prince
I’m No Angel, Gregg Allman
It’s a Sin, Pet Shop Boys
It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), R.E.M.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself, The Georgia Satellites
La Bamba, Los Lobos
Light of Day, Joan Jett
Love Removal Machine, The Cult
Luka, Suzanne Vega
The One I Love, R.E.M.
Paper in Fire, John Mellencamp
Push It, Salt-n-Pepa
Touch of Grey, Grateful Dead
True Faith, New Order
U Got the Look, Prince
Tunnel of Love, Bruce Springsteen
Walk Like an Egyptian, The Bangles
Walk the Dinosaur, Was (Not Was)
Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N’ Roses