Must-hear modern albums based on your 40-year-old faves

1981 was a year for innovation in music. As albums released that year celebrate their 40th anniversary, Revival recommends new ones you’ll love - so you can give your playlist a makeover fit for this decade.

If you like Bella Donna by Stevie Nicks, listen to Women in Music Pt III by Haim

Sombre honesty infused with smooth saxophone, touches of country and a dash of funk. Haim adopts Nick’s heartbreaking poetry over acoustic guitar with a 21st century spin, demonstrated in Magazine Man, as they call out sexism within the music industry.

If you like Dare by The Human League, listen to Working Men’s Club’s self-titled album

Portraying the gloom of a northern adolescence, enhanced by modern political turmoil, this West Yorkshire band will transport you back to your rave days. A collision of chaos and countryside, 19-year-old frontman Syd Minsky-Sargeant displays lyricism years wiser than his age, over intricate layers of drum machine and synth that is reminiscent of Dare.

If you like Diary Of A Madman by Ozzy Osbourne, listen to Forward Motion Godyssey by Post Animal

Entrenched in 80’s synth, the Chicago band provide sonic perfection in a record bound to resuscitate your dusty speakers. Psychedelia meets heavy metal in this must-listen for anyone disillusioned with modern rock. Post Animal deliver an eclectic mix of long-distance love songs, heart palpitating guitar and even hints of house.

If you like Controversy by Prince, listen to Heaven To A Tortured Mind by Yves Tumor

Artist and enigma Yves Tumor imparts pop perfection, mirroring Prince’s ability to blend rock, pop and jazz into one unapologetic statement. Opening track Gospel For A New Century is an instant plunge into the dark universe constructed by the artist, while Super Stars oozes with sensual lyricism.

This listicle was written as part of a university assignment for Revival Magazine - a music publication aimed at re-engaging Gen X with modern music.