Over the last 30 years, the music industry has evolved at an unprecedented rate. Just for perspective, the top-selling albums in the U.S. from 1985-1987 featured Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, and Bon Jovi, respectively. The same charts were topped by Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and Adele from 2013-2015. Now, SPIN has tired to narrow three decades down to the top-10 duos since Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ knocked Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ from its back-to-back triumph as best selling album.
The final list gives an ode to a litany of genres, spanning a generation of rock n roll, pop, hip hop, and, of course, electronic music. More than one pair of electronica pioneers eclipsed SPIN’s rankings, with French legends, Daft Punk, topping the genre. Only one duo ranked higher than Thomas and Guy-Manuel:
1. Outkast
2. Daft Punk
3. Eric B. and Rakim
4. White Stripes
5. The Chemical Brothers
6. UGK
7. Tegan and Sara
8. Gang Starr
9. The Kills
10. Beach House
It’s also worth noting that The Chemical Brothers came in at number 5. A few notable electronic music artists who could have been considered for the list who didn’t make it include Faithless, The Future Sound of London, Justice, and, just for argument, Knife Party (if we can allow the duo credit for Pendulum’s influence and creations).
Source: SPIN