Album Rewinds
Given the test of time and the wisdom of hindsight, how do significant albums from the past sound and play today? Our critics take a second look from a fresh perspective
Joni Mitchell ‘Ladies of the Canyon’: Painting the Canvas
The album sets out clearly the direction Mitchell would take for the rest of her career, leaving behind the constraints of folk music.
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Stevie Wonder: “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” Was Beyond Category
“People categorize because they can’t get used to change,” said Wonder upon the release of his 1974 groundbreaking album.
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The Who’s ‘Face Dances’: After Tragedy, Transition
Somehow, after Keith Moon’s death, they were able to direct their energy into a fine studio effort that explored new and varied styles.
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Steely Dan Delivers Bite-Sized Gems on ‘Pretzel Logic’
On their 1974 LP, Fagen and Becker honed their humorous lyrics and perfected their luscious arrangements that straddled multiple genres.
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Genesis’ ‘A Trick of the Tail’: A New Beginning
The album proved that Genesis was set to achieve commercial and artistic successes beyond what they’d accomplished during the Peter Gabriel years.
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The David Crosby Solo Debut—Well Worth Remembering
For the 1971 release, Croz gathered a superb supporting cast, one that featured the communal contributions of friends and fellow travelers.
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Yes’ ‘The Yes Album’: Brilliance Under Pressure
Their record label was looking for commercial progress in order to justify keeping them under contract. This 1971 classic put the band on the prog map.
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Boz Scaggs’ ‘Silk Degrees’: Game-Changer
Looking back at the recording of the album, Scaggs said that while listening to the playbacks in 1975 he had the sense that something special had happened.
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Andrew Gold’s ‘What’s Wrong with This Picture?’: All In the Family
His singing fit in well with the laid-back L.A. singer-songwriter milieu, but it took him a while to find his first real pop hit.
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Stray Cats’ Debut Album & the Rockabilly Revival
The Long Island trio had to go to England to find success playing American rockabilly. By the time they returned home, they were stars.
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