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
The Who’s ‘Odds & Sods’: Beat the Boots
Fed up with the volume of unauthorized Who LPs on the market, the band put together this mixed bag of leftover tracks.
Read More
When Donald Fagen Lightened Up With ‘The Nightfly’
On his debut solo album, cut during Steely Dan’s ’80s hiatus, he trades cynicism for nostalgia in a song cycle.
Read More
Bob Dylan’s ‘Desire’: Story Time
Songs from the best-selling album continued to be heavily featured in the Rolling Thunder Revue live performances.
Read More
Good ‘Sports’: How Huey Lewis and the News Hit a Home Run
The album remains one of the band’s most memorable efforts, and confirmation that they were decidedly in the game.
Read More
Supertramp: ‘Crime of the Century’—Success at Last
Even before they set foot in the studio to begin recording, the band “knew we had a hit,” said Roger Hodgson.
Read More
‘Late for the Sky’—The Jackson Browne Confessional Masterpiece
He achieved a poetic force with the eight songs comprising the album, their lyrics demanding a closer listen.
Read More
‘Wrecking Ball’—Emmylou Harris, Rewired
The 1995 album was a gamble both forward-looking but also connected to her early career as a folk singer.
Read More
Frey & Souther’s ‘Longbranch Pennywhistle’: Not Ready for Prime Time Players
The sparks of genius are here and there in the songwriting, and especially in the deft singing and instrumental arrangements.
Read More
Elvis Costello’s ‘Taking Liberties’: Spare Parts
The compilation album proved early in his career that his so-called “leftovers” are better than many other artists’ main meals.
Read More
Revisiting Paul Simon’s U.S. Solo Debut: World Music
He said at the time, “I am really happy to be by myself now and not have to share decisions. Now I do things almost entirely to my taste.”
Read More