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
Leo Sayer’s ‘Just a Boy’: A Big Leap Forward
The singer-songwriter’s second LP found him at the cusp of a career that would lead to greater glories, while ensuring his stature on the singles charts.
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Elton John’s ‘Honky Château’ @50: New Heights
“I find it hard to comprehend just how prolific Bernie and I were during the early days,” Elton has said. “The songs just poured out of us.”
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Paul & Linda McCartney’s ‘Ram’: Macca Magic or Puerile Pop?
For all the criticism tossed his way, McCartney and his hired hands did an admirable job of conveying the mirth and merriment inherent in these songs.
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Squeeze’s ‘East Side Story’: A Wily New Wave Classic
The album’s success underscores how Squeeze’s elan as a lively, kinetic pop-rock outfit was elevated by Difford and Tilbrook’s artistry as storytellers.
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Pete Townshend’s ‘Empty Glass’: The Who Album That Wasn’t
Although it’s fully satisfying on its own, the album, the most successful of Townshend’s solo releases, has been called a Who record that never was.
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Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s Debut: Of Rivers and Cowgirls
The 1969 album’s streamlined band sound offered a direct connection to Young’s emerging power as a live musician, and launched a career-long partnership
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Pat Benatar’s ‘Crimes of Passion’: Her Best Shot
She has remained the thing she set out to be, an artist who made her own seat at the table and turned it into a remarkable rock music legacy.
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Paul Simon’s ‘There Goes Rhymin’ Simon’: American Tunes
With classic songs such as “American Tune,” “Kodachrome” and “Loves Me Like a Rock,” Simon’s third solo album sealed his reputation as a major solo artist
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Quicksilver Messenger Service’s Shining Debut
Years of playing and professionalism produced one of the era’s best records, whose sheer musicality shines as brightly today.
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Stephen Stills’ A-List Solo Debut Revisited
A balance of DIY proficiency and top-tier talent gave the 1970 release an early head start in the race for most popular solo album by a member of CSN&Y.
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