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
Bob Dylan’s Masterful ‘Blood on the Tracks’ Revisited
After finishing the recording sessions for his new album, the artist decided he didn’t like some of it and went back into the studio. A classic emerged.
Read MoreMarvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’: Struggle & Liberation
The album, a landmark release for Motown, remains a monument to Marvin Gaye’s big heart and soul, and a prophecy for our time.
Read MoreHarry Nilsson’s Ambitious ‘Schmilsson’ LP Revisited
Noteworthy for its scope and ambition, the album was justifiably rewarded with worldwide success that took Nilsson to the next level of stardom.
Read MorePoco’s Country-Rock Legacy: “Deliverin’” @ 50
With its stellar vocal harmonies and instrumental dexterity, the album established Poco for decades to come and drew a blueprint for country-rock’s future.
Read MoreSteely Dan’s Sophisticated ‘Countdown to Ecstasy’
If the songcraft displayed on the first album reflected their Brill Building apprenticeship, the new material proved more open-ended—and more sophisticated
Read MoreRod Stewart’s ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’: Ha!
The man who one said, “I’m a rock star because I couldn’t be a soccer star,” broke through with his solo third album, which included the smash “Maggie May.”
Read MoreRoger Daltrey’s Solo Debut: Doing A Favor
He wasn’t even planning on recording a solo album. But one thing led to another and soon The Who’s lead singer found himself with 10 songs of his own.
Read MoreElvis Costello’s ‘Armed Forces’: What’s So Funny?
The band’s third album was a leap forward in songcraft and sonic ambition, a song cycle weaving the personal and political.
Read MoreWhen the Moody Blues Found Their ‘Lost Chord’
If you’ve been listening to this music on a scratchy vinyl LP for the last 50 years, you’re bound to find the surround-sound version to be a real trip.
Read MoreSteely 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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