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 Doors Strange Days: We Want the World…
On their second album, Jim Morrison and the band moved into uncharted territory lyrically and instrumentally. When the music’s over, turn out the lights…
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Blondie’s ‘Parallel Lines’: An International Smash
The LP, which included the smash “Heart of Glass,” would transform the group from boutique act into a worldwide sensation. Our Album Rewind…
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Santana’s ‘Abraxas’: Post-Woodstock Latin Magic
When it came to recording their second album, the band wanted to expend more effort, and make a better-sounding record, than their somewhat rushed debut.
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Steely Dan’s Aja: A Digestible, Dazzling Listen
Previously a collective yet to realize its most effective means of transforming ideas into finished art, Becker and Fagen coalesced on this 1977 classic
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The Band’s 2nd Album: A Rustic Masterpiece
Following up their debut Music From Big Pink, Dylan’s former backup band made a transcendent, self-titled masterpiece in 1969. Here’s the story.
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‘Smiley Smile’: The Beach Boys Album That Wasn’t Supposed to Be
Their followup to ‘Pet Sounds’ was a quick replacement for an abandoned masterpiece-to-be. Some fans didn’t love it, but in time its reputation has grown.
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Pete Townshend/Ronnie Lane’s ‘Rough Mix’: An Overlooked Gem
The collaboration between the Who mastermind and Faces great was sadly overlooked at the time of its release, but is now considered a minor masterpiece.
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Traffic’s ‘Welcome to the Canteen’: Together Again
The front album cover didn’t even call them Traffic; it just listed the names of the musicians. But there was no mistaking who they were.
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John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ Turns 50: ‘Ultimate Collection’ Review
The original 10-track 1971 album has been expanded for this release to include…well, more than you could have possibly imagined
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David Crosby/Graham Nash’s ‘Wind On the Water’: And Then There Were Two
In 1975, with CSN&Y in limbo once again, the two banded together to make a followup to their debut as a duo. They landed their 2nd Top 10 LP
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