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

‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’—The Rolling Stones’ Worst, or An Unfairly Maligned Gem?

Some say it was little more than a ‘Sgt. Pepper’ ripoff. Others consider it one of their most original LPs. We gave a fresh listen.

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The Who’s Debut Album, ‘My Generation’: Sharks Circling in the Water

The 1965 album is a singular debut that “couldn’t have been made by anyone save these four men,” says our writer.

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‘Running on Empty’: Jackson Browne’s Romance of the Road

The 1977 LP was his most surprising, least typical album, a game-changer that updated his identity from folk-rock troubadour to rock headliner.

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‘Slowhand’: Eric Clapton’s 1977 Platinum Balancing Act

The album offers a lucid balance of technical mastery and artistic modesty. It became his best-selling studio LP to date upon its release.

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The Beatles’ White Album: Facts and Trivia

At the same time they were maturing, they were leaving behind the Beatles. Here are some fascinating details on all 30 tracks on their ’68 masterpiece.

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Duran Duran’s ‘Rio’: A Defining Moment

The 1982 album endures as the group’s defining record, a foundational success whose signature sound has aged as gracefully as the irresistible smile that stares out from its sleeve.

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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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Van Morrison Grooves With the Street Choir

Morrison’s third official solo album in 1970 is largely about the spirit of soul/R&B, the feel and his singing. It features his biggest U.S. hit (no, not that one).

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Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ ‘Going to a Go-Go’: Life of the Party

Their 1965 release was their only studio album to make the Billboard top 10 during the ’60s.

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Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’: Poetry In Motion

She said, “Of course I wanted to work in the rock ’n’ roll tradition. I didn’t know any other tradition existed.”

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