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
Rod Stewart’s ‘Never a Dull Moment’: Another Step Forward
Collaborating with Ronnie Wood and his other mates in the Faces, the singer’s formula of mixing original tunes with covers proved successful.
Read More
The Eric Clapton Solo Debut LP: A Long Way From Home
With help from some of rock’s greatest songwriters and musicians, the former Cream/Blind Faith guitarist launched his solo career with a gem of an LP.
Read More
‘Countdown to Ecstasy’: Musical Adventures From Steely Dan
If the songcraft displayed on the first album reflected their Brill Building apprenticeship, the new material proved more open-ended—and more sophisticated.
Read More
The Souther Hillman Furay Band’s Debut LP: Less Than the Sum of its Parts
The SHF Band accomplished its commercial mission and displayed the stylistic DNA of the Byrds, Poco and, yes, the Eagles.
Read More
ELO’s ‘Xanadu’ Soundtrack With ON-J: Magic, All Over the World
With music from two popular acts, the soundtrack more than survived the 1980 film’s mixed reviews.
Read More
‘John Barleycorn’: From Winwood Solo Project to Traffic Reunion
The 1970 album morphed into a full-blown Traffic reunion with the addition of Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to the fold.
Read More
Bob Dylan ‘Blonde on Blonde’: Twice As Good—Review
In many ways, it’s still his defining album, one that helped to affirm his lingering largess. Its iconic standing remains as indelible as ever.
Read More
‘Before the Flood’—Memorializing Dylan and The Band’s ‘Tour ’74’
More than seven years after his shocking motorcycle accident, Dylan returned to live performance in style, along with his favorite musicians.
Read More
Journey ‘Escape’: When the Fans Really Started Believin’
This is a curious chapter in rock history, as one of a few select albums that defines listener taste, consumer spending and chart success.
Read More
‘Blow by Blow’: A Jeff Beck Master Class in Guitar
The 1975 all-instrumental album, produced by George Martin, was a guitarist’s master class
Read More