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
Traffic: ‘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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The Graham Parker Solo Debut ‘Another Grey Area’: Leaving the Anger Behind
GP was consciously breaking away from his perceived ‘angry’ persona, looking to send out his message in a style he saw fit.
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‘Graceland’—The World Music Reset From Paul Simon
The album that would become Simon’s grandest statement came into view when he was gifted with a tape of South African music.
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The Allman Brothers Band’s ‘Brothers and Sisters’: A New Family
With both Duane Allman and Berry Oakley now deceased, the ABB had to decide how to move forward. The answer: their biggest album yet.
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‘Who’s Next’: Plan B Yields a Career Blockbuster
Born from the ashes of an abandoned project Pete Townshend called ‘Life House,’ the band’s 1971 masterwork triumphed through songcraft and performance.
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Linda Ronstadt ‘Hasten Down The Wind’: Right Songs, Right Singer
The 1976 release became Ronstadt’s third platinum album in a row, and earned her the second of her eventual 13 Grammy awards.
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Big Brother’s ‘Cheap Thrills’: Behind R. Crumb’s LP Cover
It would be the only rock album for which the cartoonist would do the art. It continues to serve as a psychedelic timestamp of one crazy summer.
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Genesis’ 1991 Blockbuster ‘We Can’t Dance’: Phil’s Farewell
It’s a significant album in the band’s discography, showcasing their ability to craft hit songs with broad appeal.
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‘The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions’: When Clapton, the Stones, Winwood & Starr Helped Out a Blues Hero
When Eric Clapton was asked in 1970 if he’d like to record with a blues legend, it took him seconds to say yes. And so it began.
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Aretha Franklin’s ‘I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You’ LP: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
The 1967 album, her 10th, was her first for Atlantic Records and the start of her fruitful relationship with producer Jerry Wexler
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