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
‘Dixie Chicken’: Little Feat, Secret Southern Sauce
The group drew on Lowell George’s versatile command of blues, country, folk and R&B for its third—and many feel finest—studio album.
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Bob Dylan’s Masterful ‘Blood on the Tracks’
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.
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Pretenders Debut Album: Chrissie Hynde Takes No Prisoners
Released at the edge of the ’70s punk and new wave assaults, ‘Pretenders’ traded on Chrissie Hynde’s substantial punk bona fides–but there was more to it.
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The Dusty Springfield Pop-Soul Pinnacle: ‘Dusty in Memphis’
Nearing 30, the British vocal great was intimidated by the soul power at Atlantic Records, her new home. She overcame it and turned out a masterpiece.
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Joni Mitchell ‘Court and Spark’ Turns 50
Her 1974 best-seller was adorned by a sophisticated sonic sensibility that would define her career from that moment forward.
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Rush’s ‘Permanent Waves’: Ready for the ’80s
The album marked one of the few times that a veteran rock band managed to remain current without it being a blatant attempt at crass commercialization
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The Poco Country-Rock Legacy: “Deliverin’,” With a Gallop
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
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When Johnny Cash Did Time ‘At Folsom Prison’
Performing for prison inmates was nothing new for the legendary singer, but his record label was nervous about making an album at one. Good thing they did
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Fine Young Cannibals’ ‘The Raw & the Cooked’: For One Year, They Drove Us Crazy
They only gave us two albums and then they were gone, but that hit-packed second one helped to define an era.
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Leo Sayer ‘Just a Boy’: A Big Leap Forward
The singer-songwriter’s second LP found him at the cusp of a career that would lead to greater glories, while ensuring his stature on the singles charts.
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