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
Nick Lowe: ‘Labour of Lust’—The Basher Blossoms
The highly regarded British singer/songwriter/producer and his pals from Rockpile cut this classic album at the height of the new wave era.
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The Laura Nyro and Labelle Collaboration: ‘Gonna Take a Miracle’
The album is Nyro’s tribute to the vocal groups and songwriters who continued to thrill and inspire her.
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George Harrison’s ‘Living in the Material World’: Is It Underrated?
He said at the time, “I wouldn’t really care if no one ever heard of me again. I just want to play and make records.”
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‘Evangeline’—Emmylou Harris’ Gourmet Leftovers
The song list tapped familiar writers like Rodney Crowell and the late Gram Parsons, her mentor and musical soulmate, along with rock and folk tunesmiths including John Fogerty, James Taylor, Robbie Robertson, and Little Feat’s Bill Payne.
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Los Lobos’ ‘Kiko’: A Hallucinatory Masterpiece
The early ’90s release was rightly acclaimed as the band’s studio pinnacle for its thematic breadth and sonic innovation.
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Elton John ‘Honky Chateau’: New Heights
“I find it hard to comprehend just how prolific Bernie and I were during the early days,” Elton has said. “The songs just poured out of us.”
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Cheap Trick ‘Heaven Tonight’: They Just Seemed a Little Weird
Our look back at the band’s third album, released in 1978.
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Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s Debut: Of Rivers and Cowgirls
The 1969 album’s streamlined band sound offered a direct connection to his emerging power as a live musician, and launched a career-long partnership.
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Steely Dan ‘The Royal Scam’: Rock on a Grand Scale
The 1976 LP proved divisive, augmenting the leaner ensemble core of prior albums with more aggressive ensemble arrangements.
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The Guess Who’s ‘American Woman’ Album: Distant Roads Are Calling
The Canadian band had been scoring with ballads like “These Eyes” and “Laughing.” Now they wanted to rock. The 1970 album introduced a new Guess Who.
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