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 ‘Unplugged…And Seated’: Having a Party
Pushing the “unplugged” concept to its limit, Stewart is backed by a full string section and a dozen other musicians and vocalists.
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Roger Daltrey and His 1973 Solo Debut: Doing A Favor
He wasn’t even planning on recording a solo album. But one thing led to another and soon The Who’s lead singer found himself with 10 songs of his own.
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‘L.A. Woman’: The Doors’ Last Call
Their sixth and final studio LP re-energized the band through a return to their roots in American blues, and served as a tribute to their hometown.
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‘Desperado’—Eagles’ Sagebrush Country-Rock Opera
With its sophomore effort, the band tethered its polished country-rock to a concept album driven by a Wild West narrative.
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‘Europe ’72’: On the Bus with the Grateful Dead
What’s most important about the live album and the thing that still makes it shine in the GD catalog, are those songs that never got a studio reading after its release.
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Bob Seger ‘Live Bullet’: Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll
Although he was a star locally, the Detroit rocker had been struggling for years to break out nationally—until he formed the Silver Bullet Band.
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Leonard Cohen: His “Gloomy” ‘Songs of Love and Hate’
His third studio album cemented his reputation as “the grocer of despair.”
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Joni Mitchell ‘Ladies of the Canyon’: Painting the Canvas
The album sets out clearly the direction Mitchell would take for the rest of her career, leaving behind the constraints of folk music.
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Stevie Wonder: “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” Was Beyond Category
“People categorize because they can’t get used to change,” said Wonder upon the release of his 1974 groundbreaking album.
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The Who’s ‘Face Dances’: After Tragedy, Transition
Somehow, after Keith Moon’s death, they were able to direct their energy into a fine studio effort that explored new and varied styles.
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