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
Queen ‘A Night at the Opera’: A Fancy Blockbuster
Their fourth album was “a showy spectacle that revels in its bombastic production” and gave us “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s also an indisputable classic.
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Don Henley ‘Building The Perfect Beast’: Don’t Look Back
The 1984 album, recorded with ace musicians, yielded four hit singles, making the Eagles’ drummer/singer even more ubiquitous on the AM and FM radio dials
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The Moody Blues’ ‘Seventh Sojourn’: A Journey All Its Own
Whereas their earlier albums were bathed in day-glo tones, imagery, Mellotrons and mystique, their eighth release was decidedly down-to-earth in comparison.
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Stephen Stills’ A-List Solo Debut Revisited
A balance of DIY proficiency and top-tier talent gave the 1970 release an early head start in the race for most popular solo album by a member of CSN&Y.
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Van Morrison Grooves With the Street Choir
Morrison’s third official solo album in 1970 is largely about the spirit of soul/R&B, the feel and his singing. It features his biggest U.S. hit (no, not that one)
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Dan Fogelberg: ‘Souvenirs’ — A Keepsake That Was Part of the Plan
The 1974 LP features a star-studded cast of musicians, chief among them Joe Walsh, who not only oversaw its production, but also played guitar on 10 of its tracks.
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‘Diana Ross & the Supremes Join the Temptations’: When Motown’s His & Hers Cadillacs Met Again
The LP was a perfect indicator of Motown’s growth, offering proof that Berry Gordy’s operation was quickly becoming a major Black-owned business.
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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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Gregg Allman Solo Debut ‘Laid Back’: Trauma and Survival
The LP was intended to go in a different direction than the ABB: softer, more contemplative, acoustic-based, a statement of gratitude in the face of loss.
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Elton John’s ‘Madman Across the Water’: A Blue Jean Baby
He was everywhere in 1971 but still hadn’t quite found his way. Then he released the first album that defined his singular gifts.
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