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

The Doors’ ‘Soft Parade’: Still Rockin’

The album’s pop leanings notwithstanding, the Doors were still very much a rock and roll band at the time of its release.

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Dave Edmunds’ ‘Repeat When Necessary’: Where the New Wave Met the Old

The Welsh rocker’s fifth solo album, made with the great Rockpile, captures him at the pinnacle of his influence as an architect of late ’70s new wave.

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Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ Exceptional ‘Imperial Bedroom’

The 1982 album is generally considered one of his best, with 15 exceptional songs and some of the best work by the Attractions

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Dire Straits’ ‘Brothers in Arms’: Mark Knopfler Completes the Transition to Stadium-Friendly Band

One of the first all-digital albums recorded with the compact disc in mind, it vaulted the British band into the rock stratosphere.

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Free: ‘Fire and Water’—More Than Just All Right

The album featured one of rock’s all-time classics in “All Right Now,” but there was much more to Free’s ferocious-yet-controlled ethic

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The Byrds’ ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ LP—A Folk Rock Manifesto

With worthwhile covers, solid originals and no filler, the LP sustained a level of quality that invited favorable comparison with their heroes, the Beatles.

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Dave Mason: ‘Alone Together’—Colorful Throughout

It’s often remembered for its multi-colored marble vinyl, but the former Traffic member’s solo debut also contained some of his finest songs

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David Bowie’s ‘Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’: Glam-Rock Goes Global

The album didn’t only elevate Bowie’s career. It influenced many artists and kickstarted the entire punk movement.

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The Bee Gees’ ‘Main Course’: The Turning Point

Just when it seemed as if their career might be over, the brothers Gibb drastically altered their style. They would soon find out what success really was!

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Rod Stewart’s Unequaled, Magical Masterpiece

His second solo album showcased an artist who excelled at both rollicking rock ‘n’ roll and tender, emotive ballads

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