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 Kinks’ Masterful ‘Everybody’s in Show-Biz’

The Kinks returned to America in 1972 after a ban to become the arena rock band they deserved to be.

Read More

The Multi-Platinum Boston Debut Album: More Than a Feeling

With 17 million sales, it still ranks not only as one of the best-selling debut albums in music history, but also one of the fastest-selling as well.

Read More

Nilsson ‘Pussy Cats’: With a Little Help From a Bad Boy Beatle

By 1974, his once-promising career had hit a wall and it would clearly take something significant to get him back on track. Enter John Lennon

Read More

Stevie Wonder and ‘Innervisions’: Reaching Higher Ground

On his 16th album in a decade Wonder needed a strong album. He nailed it. Like its predecessor, this one earned a wide audience and generated 3 hit singles

Read More

Emmylou Harris’ ‘Luxury Liner’: Outside The Lines

Influenced by Gram Parsons and using some of the best musicians and songwriters in the business, the singer created a country-rock smash with the 1976 album.

Read More

AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’: You Want Blood?

The 1979 release by the Australian mega-band is not an album you come to for variety; it’s a monument to single-minded rock.

Read More

When the Moody Blues Found Their ‘Lost Chord’

If you’ve been listening to this music on a scratchy vinyl LP for the last 50 years, you’re bound to find the surround-sound version to be a real trip.

Read More

When John Mayall’s ‘Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton’ Broke Down Boundaries

The 1966 album featuring a 21-year-old Clapton helped establish a blues-rock template that would linger long after in the popular music firmament

Read More

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 band.

Read More

Rod Stewart ‘Gasoline Alley’—His Unequaled, Magical Masterpiece

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

Read More