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
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.
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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 band.
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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.
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Delaney and Bonnie ‘Accept No Substitute’: White Soul Born in Turmoil
A beautiful album, close to perfection in the playing and singing, it was helmed by a married couple whose own relationship was falling apart at the seams.
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David Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy: ‘Low,’ ‘Heroes’ and ‘Lodger’
All three albums are now hailed as milestones in his dazzling career, and a marked influence on other artists, including King Crimson.
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The Hard-Boiled Asylum Debut of Warren Zevon: Rock Noir
With production by Jackson Browne and great songs like “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and “Hasten Down the Wind,” the 1976 LP is an unsung classic.
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Steely Dan’s ‘Gaucho’: Perfection and Chaos
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s quest for the perfect groove proved a key denominator across the 1980 album.
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‘All Things Must Pass’–George Harrison’s Crowning Solo Set
Released in 1970 as the Beatles officially split and all four dropped solo albums, Harrison’s mammoth boxed set was a dark horse.
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The Grateful Dead: ‘American Beauty’—The Cream of the Crop
At least half of its songs are recognized as Dead classics: “Box of Rain,” “Friend of the Devil,” “Sugar Magnolia,” “Truckin’” and “Ripple.”
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Beach Boys Party! – Fun Time and Lots (and Lots) of Covers
Capitol Records wanted a new LP for the ’65 holiday shopping season. Brian was busy with Pet Sounds. So they recorded plenty of their contemporaries’ songs.
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