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
Robert Palmer ‘Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley’—A Tale of 3 Cities
With help from players like Little Feat’s Lowell George and New Orleans’ Meters, the British singer’s solo career got off to a good start.
Read More
Supertramp: ‘Crime of the Century’—Success at Last
Even before they set foot in the studio to begin recording, the band “knew we had a hit,” said Roger Hodgson.
Read More
Pink Floyd Shine on ‘Wish You Were Here’
Despite tense recording sessions, the band’s followup to ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ became a landmark of art-rock on its own right
Read More
Frey & Souther’s ‘Longbranch Pennywhistle’: Not Ready for Prime Time Players
The sparks of genius are here and there in the songwriting, and especially in the deft singing and instrumental arrangements.
Read More
Traffic: ‘Welcome to the Canteen’—Together Again
The front album cover didn’t even call them Traffic; it just listed the names of the musicians. But there was no mistaking who they were.
Read More
The Graham Parker Solo Debut ‘Another Grey Area’: Leaving the Anger Behind
GP was consciously breaking away from his perceived ‘angry’ persona, looking to send out his message in a style he saw fit.
Read More
Joe Cocker ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’: More Than a Little Help
“We can imagine how exhausted Cocker, Russell and Co. must have been when they got off the road, but from the audience’s point of view, it was worth it.”
Read More
‘Graceland’—The World Music Reset From Paul Simon
The album that would become Simon’s grandest statement came into view when he was gifted with a tape of South African music.
Read More
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ ‘Going to a Go-Go’: Life of the Party
Their 1965 release was their only studio album to make the Billboard top 10 during the ’60s
Read More
The Allman Brothers Band’s ‘Brothers and Sisters’: A New Family
With both Duane Allman and Berry Oakley now deceased, the ABB had to decide how to move forward. The answer: their biggest album yet.
Read More