Greeted with a lukewarm critical reception upon its release, Common’s seventh studio affair warrants reevaluation within the broader context of the Chicago emcee’s prolific discography.
Read moreBruce Springsteen’s ‘The Rising’ Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
Upon its arrival, ‘The Rising’ was an extended, sensitive record, with Springsteen embracing a new sound to match the new world that we had woken up in, in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11.
Read moreThe Temptations’ ‘All Directions’ Turns 50 | Anniversary Retrospective
The magic the group created with Norman Whitfield on ‘All Directions’ remains a glittering addition to soul music that remains as vital today as it was back in 1972.
Read moreAlexander O’Neal’s ‘Hearsay’ Turns 35 | Anniversary Retrospective
A quintessential R&B work in the era between post-boogie and New Jack Swing, ‘Hearsay’ weaves a day-in-the-life narrative through a concept album that examines love, trust, and heartbreak.
Read moreEPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
EPMD’s fourth studio affair is a rugged and rough album that showcases the legendary duo of Erick Sermon & Parrish Smith firing on all cylinders.
Read moreMary J. Blige’s Debut Album ‘What’s the 411?’ Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
In the years that have passed, Blige’s inspired debut has aged better than most—if not all—of its early ‘90s R&B contemporaries.
Read moreMorrissey’s ‘Your Arsenal’ Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
There are worse albums for the young and angry, but ‘Your Arsenal’ is just not an album that ages gracefully with you.
Read more10,000 Maniacs’ ‘In My Tribe’ Turns 35 | Anniversary Retrospective
The band’s third studio LP possesses a timeless quality and grace that keep many of us revisiting its songs, time and time again.
Read moreMario’s Eponymous Debut Album Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
Baltimore-bred Mario’s debut LP has earned a spot in the city's lore alongside Cal Ripken’s Iron Man streak, Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” and Omar’s shotgun.
Read moreCompany Flow’s Debut Album ‘Funcrusher Plus’ Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
Anti-pop sentiments were hardly new to hip-hop during the mid ’90s, but with their debut LP, Company Flow raised them to a high art form.
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