Not as cohesive as its precursor albums and without the main driving force of Michael at the helm, ‘Victory’ was pulled in different directions yielding different degrees of musical success.
Read moreMacy Gray’s Debut Album ‘On How Life Is’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
Like many observational storytellers before her, Gray infuses her debut album with an examination of her own lived experiences and those of the people around her.
Read moreLootpack’s Debut Album ‘Soundpieces: Da Antidote!’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
Not only an essential recording in the canon of L.A. underground hip-hop, ‘Soundpieces’ was integral to the genesis and growth of the revered Stones Throw record label.
Read moreCarly Simon’s ‘Spy’ Turns 45 | Album Anniversary
Within the iconic stratum of seven albums that Simon yielded to the public between 1975 and 1983, it’s ‘Spy’ that is the true lost classic.
Read moreHouse of Pain’s ‘Same As It Ever Was’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Albeit lacking a ubiquitous hit single in the same vein as “Jump Around,” the group’s second studio affair is uncompromising and ballsy, showing their artistic depth and conviction.
Read moreNice & Smooth’s ‘Jewel of the Nile’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
The duo’s third studio affair derives its strengths from the emcees’ markedly different rhyme styles and deliveries, coupled with stellar production from an assortment of producers.
Read moreThe Cure’s ‘The Cure’ Turns 20 | Album Anniversary
Despite bearing the name ‘The Cure,’ the band’s twelfth studio affair sounds the least like them among any of their LPs, offering proof that the wrong producer can really damage an album.
Read moreJames Brown’s ‘Hell’ Turns 50 | Album Anniversary
With fewer marathon jams than its precursor (1973’s ‘The Payback’), ‘Hell’ possesses a strong sense of cohesion throughout, even as Brown leads the album in many different musical directions.
Read moreBig Mike’s Debut Album ‘Somethin’ Serious’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Big Mike’s debut solo album ‘Somethin’ Serious’ makes for a seriously good listen and remains a key recording in the evolution of Houston-based rap and more broadly, southern hip-hop.
Read moreThe B-52s’ ‘Cosmic Thing’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
This album meant so much to so many at the time of its release, an ushering in of a welcome frivolity that had been absent in music for so long.
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