Keys’ inaugural effort is a masterfully executed hybrid of classic and contemporary soul, replete with an acute streetwise sensibility to balance its creator’s musical intelligence and passion.
Read moreJohn Mayer’s Debut Album ‘Room For Squares’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
Mayer’s debut still lingers so powerfully not because it perfected youth, but because it documented confusion with startling honesty before confusion became commodified into an aesthetic.
Read moreBelle and Sebastian’s Debut Album ‘Tigermilk’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Initially considered an underground indie classic, the reverence for ‘Tigermilk’ has rightfully become more widespread over time.
Read moreDigital Underground’s ‘Future Rhythm’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
The group’s fourth studio affair is as convincing a testament to the genius of the late Shock G and the rest of the members of the group as their “golden age” material that preceded it.
Read moreLost Boyz’ Debut Album ‘Legal Drug Money’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Although the group’s debut LP was both a critical and commercial success, the album was considered among the sleeper gems of 1996, one of hip-hop’s most competitive years.
Read moreN.W.A’s Second & Final Studio Album ‘Efil4zaggin’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
The fast and immediate commercial success of N.W.A’s second studio affair helped remind labels that there was a lot of money to be made in hip-hop.
Read moreAretha Franklin’s ‘Sparkle’ Turns 50 | Album Anniversary
The fruitful success of ‘Sparkle’ gave Franklin the rebound hit she yearned for, however, its commercial viability tells only part of the album’s greater story.
Read moreSeal’s Eponymous Debut Album ‘Seal’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
Seal’s debut album is still considered one of the most impressive of its era and has successfully maintained its appeal for three-and-a-half decades.
Read moreToo $hort’s ‘Gettin’ It (Album Number Ten)’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Originally billed as Too $hort’s final album, the Oakland-bred hip-hop legend’s tenth studio affair showcases his strengths and undeniable swagger, serving as a harbinger of the next phase of his career.
Read moreMarvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ Turns 55 | Album Anniversary
Terry Nelson revisits Gaye’s powerful opus that offers listeners a clear definition of what was going on in America back in 1971, with poignant insights and reflections that remain relevant today.
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