With a stripped-down nature that makes the stories feel close and the emotion raw, Dylan’s third studio LP tackles the American trademarks of racism, poverty, and social change.
Read moreThe Derek Trucks Band’s ‘Already Free’ Turns 15 | Album Anniversary
‘Already Free’ is truly a perfect record: the moment that the band found its central core, latched onto it, and then let it go.
Read moreLed Zeppelin’s Eponymous Debut Album ‘Led Zeppelin’ Turns 55 | Album Anniversary
Complicated relationships of love continue every day in every sphere of art and life, and the author’s relationship with Led Zeppelin’s inaugural affair is indeed a complicated one.
Read moreCeCe Peniston’s ‘Thought ‘Ya Knew’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Peniston’s second studio LP stands easily as the zenith representation of the artist she truly is. Never was she more empowered and visible as her vibrant, soulful self than in this moment.
Read moreVan Halen’s ‘1984’ Turns 40 | Album Anniversary
What makes ‘1984’ such a captivating moment is the pop songwriting statement Eddie makes with the record and how it set up the band's second act with singer Sammy Hagar.
Read moreElvis Costello & The Attractions’ ‘Armed Forces’ Turns 45 | Album Anniversary
It’s no accident that one of Costello’s sharpest, cruelest albums ends with a call to hold onto the hope that all may be put right again.
Read moreMarvin Gaye’s ‘Here, My Dear’ Turns 45 | Album Anniversary
In listening to ‘Here, My Dear’ 45 years later, Gaye’s sheer, unadulterated honesty cuts like a double-edged sword, alongside the odd splash of self-pity and sniveling wounded male ego.
Read moreIce Cube’s ‘Lethal Injection’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
As a capper to his impressive early-career run of solo albums, Ice Cube’s fourth studio affair succeeds in showing that his fervor still ran as hot as ever at the time of its release.
Read moreRedman’s ‘Doc’s Da Name 2000’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
It’s fitting that Redman achieved an increased level of success with his fourth album not by compromising his music, but by leveraging the same approach that he’d always taken.
Read moreMary J. Blige’s ‘What’s the 411? Remix’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
The remix compilation helped the young Blige remain a constant presence in radio rotation, until she took a comfortable seat atop R&B’s throne with her sophomore effort ‘My Life’ (1994).
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