With all of the personal turmoil swirling around him at the time of the album’s creation, it’s a miracle that it even came to pass and a testament to Gaye’s genius.
Read moreKIϟϟ’s ‘Destroyer’ Turns 50 | Album Anniversary
Part concept album, part swinging for the fences, ‘Destroyer’ is an album of epic proportions that blew the mind of our author when he first heard it.
Read moreWestside Gunn’s Debut Album ‘FLYGOD’ Turns 10 | Album Anniversary
‘FLYGOD’ alone qualifies as an amazing centerpiece for Westside Gunn’s career, and served as the start of his artistic journey, rather than the destination.
Read moreR.E.M.’s ‘Out of Time’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
Embodying the sound of a band no longer fulfilled by mining the tried-and-true of their past records, ‘Out of Time’ is the most varied and adventurous song suite the band ever crafted.
Read moreAcyealone’s ‘Accepted Eclectic’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
Overall, Aceyalone’s third studio affair is largely uncompromised. The gifted emcee forges his own path, unfettered by expectations or aspirations of commercial success.
Read moreCassandra Wilson’s ‘New Moon Daughter’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Whatever the song, Wilson wraps her dulcet tones around the lyrics in a way that wrings every last iota of feeling from them.
Read moreThe ‘New Jack City’ Soundtrack Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
Featuring Ice-T, Johnny Gill, Guy, Keith Sweat, and Troop & LeVert with Queen Latifah, the soundtrack remains a thrilling artifact of early ‘90s hip-hop, new jack swing and R&B music.
Read moreEd O.G & Da Bulldogs’ Debut Album ‘Life of a Kid in the Ghetto’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
Arguably the most revered emcee to both emerge from and rep Boston throughout his career, Edo. G’s debut long player is a bona fide hip-hop classic.
Read moreNancy Sinatra’s Debut Album ‘Boots’ Turns 60 | Album Anniversary
‘Boots’ announced Sinatra as much more than an extension of history, and ensured that she was the author of her own cultural moment. She did not escape her inheritance. She redefined its terms.
Read moreCowboy Junkies’ ‘Lay It Down’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
‘The Trinity Session’ is commonly considered the band’s masterpiece, but a solid case can be made that ‘Lay It Down’ is actually their finest effort to date.
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