An early aural and lyrical manifestation of the now-common term “Black Girl Magic,” Arie’s dynamic debut formally introduced the world to a refreshing voice that empowers and endears.
Read moreGorillaz’ Eponymous Debut Album ‘Gorillaz’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
Side projects tend to go off the rails, but the Gorillaz universe created by Albarn and Hewlett succeeded because they developed an immersive experience to go along with the music.
Read moreBusta Rhymes’ Debut Solo Album ‘The Coming’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Boastful and colorful with a palpably celebratory feel, Busta Rhymes’ inaugural solo album injected some much-needed fun and spirit in hip-hop of the mid ‘90s.
Read morePrince’s ‘3121' Turns 20 | Album Anniversary
A more cohesive and self-assured album than its precursor ‘Musicology’ (2004), ‘3121’ is Prince comfortable in his heels with nothing to prove, and well and truly in love with the groove.
Read moreBahamadia’s Debut Album ‘Kollage’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
The Philadelphia native’s lyrical performance on her debut album ‘Kollage’ is absolutely central to its creative success.
Read moreSmoothe Da Hustler’s Debut Album ‘Once Upon A Time In America’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
The vision of New York City that Smoothe Da Hustler captures across his debut album still resonates, especially since it’s a work that seems largely uncompromised by designs of crossover appeals.
Read moreJosh Ritter’s ‘The Animal Years’ Turns 20 | Album Anniversary
With his ruminations on love and war, Ritter’s fourth studio affair asks us to remember the human, even when humanity feels corrupt.
Read moreAnita Baker’s ‘Rapture’ Turns 40 | Album Anniversary
The elegantly crafted ‘Rapture’ remains Baker’s finest of many fine moments in her legendary career, largely due to one key element: the passion of her unforgettable voice.
Read moreDepeche Mode’s ‘Black Celebration’ Turns 40 | Album Anniversary
Despite label executives’ early resistance to its new sonic direction, the group’s fifth studio affair found them carrying on in their commitment to make the album they were determined to make.
Read moreLeonard Cohen’s ‘Songs of Love and Hate’ Turns 55 | Album Anniversary
The music on Cohen’s third studio affair never overpowers the lyrics, and that's a large part of what makes it a great album.
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