Album Reviews

"The Gold Experience" by Prince

I take a closer look at one of the most underappreciated albums in the Purple One's catalog.

Why the Cocteau Twins' "Heaven or Las Vegas" is A+ Dream-Pop

I celebrate the most influential dream-pop record of all time to mark its 35th anniversary.

Why "Wish You Were Here" is Pink Floyd's Finest Hour

Pink Floyd's best album—yes, you heard that right—turns 50 (!).

“The Head on the Door” by the Cure

Dissecting the Cure’s most pop-oriented offering for its 40th anniversary.

Bruce Springsteen, “Tracks II: The Lost Albums,” and the Enduring Virtue of Perfectionism

The lessons learned from a summer listening to Springsteen vault gems.

Why Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" is a Perfect Album

Paying tribute to one of the greatest rock records of all time for its 50th anniversary.

“Back in Black” by AC/DC

It's still got the power to rock your socks off, 45 years after its initial release.

“Hysteria” by Def Leppard

Let's step back into the 80s, in the name of loooovvveeeeeee.

“Steve McQueen” by Prefab Sprout

This album review pays tribute to one of the best pop albums of the 1980s as it commemorates its 40th anniversary.

“When the Pawn…” by Fiona Apple

I revisit Fiona Apple’s incredible, unshakeable late-90s sophomore record.

“Shaft (Music From the Soundtrack)” by Isaac Hayes

The record that proved to the world that Isaac Hayes was a bad mother (shut your mouth).

“Jagged Little Pill” by Alanis Morissette

I look back at one of the most important and influential albums of the 90s.

“Dangerous” by Michael Jackson

I attempt to sift through the music and deeply conflicting legacy of Michael Jackson.

“The Marshall Mathers LP” by Eminem

Making the case that Eminem's sophomore album is a transcendent cultural text.

John Williams' "The Empire Strikes Back" Soundtrack Is the Best Sequel in Music History

I look back at one of my favorite childhood movie experiences through music.

“Mezmerize” by System of a Down

An underrated mid-200s metal gem turns 20 years old.

“The Epic” by Kamasi Washington

Celebrating one of modern jazz's most ambitious and impressive artistic feats.

“Be Yourself Tonight” by Eurythmics

Flat-out one of the best pop-rock records from the 80s.

"Violator" at 35: Why Depeche Mode’s Masterpiece Still Sounds Like the Future

Taking stock of the synth-pop band's best and one of my personal favorites.

“The Infamous” by Mobb Deep

Celebrating one of the East Coast’s finest contributions to hardcore hip-hop

"People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" by A Tribe Called Quest

I dive into the significance of one of 1990's most important hip-hop records.

“Fear of a Black Planet” by Public Enemy

A legitimately perfect hip-hop records turns 35 (!)

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John

Celebrating a pop-rock icon with a look at his 70s classic.

“Bitches Brew” by Miles Davis

Quantifying the greatness of Miles Davis’ jazz-fusion masterpiece.

“Duke” by Genesis

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Genesis' first stab at pop music stardom.

“That’s the Way of the World” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Celebrating a soul and funk classic for its 50th anniversary.

“Me Against the World” by 2Pac

Revisiting a legacy-defining moment for Tupac Shakur for its 30th anniversary.

“Physical Graffiti” by Led Zeppelin

One of the greatest rock records ever made turns 50.

“I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got” by Sinéad O’Connor

Examining the late singer’s breakthrough sophomore record to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

“Supreme Clientele” by Ghostface Killah

The last gasp of the Wu-Tang Clan's peak period turns 25.