Album Reviews

“Mister Magic” by Grover Washington Jr.

One of the smoothest of all smooth jazz grooves.

“The Woman in Me” by Shania Twain

This record, not anything by Taylor Swift, legitimately changed country music forever.

Is Phil Collins’ No Jacket Required Secretly the Best Pop Record of the 80s?

The rock icon deserves consideration for the 80s pop music crown.

“Blood on the Tracks” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's most influential contribution to the rock art form turns 50.

“Permanent Waves” by Rush

A prog rock classic that brought Rush's sound fully into their peak period.

“Voodoo” by D’Angelo

D'Angelo's second album is peak neo-soul from the most elusive Soulquarian.

“Synchronicity” by the Police

The Police's final album is also arguably their finest from a pop craft point of view.

“Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits

An out-of-nowhere 80s rock smash hit turns 40 years old in 2025.

“Kick” by INXS

One of the most entertaining pop-rock LPs of the 80s.

“Black Messiah” by D’Angelo and the Vanguard

One of the greatest R&B records of the century from one of the genre's most mercurial talents.

“London Calling” by the Clash

The endlessly influential punk rock album turns 45.

“90” by 808 State

An acid house classic that has endured for 35 years.

“The Wall” by Pink Floyd

The last great Pink Floyd album remains darkly compelling.

Why Clipse’s "Hell Hath No Fury" Deserves a Spot Among Hip-Hop’s Greatest Albums

This classic is among the best records of the 2000s.

“Get Up With It” by Miles Davis

This album may be the most influential music he's ever released. There. I said it.

“Opposite People” by Fela Kuti

Throwing it all the way back to vintage 70s Afrobeat, arguably the most fun vibes of all.

“CrazySexyCool” by TLC

One of the most impressive contributions to the 90s R&B canon from one of its greatest acts.

“Reckless” by Bryan Adams

One of the most formative albums from my teenage years turns 40!

“Love in Us All” by Pharoah Sanders

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of my favorite Pharoah Sanders free jazz album.

“Run the Jewels 2” by Run the Jewels

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of one of the hardest hip-hop records of the 21st century.

"Operation: Doomsday" — Is It Actually the Best Album Ever From MF Doom?

I zoom in on a hip-hop icon's debut LP in honor of its 25th anniversary.

“Black on Both Sides” by Mos Def

Examining a legendary rap album from the genre’s golden era.

“No Need to Argue” by the Cranberries

A 90s alternative standout turns 30.

“Forever Young” by Alphaville

A synth-pop gem turns 40.

"Rhythm Nation" Proves Janet Jackson is a Pop Music Icon

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of this pop and R&B game-changer.

“American Idiot” by Green Day

A watershed moment for punk rock turns 20.

“Ready to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G.

A genuine 10/10 turns 30.

“Thrust” by Herbie Hancock

A jazz-funk masterclass turns 50.

“Slow Train Coming” by Bob Dylan

A watershed moment for a rock legend.

“Fear of Music” by the Talking Heads

A transcendent alternative LP turns 45.