In the landscape of 1987 pop music, few debuts arrived with the impact and audacity of Introducing The Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby. The album represented a remarkable fusion of styles and influences, delivered by an artist whose supreme confidence was matched by his extraordinary talent. The album's sound has aged remarkably well, avoiding many of the production clichés that make other records from the period sound dated.Featured songs:If You All Get to HeavenWishing WellSeven More DaysRainAs Yet UntitledSign Your Name
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Lemonade by Beyonce
At its core, Lemonade is a narrative through the stages of heartbreak, anger, forgiveness and triumph. Structured around traditional elements of a relationship drama, the album creates a cohesive experience where each track builds upon the last, culminating in a sense of closure and catharsis. It exists simultaneously as a deeply personal exploration of Beyoncé's own experiences and a collective reflection of shared human emotions. Featured songs:Pray You Catch MeHold UpDaddy LessonsSandcastlesAll NightFormation
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Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
In the pantheon of rock music, few albums stand as tall as Led Zeppelin's untitled fourth album. Released in November 1971, it represents not just the peak of Led Zeppelin's creative powers, but a perfect convergence of hard rock, folk, blues, and mysticism. Through innovative recording techniques, peerless songwriting and unparalleled musicianship, Led Zeppelin created what many consider to be the definitive rock album of all time.Featured songs:Black DogMisty Mountain HopRock And RollGoing To CaliforniaStairway To HeavenWhen The Levee Breaks
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Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Released in 1974, this was the album that transformed Supertramp from struggling British rockers into international stars. It was their third record, but in many ways, it felt like a debut – a complete reinvention that showcased the band's newfound confidence and artistic vision. What makes this album special isn't just its commercial success, but how it merged progressive rock complexity with irresistible pop melodies. The partnership between Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies reached its creative peak here, combining sophisticated arrangements with themes of alienation, social pressure, and mental health – topics that feel just as relevant today as they did in 1974.Featured songs:SchoolBloody Well RightHide In Your ShellAsylumIf Everyone Was ListeningDreamer
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Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Little Earthquakes was a seismic shift in the landscape of alternative rock and feminist expression. Tori Amos, with her virtuosic piano playing and raw, confessional lyrics, crafted a collection of songs that were both deeply personal and universally resonant. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt silenced, marginalised, or misunderstood. It’s a call to arms for self-empowerment, a cathartic release for those grappling with their own inner demons, and a beacon of hope for anyone searching for their place in a world that often feels indifferent.Featured songs:CrucifyWinterChinaLeatherMe And A GunSilent All These Years
Not all albums stand the test of time, but plenty do and Australian music critic Stevie Nix will bring one to you each week. He'll cover all eras and most genres and tell you why each record is so revered and, equally, why it deserves to be. And he only uses six songs to do it.
Listen to Classic Albums. Hosted by Stevie Nix, Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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