35 Years Ago: Steve Winwood’s ‘Roll With It’ Returns to a Storied Past35 Years Ago: Steve Winwood’s ‘Roll With It’ Returns to a Storied PastMusician? Entertainer? Steve Winwood struck a balance on his only No. 1 album.Rob SmithRob Smith
When Drive-By Truckers Added Jason Isbell for Career-Turning ‘Decoration Day’When Drive-By Truckers Added Jason Isbell for Career-Turning ‘Decoration Day’This album opened the door for what would ultimately become a tumultuous relationship with their hard-living new collaborator.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
When Monster Magnet Took Us on a ‘Powertrip’When Monster Magnet Took Us on a ‘Powertrip’Monster Magnet added a bit of gloss to their fourth album, and came out with their biggest hit to date.Dave SwansonDave Swanson
35 Years Ago: Moody Blues Reach a Synth-Pop Dead End on ‘Sur la Mer’35 Years Ago: Moody Blues Reach a Synth-Pop Dead End on ‘Sur la Mer’This was the zenith of their '80s sound, or the nadir – depending on which period originally drew you to the band.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
How Anthrax’s ‘Sound of White Noise’ Kicked Off the John Bush EraHow Anthrax’s ‘Sound of White Noise’ Kicked Off the John Bush EraWhen Joey Belladonna left, he took the shorts, comic-book references and teenage sloganeering with him.Martin KieltyMartin Kielty
How Joan Jett Rebounded With ‘Up Your Alley’How Joan Jett Rebounded With ‘Up Your Alley’“I Hate Myself for Loving You” became her first hit since a cover of “Crimson and Clover” made the Top 10 in 1982.Victoria ShafferVictoria Shaffer
When Bob Marley’s Family Headed to Vaults for ‘Confrontation’When Bob Marley’s Family Headed to Vaults for ‘Confrontation’A posthumous album about Third World oppression closes his final album trilogy and his life's message.Rob SmithRob Smith
How Cinderella Avoided a Sophomore Slump on ‘Long Cold Winter’How Cinderella Avoided a Sophomore Slump on ‘Long Cold Winter’Some critics now say the record "ranks with any blues-rock of the ‘80s." Is it worth another listen?Rob SmithRob Smith
35 Years Ago: Judas Priest Flash Metal Form on Experimental ‘Ram It Down’35 Years Ago: Judas Priest Flash Metal Form on Experimental ‘Ram It Down’ Judas Priest made an effort to get back to metal basics on 'Ram It Down' without shaking off the synths.Michael ChristopherMichael Christopher
How the Fixx Stayed True Then Hit Big Anyway on ‘Reach the Beach’How the Fixx Stayed True Then Hit Big Anyway on ‘Reach the Beach’Their meteoric breakthrough didn't arrive courtesy of some sweeping overhaul.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso