For the Record: Album Reviews

In this month's For the Record, we review a selection of classic records that created a revolution in the music world. Each of these records appeared in the top 10 of Rolling Stone magazine's 500 greatest albums of all time.

The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966)

Length 35:57
When The Beach Boys released Pet Sounds, they were already famous for their all-American image and California-style "surf rock" sound. However, Pet Sounds showed how the band had grown stronger and more mature in their music. Not only did they use more instruments than usual, they used a variety of sounds such as dog barks and trains to create their music. The album features the hit songs "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows," and inspired another great album—The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
In short: This is a great record for both fans and general listeners.

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (1971)

Length 35:38
In the late 1960s, American soul singer Marvin Gaye saw many problems around him—war, poverty, homelessness, the negative effects of drug use—and felt the need to make a statement. What's Going On is written from the perspective of a war veteran, and the songs comment on social problems in a way that soul music never had before. Gaye's record company was sure the record—his 11th—would fail, but the title track was very successful, and so was the record. What's Going On was the first of many soul records to take on social issues.
In short: This is an important record for any music fan. Focus your attention on the lyrics to really understand the music.

Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited (1965)

Length 51:26
In his early career, Bob Dylan was considered a folk music hero. He was known for his live shows, playing the acoustic guitar, and singing songs about everyday life. Named for the road he grew up on, Highway 61 Revisited is very different from Dylan's earlier sound. On the record, Dylan plays an electric guitar and sings songs about politics and culture in America in the 1960s. Many fans were shocked by this change, but the record affected the course of music forever.
In short: Buy this classic album for Dylan's poetic lyrics.

The Clash - London Calling (1979)

Length 65:07
Punk pioneers The Clash crossed many music boundaries with their third album, London Calling. While the band kept their original punk sound, these songs also incorporate bits of jazz, ska, reggae, pop, and soul. The Clash were known for expressing their political views through their music, and London Calling comments on many problems in Britain at that time. This album showed that punk can and should be taken seriously.
In short: This album is a great introduction to punk rock, but for true fans, spend your money on the rare live-music recordings.