Back in 1966, Wilson set out to create what he called a "teenage symphony to God." Fresh off the artistic triumph of Pet Sounds and the revolutionary single Good Vibrations, Wilson collaborated with lyricist Van Dyke Parks to craft an ambitious song cycle about American history, spirituality, and the elements themselves. Smile became known as rock's most famous "lost" album before Wilson finally completed it decades later.Featured songs:Our Prayer/GeeHeroes And VillainsRoll Plymouth RockCabin EssenceWonderfulGood Vibrations
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The Grey Album by Danger Mouse
Released in 2004, The Grey Album is often regarded as one of the most groundbreaking and transformative albums in the world of hip hop, remix culture, and music production. A remarkable fusion of two iconic cultural artifacts — The Beatles' The White Album and Jay-Z's The Black Album — The Grey Album is a brilliant exploration of musical reinvention, genre fusion, and the creative potential of sampling. Featured songs:What More Can I Say99 ProblemsChange ClothesDirt Off Your ShoulderEncoreDecember 4th
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In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Released in 1955, In the Wee Small Hours is more than just an album; it is a transformative work that redefined what popular music could achieve. Often hailed as one of the earliest and most significant concept albums, it stands as a groundbreaking piece of artistry in the mid-20th century. With its deeply personal themes of heartbreak, solitude, and introspection, the album captures Sinatra at his most vulnerable, channeling the pain of his highly publicised relationship and subsequent breakup with actress Ava Gardner. Featured songs:In The Wee Small Hours Of The MorningMood IndigoI Get Along Without You Very WellWhat Is This Thing Called LoveGlad To Be UnhappyWhen Your Lover Has Gone
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The Joshua Tree by U2
The Joshua Tree was U2’s fifth studio album, and marked a departure from the ambient experimentation of their previous LP, The Unforgettable Fire. U2 aimed for a more direct and impactful sound while adhering to conventional song structures. Drawing heavily on American and Irish roots music, the album combines socio-political commentary with spiritual imagery, juxtaposing the band’s critique of the "real America" with their admiration for its "mythical" allure.Featured songs:Where The Streets Have No NameI Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking ForWith Or Without YouBullet The Blue SkyRunning To Stand StillRed Hill Mining Town
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Otis Blue by Otis Redding
Otis Blue is undeniably one of the most important soul albums ever made. Released in 1965, it solidified Otis Redding as a monumental voice in music, someone whose influence would extend far beyond his years. At the heart of the album are Redding’s soulful, impassioned performances, where he captures an array of human emotions with astonishing intensity. His ability to imbue each song with raw feeling and profound vulnerability makes Otis Blue a landmark record in both the soul genre and popular music at large.Featured songs:Ole Man TroubleRespectA Change Is Gonna Come[I Can't Get No] SatisfactionI’ve Been Loving You Too Long
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.
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