Diana Ross Explored Black Music’s Rich History on ‘Red Hot Rhythm & Blues’
Thirty-five years ago, Red Hot Rhythm & Blues saw Diana Ross ambitiously and affectionately placing herself within the history of Black music.
Peter Piatkowski
Peter is a London-based writer, though he was raised in Chicago. He writes pop culture criticism and film criticism. His work has been published in various publications, including anthologies and journals.
65 Years Ago Judy Garland Found Artistic Growth by Singing ‘Alone’
When Judy Garland went into the studio to record Alone, she moved away from shellacked showbiz happy talk to record a sad, wistful, and lonely masterpiece.
Yoko Ono’s Greatest Work Is Aptly Represented on ‘Walking on Thin Ice’
Released in May 1992, Walking on Thin Ice is a great primer for the kind of esoteric, avant-garde pop Yoko Ono forged in the 1970s.
Emeli Sandé Opens Up to Her Listeners with ‘Let’s Say for Instance’
Emeli Sandé’s soulful R&B is full of love. Once again this beautiful artist warmly embraces her listeners with her coming-out album, Let’s Say for Instance.
Bloc Party’s ‘Alpha Games’ Is an Exciting Gem
Alpha Games is a superb return to form for Bloc Party, much-awaited, and an excellent entry to a fantastic and idiosyncratic discography.
Allegories’ Second LP ‘Endless’ Was Well Worth the Wait
Allegories’ Endless is a complex and winning work that finds humanity amongst the rolling waves of synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic instruments.
‘Madame X’ Is a Fantastic Chronicle of Madonna’s Latest Tour Spectacle
It’s heartening that Madonna is still capable of putting on a good show four decades into her career, as we hear on Madame X – Music From the Theatre Xperience.
Röyksopp’s ‘Profound Mysteries’ Is Transcendent
The vast creativity and breadth of Röyksopp’s Profound Mysteries are impressive. A suite of short films operates as a gorgeous visual interpretation.
Barbra Streisand Went to Washington (by Way of Malibu) on ‘One Voice’ 35 Years Ago
Barbra Streisand’s One Voice is a merger of pop and politics, a “rally” attended by the likes of Jack Nicholson, Kurt Russell, and Penny Marshall.
30 Years Ago Annie Lennox Created a Pop-Soul Classic with Debut LP ‘Diva’
Thirty years ago, Annie Lennox’s Diva set a new standard for blue-eyed soul because she approached the style with depth, understanding, humility, and respect.
30 Years Ago Wynonna Found Her Voice and Sound on Her Self-Titled Debut
Wynonna captured country star Wynonna Judd’s specific brilliance wonderfully, so it’s no wonder she once called the debut solo EP her favorite.