Classic Albums

XS Noize celebrates the anniversary of classic albums from yesteryear.

‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

In March of 1997, 26 years ago, U2 released their much anticipated ninth studio album POP; for fans and critics…

2 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

This week sees the 40th anniversary of Duran Duran’s self-titled debut album. XS Noize looks back on this momentous release…

3 years ago

Classic Album: U2 – Achtung Baby

How time flies; in the Fall of 2022, U2’s Achtung Baby will be thirty-one years old. For myself and many…

4 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM: Depeche Mode – Violator

Usually, when reviewing an album for XS Noize, I'm obliged to give a rating out of ten to reflect how…

4 years ago

Classic Album: Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division hits 40

This month marks the 40th anniversary of Joy Division’s ground-breaking debut studio album Unknown Pleasures. My own personal exposure to…

5 years ago

U2: No Line On The Horizon – Revisited

U2’s release of its 12th album “No Line on the Horizon” in 2009 ended a long five year wait for…

5 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM: Blur – ’13’ Revisited 20 years on

It's almost impossible to believe it, but Blur's sixth album '13' was released exactly 20 years ago today, on 15…

5 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM: The Police – ‘Synchronicity’

The Police by December of 1982 had achieved fame and fortune and were much admired by both critics and the…

5 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM REVISITED: R.E.M. – Green

By 1987 REM had come a long way from their humble begins as four guys messing around playing parties in…

5 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM REVISITED: Foals – Antidotes

Debut efforts can be a mixed bag, some are brilliant but unfortunately, the artist/band never again captures the success of…

5 years ago

Classic Albums Revisited: Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker

Heartbreaker is the stop-gap album that came to define a career. Released 18 years ago this month, Adams himself described it…

6 years ago

Classic Album Revisited: Babybird – There’s Something Going On

Forget about 'You're Gorgeous'... Recorded two years after that big hit, this extraordinary, dark, and remarkable album was Babybird's REAL main…

6 years ago

Classic Album Revisited: Bob Mould – Workbook

In 1988 the seminal band Husker Du spectacularly imploded due to external pressure and numerous self-inflicted wounds. Shell-shocked Frontman Bob…

6 years ago

Classic Album Revisited: Neil Finn – ‘Try Whistling This’

In 1996 after more than a decade of magnificent music making the members of Crowded House surprisingly decided to shutter…

6 years ago

Classic Album Revisited: Radiohead – Kid A

Mention Radiohead’s “Kid A”, to music aficionados and that one album title brings up significant discussion and disagreement. For every…

6 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM REVISITED: Michael Penn – March

Many music enthusiasts have those albums that gather dust and go forgotten through no fault of the performer. Those same…

6 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM: Jeff Buckley – ‘Grace’

Oh, the allure of what could have been. That is the legacy of Jeff Buckley. As many a music fan…

6 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM: U2 – War

On February of this year U2’s watershed album “War” will celebrate its 36th anniversary. “War” was a revelation for many…

6 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM REVISITED: The Smiths – Meat Is Murder

The Smiths’ immeasurable influence casts a long shadow on the music scene that has transpired since their inception. The band…

6 years ago

CLASSIC ALBUM REVISITED: Bjork – ‘Homogenic’

By 1996 Bjork had justified her departure from The Sugarcubes with a highly successful and critically acclaimed solo career. Both…

7 years ago