Albums released on 21 August
1990 · 37 YEARS
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
George Michael pivots away from his glossy pop image on this 1990 release. It marks a move toward introspective songwriting that prioritizes soulful arrangements over traditional dance-pop polish.
1990 · 37 YEARS
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Elizabeth Fraser uses her voice as both melody and texture on this 1990 record. The result is a dreamlike collection that integrates dense vocal arrangements with drum machines and chorus-heavy guitars.
2015 · 12 YEARS
Meliora
Ghost
Satanic imagery collides with massive arena hooks on this 2015 release. It finds the band adopting a polished, cinematic approach to heavy metal that mirrors the scale of a Broadway production.
1984 · 43 YEARS
Mirror Moves
The Psychedelic Furs
Richard Butler moves away from post-punk aggression toward a refined pop sensibility on this 1984 release. It is a lush, atmospheric record that balances dark themes with accessible melodies.
2007 · 20 YEARS
Planet Of Ice
Minus The Bear
Technical precision and melodic hooks drive this 2007 indie rock release. It captures a band using intricate guitar tapping to build expansive, progressive arrangements.
2020 · 7 YEARS
Imploding The Mirage
The Killers
Driving guitars and synthesizers anchor this 2020 record. It moves toward a stadium-ready sound that draws inspiration from heartland rock and eighties pop.
2015 · 12 YEARS
Immortalized
Disturbed
Anthemic rock and a surprising cover of a classic folk song define this 2015 release. The band pivots toward a wider vocal range and a polished, rhythmic intensity.
2015 · 12 YEARS
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Nathaniel Rateliff And The Night Sweats
Soulful energy meets indie-folk in this 2015 breakout debut. It relies on raw, raspy vocals and brass sections to create an infectious, urgent sound.
1998 · 29 YEARS
XO
Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith expands his intimate sound into grander territory on this 1998 release. It uses dense, layered arrangements to highlight his intricate fingerpicking and vocal harmonies.
2007 · 20 YEARS
Andorra
Caribou
Fuzzy synthesizers and sixties sunshine pop influence this 2007 record. It blends electronic experimentation with traditional songwriting to create a warm, melodic experience.
1990 · 37 YEARS
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Jagged guitar work and a mix of metal and art-rock define this 1990 release. The band established a reputation as industry agitators through this sprawling, aggressive record.
2020 · 7 YEARS
Source
Nubya Garcia
Spiritual jazz meets dub-influenced production on this 2020 release. It uses saxophone melodies and Caribbean rhythms to tell a story about identity.
2003 · 24 YEARS
Metaphorical Music
Nujabes
Piano loops and boom-bap percussion make this 2003 release a landmark in downtempo music. It highlights how instrumental beats can carry deep emotional weight.
1986 · 41 YEARS
Three Hearts In The Happy Ending Machine
Daryl Hall
Daryl Hall explores a soul-infused direction on this 1986 solo effort. It combines funk grooves and sharp pop hooks to show his versatility as a songwriter.
1985 · 42 YEARS
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Minimalist folk songs define this 1985 debut. The record strips away excess to highlight an observational, urban perspective through acoustic guitar and crystalline storytelling.
1990 · 37 YEARS
FireHouse
FireHouse
Hair metal reaches a high-octane peak on this 1990 debut. It uses soaring harmonies and crisp production to bridge the gap between hard rock and pop.
1989 · 38 YEARS
Rock Island
Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull shifts toward a sharper, guitar-driven sound on this 1989 release. It balances progressive rock roots with the accessible, riff-heavy style of the late eighties.
2007 · 20 YEARS
An Ocean Between Us
As I Lay Dying
Melodic metal reaches a turning point with this 2007 record. It blends thrash-inspired aggression with hook-driven choruses that defined the mid-2000s sound.
2002 · 25 YEARS
The Metal Opera Pt.II
Tobias Sammet's Avantasia
Power metal takes on a grand, operatic scope in this 2002 sequel. It features a revolving cast of guest vocalists to tell a sprawling, conceptual fantasy story.
2000 · 27 YEARS
The Mirror Conspiracy
Thievery Corporation
Global lounge music finds its voice on this 2000 record. It seamlessly blends bossa nova rhythms, dub bass, and sitars into an immersive, late-night soundtrack.