Albums released on 25 August
1986 · 41 YEARS
Graceland
Paul Simon
Paul Simon blends mbaqanga rhythms with Western pop songwriting, crafting a vibrant fusion. This 1986 release balances complex percussion and sharp, observational lyrics while collaborating with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
1982 · 45 YEARS
Eye Of The Tiger
Survivor
Requesting a specific track for the third Rocky film, Sylvester Stallone helped turn this group into major stars. It remains a hallmark of arena rock with its polished guitar hooks and radio-friendly melodic focus.
1988 · 39 YEARS
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Marking a shift after the loss of Cliff Burton, this record features progressive structures and technical ambition. It stands as a pivotal point for the band as they moved from underground roots to a global metal audience.
1975 · 52 YEARS
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
The ambition was to match Bob Dylan's lyrical density with the vocal scale of Roy Orbison. This breakthrough release captured the romantic, desperate spirit of mid-seventies New Jersey through dense, cinematic production.
2017 · 10 YEARS
17
Xxxtentacion
This project moves away from aggressive trap to focus on internal struggle and mental health. It acts as a personal diary, using minimalist acoustic guitars and lo-fi textures to capture a specific, melancholic mood.
2017 · 10 YEARS
Luv Is Rage 2
Lil Uzi Vert
Melodic trap reaches a high point here, anchored by the success of XO Tour Llif3. It captures a moment where rock-star attitude meets emo-rap, resulting in a sound that feels both reckless and vulnerable.
2017 · 10 YEARS
A Deeper Understanding
The War On Drugs
Expansive, cinematic soundscapes provide a feeling similar to driving along a coast at dusk. The record balances sprawling ambition with intimate human moments through layered synthesizers and guitars.
2017 · 10 YEARS
Villains
Queens Of The Stone Age
Produced by Mark Ronson, this record shifts toward danceable grooves and tight rhythmic interplay. It marks a change for the band, trading heavier roots for infectious hooks and a dark, pop-influenced atmosphere.
1998 · 29 YEARS
Hellbilly Deluxe
Rob Zombie
Horror samples and distorted riffs combine for a high-octane experience. This late-nineties effort captures an obsession with electronic textures and aggressive rock, serving as a solo breakthrough.
2003 · 24 YEARS
This Is Our Punk-Rock, Thee Rusted Satellites Gather+Sing,
A Silver Mt. Zion
Recorded as a response to the Iraq War, this effort uses a children's choir and raw vocals to convey collective defiance. It captures the dense, orchestral post-rock style of the Montreal underground.
2014 · 13 YEARS
Royal Blood
Royal Blood
Two musicians from Brighton recreate the sound of a full rock band using only drums and a bass guitar. Through split-signal pedals, they create a massive, fuzzy wall of sound that defies their simple setup.
1987 · 40 YEARS
Happy Nightmare Baby
Opal
Kendra Smith and David Roback blend hazy psychedelia with a gothic edge. This record serves as a bridge between the Paisley Underground and the formation of Mazzy Star.
1966 · 61 YEARS
A' Go-Go
The Supremes
Diana Ross and her bandmates deliver a masterclass in Motown pop-soul. The record features hits that defined the mid-sixties radio landscape and showcases the group at their absolute peak.
1997 · 30 YEARS
Bad Timing
Jim O'Rourke
Jim O'Rourke crafts a cinematic folk experience that remains experimental while honoring singer-songwriter traditions. The long tracks allow for a slow intensity rarely seen in folk rock.
1997 · 30 YEARS
Radiator
Super Furry Animals
Psychedelic experimentation meets pop on this Welsh record, which weaves complex electronics into traditional rock. It remains a cult favorite for its inventiveness and refusal to follow standard conventions.
1985 · 42 YEARS
Alternating Currents
Spyro Gyra
Blending fusion with a sharper, rhythmic edge, this record highlights the group's technical mastery. It provides a smooth yet energetic experience alongside the best jazz-pop of the mid-eighties.
2023 · 4 YEARS
Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War))
Jaimie Branch
Jaimie Branch crafted a final, kaleidoscopic statement before her passing. The record captures the restless energy of the Chicago and Brooklyn jazz scenes, blending punk sensibilities with free-jazz.
1981 · 46 YEARS
Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash
The Replacements
This Minneapolis garage rock debut sounds like it was recorded in a basement. It is loud and messy, bursting with the youthful arrogance that only a great band can pull off.
2009 · 18 YEARS
Awake
Skillet
High-energy alternative rock defines this record, which balances aggressive instrumentation with soaring choruses. It leans into themes of resilience and personal struggle through a massive, stadium-filling sound.
2017 · 10 YEARS
Beast Epic
Iron And Wine
Beast Epic by Iron And Wine combines detailed acoustic guitar work with broad band accompaniment. It functions as a sober observation on aging and the subtle grace inherent in common experiences.