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An Artist's Pinnacle

We've had so many threads about favorite releases by an artist, best debut recordings etc., but I'm don't think that I have seen anyone ask this before. My question is this: Pick one or more solo artists, or bands or music from any genre. What release do you think marked the pinnacle of their artistry?
I could think of many, but the idea was sparked in my mind yesterday when I was thinking once again that for REM, it was Life's Rich Pageant. They were once a favorite band, but I eventually got really tired of Michael Stipe's nonsense. Anyway, that's not the point. Continuing with the rock genre, I will say Dirt was the peak for Alice in Chains, and Rocks was the top for Aerosmith. Only thinking of those examples because I was just listening to them yesterday.
I'm really interested in everyone else's thoughts, and I'll have a whole lot more as I think about it.
128x128roxy54
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,862 posts
 

The Beatles: Revolver

Brian Wilson: Smile

The Band: s/t (brown album)

Neil Young: Harvest

Randy Newman: Good Old Boys

The Flamin' Groovies: Shake Some Action

Procol Harum: A Salty Dog

AC/DC: Back In Black

The Ramones: Road To Ruin

Moby Grape: s/t debut (sad but true)

Fleetwood Mac: Kiln House (my favorite, at least)

The Kinks: Something Else By

Gram Parson: Grievous Angel

The Byrds: Sweethearts Of The Rodeo

John Hiatt: Bring The Family


Fortunately, most of my current faves are still on the ascend.

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,770 posts
 
The issue with bands like Fleetwood Mac that have been so great throughout their many band member/generational changes, you kind of have to pick, which generation of this band one is referring to.
Having said that, for the latest generation of FM, it's got to be "Rumours"
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
8,017 posts
 

Kinks - Village Green Preservation Society

berner99
216 posts
 

Electric Light Orchestra: Face the Music

This thread reminds me of something I’ve been pondering about musical groups/artists. They appear and in their first several albums develop their talent, and then at some point (if they are lucky/talented) became really popular but also their work becomes too e.g. poppish, diluted, not sure exact words. ELO New World Record sold 5 million and I did like some of the songs, and yet somehow Face The Music, is better, more real, more purely them for me.

Renaissance Turn of the Cards. You could argue Song for All Seasons.

 

 

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