Nine albums that shouldn’t be on Rolling Stone's list of most disappointing albums

As a seasoned music enthusiast with decades of listening under my belt, I must say that Rolling Stone’s list of “The 50 most disappointing albums of all time” has left me rather perplexed. While there are certainly some entries on this list that I can’t argue with, others seem to have been included based on questionable criteria.

As a devoted fan, I’ve found myself, just like many others, feeling let down at times when my favorite artists or musical heavyweights don’t quite deliver with their new albums. However, compiling a list of these disappointing releases isn’t as straightforward as it might appear.

Which standards should you apply when evaluating these albums? It’s important to consider whether they fall short compared to their previous releases or if this is a consistent trend across all their work. However, it might not be solely decisive, as each album needs to be assessed in the context of the time it was released, the overall music scene at that time, and many other factors as well.

Lately, Rolling Stone, a well-known music journalism outlet, published “The 50 Most Disappointing Albums Ever.” While many people might concur with several selections on this list, some albums listed don’t seem to meet the criteria for disappointment according to common standards and shouldn’t have made it.

What Rolling Stone got wrong in the list of most disappointing albums of all time

These nine albums are significantly underrated compared to their actual value, as these artists arguably produced larger flops elsewhere.

Beach Boys, Smiley Smile (1967)

To put it another way, despite the Beach Boys never officially releasing their alleged magnum opus Smile, this album was unfortunately released instead. However, as Rolling Stone acknowledges, it is considered one of the best albums in the Beach Boys’ extensive catalog. Notably, the band’s singular masterpiece “Good Vibrations” is found on this same album.

Absolutely, it’s a groundbreaking low-fi anthem that served as the forerunner for every subsequent low-fi album, whether they were good or not so good.

Possible dud: 15 Big Ones

The Rolling Stones, Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)

It’s possible that both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have a dislike for this particular thing. One potential reason could be their lack of fondness for psychedelic rock, which was very popular at the time; another possibility is that it was largely orchestrated by the late Brian Jones, who left the band after its release.

Yet, it was a slice of exemplary psychedelia that stands the test of time and should be given much more credit for it. And after all, the Rolling Stones, as great as they are, made quite a few lousy albums.

Possible dud: Bridges to Babylon

Bob Dylan, Self Portrait (1970)

Despite the fact that legendary musician Bob Dylan has produced several albums that fell short of expectations, this particular one wasn’t among them. Known for his ability to adapt musically like a chameleon, Dylan once expressed, “I want to do something they can’t possibly enjoy or connect with.” He continued, “They’ll see it, listen to it, and then say, ‘Let’s move on to the next artist.’

After giving the album a few more listens, especially the extended version (“Bootleg Series, Vol. 10: Another Self Portrait (1969-1971)”), it becomes apparent that Dylan was playfully poking fun at himself and his audience, managing to create an outstanding album despite his own reservations.

Possible dud: Shot of Love

Wings, Wild Life (1971)

Even though Paul McCartney, a renowned music legend, might sometimes produce music that’s less exceptional by his own high standards, it still outshines the work of many other well-known artists. While this particular album may not be one of McCartney’s best, it represents an effort to find new musical ground for him. Despite initially receiving mixed reviews, the music on this album has proven resilient.

Possible dud: Press to Play

The Band, Cahoots (1971)

This album isn’t “Music From Big Pink, The Band” or “Stage Fright.” However, any album that encompasses tunes such as “Life is a Carnival” and an exceptional rendition of Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece” can hardly be deemed disappointing. Simultaneously, some of the less impressive tracks might even be considered top-notch by several well-known artists in the industry.

Possible dud: High on the Hog

Patti Smith Group, Radio Ethiopia (1976)

After releasing an absolute rock classic like Patti Smith’s debut album “Horses,” it was inevitable that any subsequent work would initially seem like a letdown. This could have been an album where Smith was exploring the question of ‘what comes next,’ yet she was still riding high, producing several more classics in the process.

Possible dud: Twelve

Neil Young, Hawks & Doves (1980)

Given the extensive collection of work he’s produced, it was inevitable that, given Neil Young’s penchant for experimentation, he would create several albums that weren’t as strong.

Indeed, this particular work draws inspiration from several tunes he composed during the preceding decade. However, it’s important to note that the 1970s were his most musically productive period. When considering various albums released subsequent to this one, it is notable that this one has withstood the test of time, making it one of his timeless works.

Possible dud: Trans

Fleetwood Mac, Behind the Mask (1990)

After Lindsay Buckingham departed from the group, temporary replacements Rick Vito and Billy Burnette didn’t possess the songwriting abilities that met his expectations. Nevertheless, the rest of the band remained intact and still harbored the talent to produce the exquisite soft-pop music they were renowned for.

Possible dud: The Dance

Bruce Springsteen, Human Touch (1992)

On the very same day, this album went live alongside Bruce Springsteen’s “Lucky Town”. However, when you consider them both, “Lucky Town” generally outshone this one as a more successful album overall.

Others argue that the song “Human Touch” lacks significant human involvement in its creation. However, one might counter that while this may be true, the songwriting remains more powerful compared to certain later albums by Bruce Springsteen. Additionally, despite the absence of The E Street Band, the performance and playing are still commendable.

Possible dud: Magic

2024-10-21 13:00

Nine albums that shouldn’t be on Rolling Stone’s list of most disappointing albums