A look into the history, storylines, and players on a given album. What was the historical context surrounding a given record’s creation? What songs stand out, and what impact did the LP have on music history—both in the moment and over the course of the following years and decades? Writers can also examine the album cover itself and its impact on fans. But mostly, the piece should include a deep dive into the tracks: who wrote them and what impact they had on the band, songwriters, and listeners.
George Harrison with wife Patti Boyd arrive at the premiere of Yellow Submarine film, London Pavilion, 17 July 1968. (Photo by Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Elvis Presley in a publicity pose from 'Paradise Hawaiian Style' with Suzanna Leigh, Mariana Hill and Irene Tsu 1966. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images)
LONDON – 1967: The members of the English supergroup Cream, (from left) English guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Clapton, Scottish bass player, singer and songwriter Jack Bruce (1943-2014) and English drummer Ginger Baker (1939-2019), in London, 1967. (Photo by Icon and Image/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Sir Paul McCartney performs at The O2 Arena during his 'Got Back' world tour on December 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JUNE 01: Photo of Jimmy PAGE and Robert PLANT and LED ZEPPELIN; L-R. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page performing live onstage (Photo by Robert Knight Archive/Redferns)
BIG SUR, CA – SEPTEMBER 13-14: Neil Young plays his guitar during The Big Sur Folk Festival on September 13-14, 1969 at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. (Photo by Robert Altman/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 12: Photo of Paul McCARTNEY and Linda McCARTNEY; posed with Linda McCartney (Linda Eastman) on wedding day (Photo by Cummings Archives/Redferns)
American singer and guitarist Steve Miller performing with the Steve Miller Band at the Knebworth Festival, Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, 5th July 1975. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: Warren Zevon performs three of his legendary songs, "MUTINEER", "GENIUS" and "ROLAND THE HEADLESS" when he visits the Late Show with David Letterman, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002 on the CBS Television Network. This photo is provided by CBS from the Late Show with David Letterman photo archive. (Photo by Barbara Nitke/CBS via Getty Images)