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.
NEW YORK – 1977: Former Beatle John Lennon poses for a photo with his wife Yoko Ono and son Sean Lennon in 1977 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD – CIRCA 1977: Rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, drummer Phil Rudd, singer Bon Scott, lead guitarist Angus Young, and bassist Mark Evans of AC/DC rehearse for a gig circa 1977 in Hollywood, California. Note the cameras filming their rehearsal. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of EAGLES; L-R: Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, Don Henley, Randy Meisner – posed, group shot – c. Early 1970s (Photo by Gems/Redferns)
Deana Carter performs at the Summit Nov. 8, 1996 HOUCHRON CAPTION (10/25/1998): Deana Carter demonstrates her versatility on Everything's Gonna Be Alright. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)
UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 11: Singers Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Emmy Lou Harris (l. to r.), who recorded an album together, in dressing room at CBS. (Photo by Susan Watts/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – American, country singer Kenny Rogers sings on stage during a concert on November 8, 1981 at the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)
(Original Caption) New York: Singer Johnny Cash performs during a recent concert at Madison Square Garden. The performer is currently on top of the country and western charts, his most notable achievements being recorded performances for inmates of Folsom, and San Quentin prisons. 12/11/1969 (Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images)