Classic Albums

Explore the album that was a dominating force in 1991, with record sales that surpassed the likes of Michael Jackson, U2 and Dire Straits. Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall shares his musical vision and inspiration behind “Something Got Me Started,” “Your Mirror,” and the title track, while archival footage, promotional clips and exclusive interviews provide the key to its phenomenal success.

Rediscover the landmark album on its 50th anniversary, with new interviews from McLean about its recording and legacy. Released alongside Carole King’s Tapestry, Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Neil Young’s After The Goldrush, American Pie is considered a vital part of what has been called “Rock’s golden year.” A product of its era, the album’s impact, poignancy and relevance have lasted to this day.

Explore the making of one of the most outstanding jazz-rock albums of all time. Aja, the biggest successof Steely Dan’s career, was the result of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s relentless perfectionismin the studio. A year in the making, it was rewarded with a Grammy Award and three hit singles. Almost 45 years later, it is as fresh and memorable as it was upon its release in 1997.

Re-live the Glam era with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of thegroundbreaking albumthat took Lou Reed from cult hero of The Velvet Underground to international superstar as a solo artist. Reed’s second LP, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, featured the hits “Perfect Day” and “Walk on the Wild Side” and is considered to have been massively influential on generations of musicians.

Discover the stories behind these two groundbreaking albums, produced in 1973 and 1974, that encapsulate the artist’s musicality and wit. Over 30 years, Zappa’s records embraced rock, jazz, funk, blues, doo-wop and classical influences. Lyrically tinged with humor, satire and wry political observation, they also featured excellent musicianship and faultless production.

Arguably the world’s first supergroup, Cream achieved global success and was ensured a place in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with this 1967 album. Disraeli Gears transformed the band from blues-based revivalists to psychedelic pop/rock heroes. Archival footage and Interviews with Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton and more tell the story of this pivotal record.

Explore the story behind one of the world’s most popular reggae albums, which brought Bob Marley international recognition in 1973. Featuring rare archival interviews with Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and Marley himself as well as never-before-seen performances and footage from the Jamaican recording sessions, this episode provides insight into the process behind the recording of this landmark work.

Uncover the process behind the making of Face Value, the1981 album that launched Phil Collins’s solo career. The documentary includes previously unseen performances, rare home movies and archival footage of studio sessions where Collins worked closely with Hugh Padgham and the Earth, Wind & Fire horn section to produce classics like “In The Air Tonight,” “Behind The Lines” and “I Missed Again.”

Learn the story behind the making of the King’s first album for RCA Records in 1956 and his meteoric rise to superstardom. Sun Records founder Sam Phillips recounts those groundbreaking days when he auditioned, produced and befriended Elvis. Scotty Moore (guitar) and D.J. Fontana (drums) tell how they helped “EP” record his album in Nashville and New York, aiming for “feel, not perfection.”

Explore the evolution of the Grateful Dead from their albums Anthem of the Sun to American Beauty. The experimental Anthem of the Sun (1968) bewildered and frustrated their record company. But The Dead’s music changed and American Beauty (1970) was an acoustic album of outstanding folk-based melodies. Rare footage from TV, recording sessions, home videos and extensive interviews are included.

Learn the story behind the writing, recording and success of this groundbreaking 1970 album, which defined the sound and style of Heavy Metal more than any other record in rock history. Songs on the band’s second LP, arguably its finest, include “Paranoid,” “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” and catapulted Black Sabbath into the rock stratosphere.

Rediscover The Doors’ self-titled album, released in 1967. A mix of blues, rock and jazz, combined with the vocals and lyrics of the legendary Jim Morrison, the result is one of the greatest debut albums of all time that sounds as fresh and exciting today as it did then.