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Review: On their second album Desperado, the Eagles went deep into the idea of the American Wild West. With their country twang, Glenn Frey and Don Henley's songs were already cowboy-friendly, but this album took the concept further. Released in 1973, it captures everything you love about the Eagles from shit-kickin' rock n' roll like 'Out of Control' facing off with sentimental classic 'Tequila Sunrise'. After all this time it's the title track which remains one of the band's most beloved songs - everything a lonesome man on the prairie needs to hear after a hard day and a hoedown.

Review: Van Halen's 1984 remains a seminal record in the history of rock music, marking a significant pivot in both the band's sound and its broader influence on the genre. Released in a year crowded with iconic albums from heavyweights like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Bon Jovi, 1984 stood out with its innovative use of synthesisers, a bold move for a band traditionally known for its hard-hitting guitar-driven rock. This sonic shift, spearheaded by Eddie Van Halen's exploration of keyboards, made the album both controversial and groundbreaking, with 'Jump' becoming a defining anthem of the era. The album kicks off with the brief, synth-driven title track that transitions seamlessly into 'Jump,' a song that introduced a new layer of polish to Van Halen's sound without sacrificing the energy or fun that defined their earlier work. Despite initial resistance from die-hard fans, 'Jump' became the band's most commercially successful song, balancing Eddie's keyboard experimentation with David Lee Roth's larger-than-life vocals. Following 'Jump', the album dives back into more familiar territory with tracks like 'Panama' and 'Hot For Teacher', showcasing the signature blistering guitar riffs and infectious rhythms that put Van Halen on the map. 'Panama' is an explosive rocker, with crunching guitars and Roth's unmistakable charisma, while 'Hot For Teacher' opens with one of the most recognizable drum intros in rock history. The band's chemistry is on full display, combining wild guitar solos, booming bass lines, and energetic vocals. Deeper cuts like 'Top Jimmy' and 'Drop Dead Legs'' are often overshadowed by the big singles but still highlight the band's dynamic range. 'I'll Wait', with its atmospheric production and introspective tone, stands as one of the more unique entries in the Van Halen catalog, blending ghostly vocal effects with the band's pop sensibilities. Produced by Ted Templeman, 1984 strikes a delicate balance between the more polished sound of mainstream rock and the band's rough, raw origins. The album's commercial success, aided by MTV and the rise of music videos, cemented Van Halen's place in the pantheon of rock greats. Even 40 years after its release, 1984 sounds fresh, an enduring testament to Van Halen's ability to innovate without losing their core identity. Whether it's the flashy guitar solos, Roth's exuberant vocal performances, or the bold use of synthrs, 1984 captures a band at the peak of their powers, pushing boundaries while staying true to their rock 'n' roll spirit.

Review: A stunning fusion of rock, Latin rhythms and jazz, this 1977 album blended live performances with studio recordings to create a dynamic, immersive experience. Now reissued on vinyl, the double album - which features live and studio recordings - captures the raw energy of Santana's stage presence while showcasing Carlos and co's refined musicianship. The album's biggest hit, 'She's Not There', reinterprets The Zombies' classic with soaring guitar work and Latin percussion, turning it into a mesmerising jam. 'Flor d'Luna (Moonflower)' is a beautiful instrumental piece, filled with Carlos Santana's signature, expressive guitar melodies. 'Dawn / Go Within' opens the album with a mystical, jazz-tinged atmosphere that blends the spiritual with a musical exploration throughout the album. Live recordings such as 'Soul Sacrifice / Head, Hands & Feet (Drum Solo)' bring the band's electrifying energy to the forefront, while 'Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen' revisits their earlier hit with even more intensity. 'Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile)' is another gem, a slow-burning instrumental that highlights Santana's unmatched ability to blend emotion and technical prowess. Moonflower was a commercial and critical success, reinforcing Santana's status as innovators in rock and Latin music, and even now, it's pretty obvious why.

Review: A funk masterpiece that redefined r&b and pop, this album blended gritty street themes with polished, danceable grooves and left a big mark on music when it dropped in 1981. James was already well known, but this LP catapulted him to superstardom, solidifying his signature "punk-funk" style and leaving an indelible mark on pop music. Kicking off with the incendiary 'Give It to Me Baby', James delivers an irresistible mix of slap bass, soaring horns and electrifying energy. The track became a club staple, setting the stage for the album's raw yet refined sound. The iconic 'Super Freak' is a funky, synth-driven anthem that remains one of the most recognisable basslines in music history, later sampled by MC Hammer for 'U Can't Touch This'. Beyond the hits, Street Songs is full of depth. 'Ghetto Life' paints a vivid picture of James' upbringing with a groove-heavy backdrop, while 'Fire and Desire', a stunning duet with Teena Marie, slows things down with its emotional intensity and soulful vocal interplay. 'Call Me Up' and 'Below the Funk (Pass the J)' further feature James' ability to fuse funk with rock and r&b seamlessly. The album's influence on pop music is immeasurable. It bridged funk and mainstream pop, inspiring artists from Prince to Bruno Mars. Its unapologetic energy and genre-blurring sound helped shape the future of r&b, hip-hop and dance music, proving that funk could be both raw and radio-friendly. Over four decades later, Street Songs still stands as a defining statement of funk's evolution into the pop landscape.