The Strongest Album Stretches by Legendary Artists
In the vast landscape of music history, certain periods and songs stand out as paramount. Below, we explore some of the strongest three-album stretches ever produced by legendary artists, each leaving a lasting imprint on the world of music.
Examples of Strongest Album Stretches
The Beatles: Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
The Beatles particularly shine with their 1965 release Rubber Soul, 1966's Revolver, and 1967's Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This stretch of albums showcases not only commercial success but also significant artistic growth and impact, influencing generations to come. Albums like these represent neoclassical rock, pop experimentalism, and psychedelic rock, highlighting the band's innovative approach and enduring legacy in rock music.
Prince: Dirty Mind, Controversy, 1999
Prince also released three albums from 1980—1981, which were standout works. Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982) marked a period of prolific musicianship and boundary-pushing music. These albums, with their energetic funk and impeccable production, epitomize Prince's musical genius and influence on the music industry.
David Bowie: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs
David Bowie is another artist whose early career periods provided exceptional album outputs. His groundbreaking albums, including The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Aladdin Sane (1973), and Diamond Dogs (1974), are prime examples of his creative peak. These albums introduce an innovative mix of rock, pop, and progressive sounds, demonstrating Bowie's transformative influence in popular music.
Stevie Wonder: Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions
Stevie Wonder produced a period of three monumental albums in 1972, which redefined the boundaries of soul and RB. Music of My Mind, Talking Book, and Innervisions stand as landmarks in his career. These albums brought together polished arrangements, soulful vocals, and complex musical arrangements, showcasing Wonder's incredible talent as a musician and his profound impact on music history.
Radiohead: OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac
Radiohead also achieved critical acclaim with three albums: OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000), and Amnesiac (2001). These albums represent a decisive shift in the band's sound, moving from post-punk rock to electronic and experimental music. The stretch of these albums highlights their ability to evolve and innovate, cementing their place in alternative music history.
Kendrick Lamar: good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar brought revolutionary changes to hip-hop in his 2010s with albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), and DAMN. (2017). These works spoke truth to power, addressing social issues and cultural complexities while pushing the boundaries of lyrical content and storytelling. Together, these albums define not just hip-hop but also the social and political climate of a generation.
Unique and Distinctive Periods
While these iconic groups are often household names, it's fascinating to note the notables in independent and lesser-known genres. For instance, the Charlie Daniels Band and The Outlaws produced their best work in the mid-1970s. The Outlaws' albums, which included The Outlaws Lady in Waiting, Hurry Sundown, and The Outlaws, were lauded for their precise arrangements and complementary vocals. The Charlie Daniels Band's albums, particularly Fire on the Mountain, Nightrider, Saddle Tramp, and High Lonesome, after finding their identity, demonstrated consistent excellence.
I'd also give an honorable mention to bands like Iron Maiden with their albums Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave, and Chicago with albums II, III, III, and V. These bands were at the top of their game, delivering exceptional work that continues to be celebrated.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the strength of an album stretch is subjective and varies depending on individual perspectives and musical tastes. However, these examples from diverse genres provide a testament to the incredible creativity and impact that can be achieved in just three albums. Whether it's with complex songwriting, technical perfection, or social commentary, these albums continue to influence and inspire music lovers around the world.