Author Archives: tacopepper

     Day two of the hip-hop domination, and today we have “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A.  This album garnered all kinds of attention and controversy for its confrontational and explicit take on the gang world of Los Angeles, and its epicenter in Compton, CA.  Despite the video bans, warning labels and overall hype, which isContinue reading “N.W.A. “Straight Outta Compton” (1988)”

     The next two days are a hip-hop powerhouse double-header, and I couldn’t be more excited.  Of all the hip-hop artists I have enjoyed over the years, none has had a bigger impact or influence on me than Public Enemy.  While many of their peers were focused on the more trivial matters of life, ChuckContinue reading “Public Enemy “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” (1988)”

     A very unique choice today with the debut album from the Pixies, “Surfer Rosa”.  I listened to this album twice, and although my first reaction was something like “What did I just listen to here?”, I truly enjoyed the irreverence, the completely wandering tracks with dialogue and whatever else it was I heard, IContinue reading “Pixies “Surfer Rosa” (1988)”

     Robert Plant has certainly never been an artist who has been comfortable looking backwards, or relying on his past with Led Zeppelin as a door opener for new opportunities.  At any point since 1980, he and the others could have earned millions and millions of dollars for a broad-based and fully endorsed Led ZeppelinContinue reading “Robert Plant “Now and Zen” (1988)”

     From one George to another, today we have the #1 selling album of 1988, which was released in late 1987.   Having left his partnership in Wham!, George Michael released his blockbuster debut album, “Faith”, and it was a massive success.  Wanting to put himself in the same category as Prince and Michael Jackson asContinue reading “George Michael “Faith” (1987)”

     Since the breakup of the Beatles, I have tried to pick some of the best solo work from John, Paul and George, as they each had their moments of success working on their own, or with others.  This time, it is George’s turn again, with his well-regarded collaboration with Jeff Lynne from Electric LightContinue reading “George Harrison “Cloud Nine” (1987)”

     The subplot that is my personal journey through the catalog of R.E.M. continues today with their fifth album, “Document”.  So far, this journey has been a bit marred by inconsistent releases, and I’m still looking for that top-to-bottom great record from R.E.M.  “Document” comes much closer than any of their first four albums, andContinue reading “R.E.M. “Document” (1987)”

     It took almost five years, but Michael Jackson finally released his follow-up to “Thriller”, with his next album, “Bad”.  It proved to be another massive commercial success for Jackson, and at one point “Thriller” and “Bad” were the top two selling albums of all time.  Working with producer Quincy Jones for the 3rd andContinue reading “Michael Jackson “Bad” (1987)”

     Another massively successful rock album today, although the contrasts with Guns N’ Roses are notable.  In some regards, I looked at Guns N’ Roses as a much-needed reset as British pop-metal giants Def Leppard return with “Hysteria”.  More mainstream in sound, “Hysteria” dominated the airwaves and music television with every bit the same levelContinue reading “Def Leppard “Hysteria” (1987)”

     One of the best and most iconic hard rock albums ever, as well as one of the best debut albums ever, today we have “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses.  This album was a complete game-changer for many of us, snapping the rock world out of the increasingly glam and pop-laden metal trends,Continue reading “Guns N’ Roses “Appetite for Destruction” (1987)”