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The Best Episodes of Classic Albums Season 1

Every episode of Classic Albums Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Classic Albums Season 1!

A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify...
Genre:Documentary

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Paul Simon: Graceland" is the best rated episode of "Classic Albums" season 1. It scored 7.4/10 based on 226 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 4/14/1997. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Grateful Dead: American Beauty".

  • Paul Simon: Graceland
    7.4/10226 votes

    #1 - Paul Simon: Graceland

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 4/14/1997

    This premiere episode spotlights Paul's 1986 Grammy-winning 'comeback' album. Introduced by Ringo Starr, each song is examined from the studio perspective. Paul considers the title track to be "The best I ever did". He describes how he came up with the musical and lyrical ideas, and we hear comments from the engineers and from prominent critics, and some of the South African musicians who contributed.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Grateful Dead: American Beauty
    7.5/10202 votes

    #2 - Grateful Dead: American Beauty

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 4/15/1997

    This 1970 release was an important step in the rise of the Grateful Dead to legend status. Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, along with some interviews with Jerry Garcia, discuss what went into the writing and recording.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life
    7.5/10106 votes

    #3 - Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 4/16/1997

    Stevie's 1976 double album is looked at here. Stevie had already released the smash album, Innervisions, but as Berry Gordy explains, he took the experimentation to a new level. Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock are in the studio with Stevie, along with some other top musicians who contributed, as we examine the creation and recording process, of what many consider Stevie Wonder's finest hour.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Band: The Band
    7.9/10237 votes

    #4 - The Band: The Band

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 4/17/1997

    Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson discuss the making of their classic 1969 release. Each member explains how they achieved their distinct sound, with all of them often switching instruments. We hear from Eric Clapton and George Harrison on the influence the record had. Also included is a tribute to suicide victim Richard Manuel.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland
    7.8/10333 votes

    #5 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 4/18/1997

    Jimi is recalled here with archival footage, and current interviews with Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, and engineer Eddie Kramer, explain the creative processes that went into the 1968 album. Jimi's manager, Chas Chandler, contributes some details, in what was to be his final interview.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
    7.6/10540 votes

    #6 - Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 7/22/1997

    The band's Grammy-winning 1977 album is given the Classic Albums treatment. We hear from all the band members, and technicians who worked on the project. Each track is examined and the master tapes are analysed. Included is some archival performance footage, along with some home movies.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A