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
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
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
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
7.8/10334 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
7.6/10543 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
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".