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The Worst Episodes of Classic Albums

Every episode of Classic Albums ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Classic Albums!

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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 a stage in the history of music.

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  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Classic Albums Season 1 Episode 3 - Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life
    0.0/10(0 votes)

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

    S1:E3

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Classic Albums Season 1 Episode 4 - The Band: The Band
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - The Band: The Band

    S1:E4

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Classic Albums Season 1 Episode 5 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

    S1:E5

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Classic Albums Season 2 Episode 1 - U2: The Joshua Tree
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - U2: The Joshua Tree

    S2:E1

    'Joshua Tree' elevated U2 to superstar status internationally, and confirmed their position as one of rock's most influential and powerful forces. Here we examine the making of the album, with the four group members, along with producers Brian Eno, Steve Lillywhite, and Daniel Lanois. Elvis Costello is also on hand to lend friendly comments.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Classic Albums Season 7 Episode 2 - Jay Z: Reasonable Doubt
    0.0/10(1 votes)

    #5 - Jay Z: Reasonable Doubt

    S7:E2

    Behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Jay-Z's 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Classic Albums Season 9 Episode 4 - The Rolling Stones: Beggar's Banquet
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - The Rolling Stones: Beggar's Banquet

    S9:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. Classic Albums Season 9 Episode 5 - The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds
    0.0/10(1 votes)

    #7 - The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds

    S9:E5

    A look at the creation of the Beach Boys' classic album "Pet Sounds", including conversations with Brian Wilson and group members, lyricist Tony Asher, and members of the studio supergroup The Wrecking Crew.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 3 - The Who: Tommy
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - The Who: Tommy

    S10:E3

    1968 was a time of soul-searching for the Who - with three badly performing singles behind them, they needed a big new idea to put them back at the top and, crucially, to hold them together as a band. Inspired by Indian spiritual master Meher Baba, Pete Townshend created the character of Tommy, the 'deaf, dumb and blind boy'. Broke and fragmenting when they started recording, the album went on to sell over 20 million copies. In this film, the Who speak for the first time about the making of the iconic album and how its success changed their lives.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 4 - Carly Simon: No Secrets
    0.0/10(1 votes)

    #9 - Carly Simon: No Secrets

    S10:E4

    Carly Simon reveals the challenges behind No Secrets - the classic album that made her a global star and included the enigmatic song You're So Vain.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 7 - The Crickets: The Chirping Crickets
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - The Crickets: The Chirping Crickets

    S10:E7

    The story of the first album by The Crickets, crowned by four of their best-loved songs: That’ll Be the Day, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby and Oh, Boy!

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 8 - Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair

    S10:E8

    Documentary that explores Songs from the Big Chair, Tears for Fears second, seminal album, which saw the band's music transform from synth-pop into arena-ready anthems.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 10 - Soul II Soul: Club Classics Vol. 1
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - Soul II Soul: Club Classics Vol. 1

    S10:E10

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 11 - Suede: Coming Up
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Suede: Coming Up

    S10:E11

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 12 - Gil Scott-Heron: Pieces Of A Man
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - Gil Scott-Heron: Pieces Of A Man

    S10:E12

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 13 - The Doors: Morrison Hotel
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - The Doors: Morrison Hotel

    S10:E13

    A look at the American rockers' fifth studio album. It saw them return to their blues-rock style and earned them their highest charting album in the UK.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 14 - Freak Out!
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - Freak Out!

    S10:E14

    The Mothers of Invention's 1966 cult classic debut "Freak Out!" is analyzed, with insights from Frank Zappa's band members, family and fans.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Classic Albums Season 3 Episode 4 - Lou Reed: Transformer
    3.0/10(1 votes)

    #17 - Lou Reed: Transformer

    S3:E4

    Co-produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, this 1972 landmark album took Lou Reed from cult idol to glam superstar status. Here Reed examines each track, discussing with engineer Ken Scott the creation process. Bassist Herbie Flowers shows us how the riff for 'Walk On The Wild Side', was recorded, and we see some archives of Lou's performances.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Classic Albums Season 5 Episode 1 - Simply Red: Stars
    3.0/10(1 votes)

    #18 - Simply Red: Stars

    S5:E1

    Simply Red, the loosely based group of musicians led by Mick Hucknall, take us into the studio to examine the making of this album. While not as commercially successful in the US, it was the biggest selling album in the UK in 1991, and shipped 8.5 million copies worldwide. The musicians who were with the group at that time runite and take us through the tracks. Included is an interview with songwriting legend Lamont Dozier.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Classic Albums Season 7 Episode 1 - Frank Zappa: Apostrophe (')/Over-Nite Sensation
    3.0/10(1 votes)

    #19 - Frank Zappa: Apostrophe (')/Over-Nite Sensation

    S7:E1

    Tells the story of the recording of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention's "Over-Nite Sensation" and Zappa's solo album "Apostrophe (')".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Classic Albums Season 8 Episode 2 - John Jennon: Plastic Ono Band
    3.0/10(1 votes)

    #20 - John Jennon: Plastic Ono Band

    S8:E2

    Examines in detail the creation of John Lennon's first solo album and the effect it had on music, and the people who created it.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 6 - Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
    3.0/10(1 votes)

    #21 - Amy Winehouse: Back to Black

    S10:E6

    The true story of how Amy Winehouse’s best known and most celebrated body of work came into being. Featuring previously unseen footage of Amy, new interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, and the musicians who worked with Amy on the album, offering fresh insights into Amy’s remarkable gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Classic Albums Season 5 Episode 3 - Motorhead: Ace Of Spades
    4.0/10(1 votes)

    #22 - Motorhead: Ace Of Spades

    S5:E3

    This album, while not a huge seller in the US, was definitely a landmark in the annals of crushingly loud hard rock. Bassist/singer Lemmy and drummer Phil Taylor are in the studio reminiscing about the making of the music, and life while touring. Guitarist Fast Eddie Clark is interviewed separately, but all three discuss candidly what went into the making of the songs. Included are clips from live shows, and even one of Lemmy while with his earlier band, Hawkwind.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Classic Albums Season 6 Episode 1 - Queen: A Night at the Opera
    4.0/10(1 votes)

    #23 - Queen: A Night at the Opera

    S6:E1

    The musicianship that went into one of rock's premier achievements is examined. Surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor talk about Freddie Mercury's contributions, and producer Roy Thomas Baker shows us some isolated channels from the master tapes. Also commentary from Joe Perry and Ian Hunter is included.

    Director:Matthew Longfellow
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 1 - Primal Scream: Screamadelica
    4.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - Primal Scream: Screamadelica

    S10:E1

    Primal Scream's seminal album Screamadelica was released in 1991, and synthesized the band's rock 'n' roll roots with the dance culture of that time; for many, the album's sound and imagery came to be regarded as quintessential symbols of the acid house era, perfectly catching the spirit and mood of the early 90s. Using rare archive footage and special performances, this film tells the story of Screamadelica and its hit singles and dance anthems Loaded, Movin' On Up, Come Together and Don't Fight It, Feel It. From the formation of the band in Glasgow to winning the first-ever Mercury prize, the band members explain the record's inception with insights from main producer Andrew Weatherall, Creation Records founder Alan McGee and many others involved with or inspired by this joyful record. Screamadelica both defines a generation and transcends its time, and is a true Classic Album.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Classic Albums Season 10 Episode 2 - Peter Gabriel: So
    4.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - Peter Gabriel: So

    S10:E2

    So stands as one of the greatest records of the 1980s, helping define its time to become a true classic album. The film features interviews with Gabriel himself, co-producer Daniel Lanois, bass players Tony Levin and Larry Klein, performer Laurie Anderson, drummer Manu Katché and Rolling Stone editor David Fricke amongst others.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life" is the worst rated episode of "Classic Albums". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 4/16/1997. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "The Band: The Band".