Classic Rock Review

For their first album release in a solid decade, Journey reassembled their five-man lineup from their most successful phase for the 1996 album Trial by Fire. classicrockreview.com/2016/10/1996-j…

Extraordinary band energy on stage last night! Looking forward to tonight’s third Palladium show...

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap hits a unique groove like no other work in the rock n roll era even while not released in the U.S. until nearly five years after its production in 1976. classicrockreview.com/2011/12/1976-a…

Genesis continued their transition towards sleek and stylish pop/rock with the worldwide success of Abacab. Self-produced at their new private, state-of-the-art studio, this record seamlessly incorporated art rock with contemporary pop in 1981. classicrockreview.com/2021/09/1981-g…

Check out my tour blog, ‘Finally back!’ here: hackettsongs.com/blog/steve-hac…

The second full post-Beatles album by John Lennon, kicks off with an idyllic title song envisioning a utopian world where there is no conflict and everyone agrees. But then the album comes back to Earth and deals with conflict, doubt, love, and life. classicrockreview.com/2011/01/1971-j…

A blast from the past! Out of all the CCR songs I’ve written, which one is your favorite? ✌🏼🎶

Soundgarden developed a distinct sense of craft with their third studio album, Badmotorfinger. This well-produced and ambitious undertaking set the stage for even grater success for the band later in the decade. classicrockreview.com/2016/10/1991-s…

Pearl Jam delivered one of the greatest debut albums ever with Ten, released on August 27, 1991 at the vanguard of the Seattle grunge invasion. classicrockreview.com/2011/08/1991-p…

Fifty years ago today Who's Next was released in the UK where it made #1 on the album charts. Here's The Who at @HOBChicago on 12 November 1999 performing 'Pure and Easy'. Happy birthday Who's Next! youtube.com/watch?v=Na0E3i…

In 1966 Sunshine Superman, the third album by Donovan was at the vanguard of the psychedelic age with a clever blend of folk, pop and Eastern music. This highly successful album was the Scottish singer’s first collaboration with producer Mickie Most. classicrockreview.com/2016/09/1966-d…

Originally, Boston was not so much a band as a solo project by Tom Scholz. Over the course of seven years, Sholz made the demos at home which would ultimately be forged into one of the most impressive debut albums in rock history. classicrockreview.com/2011/12/1976-b…

Sad to hear of Charlie Watts’ passing. I have fond memories of seeing the Stones perform live with him on top form in the 1960s...

In early 1981, the Rolling Stones were about to embark on a huge worldwide tour and wanted a new album to promote along the way. The result was hugely successful Tattoo You. classicrockreview.com/2011/03/1981-s…

Stayed the night in a fabulous haunted inn on Mermaid Street, Rye...

Paul Simon’s Graceland is a true original. The album contains a wide array of styles and sounds from all over the world, especially South Africa. There are over 50 musicians and singers who perform on the album. classicrockreview.com/2011/06/1986-p…

Celebrating 50 years of Who's Next with @STOfficialUK Simon Townshend's take on 'Going Mobile, recorded live at TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA on 14 September 2012 youtube.com/watch?v=MSOLo9…

Give the People What They Want was the 18th full-length album by The Kinks but it feels as fresh and vigorous as any debut album. The sound is crisp and strong, the lyrics are biting and direct, yet the message is more mature, philosophical, and satirical. classicrockreview.com/2011/03/1981-k…

Celebrating 50 years of Who's Next until 27 August, here's 'Getting In Tune' from Cleveland, 2000 plus a nice little bonus for your Clevelanders at the end. youtube.com/watch?v=7DaOra…

50 years ago, what started out as a 'Plan B' after the frustrating, failed project called "Lifehouse", The Who spun the music into pure gold with Who's Next. classicrockreview.com/2011/02/1971-w…