The youthful and curious album, "The Mysterious Production of Eggs" marks the first album in which Andrew Bird plays guitar and not just the violin. The album received rave reviews and is considered to be one of his best albums to date.

Janis Joplin died during the recording of this album, leaving the project to be finished by her band and producer. It demonstrates Joplin’s amazing vocal ability, and is considered a classic. It includes Joplin’s only #1 song, “Me and Bobbie McGee”.

McKeown's third album, features songs all written by her. She along with producer and musician David Chalfant and drummer Brian Jones, played all the music on this album. It not only explores various musical styles and shows off McKeown's talent, but also was somewhat inspired by the life of Judy Garland.

At a time when female singer-songwriters were in vogue Indigo Girls were signed to Epic Records in 1988. Their second studio album,released in 1989, won critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.

This is one of Glam-rock’s quintessential albums. Marc Bolan’s folk-influenced songs took on a new life when matched with the electric-blues-influenced rhythm section of drummer Bill Legend and bassist Steve Currie. Produced by Tony Visconti, the album hit the top of the British charts and the song “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” became the band’s biggest U.S. hit.

Already an established poet and novelist, Leonard Cohen released his debut album in 1967. Audiences were drawn to his literate songwriting on songs like "Suzanne" and "So Long Marianne".

Beth Orton’s sophomore release took a step back from her earlier “folktronica” leanings and brought an album that was more organic in sound. This allowed for a focus on her excellent songwriting and performance, enhanced by guest artists like Dr. John, Terry Callier and Ben Harper.

In 1995, Phish teamed up with producer Steve Lillywhite to create their seventh album. Many critics cite this album as the closest representation of the energy of Phish's live performances. It also gave them their highest charting single in the U.S.

English art-rock band, Roxy Music, released it’s 8th and last studio album in 1982. “Avalon” featured sophisticated production,complex melodies, and Bryan Ferry’s soulful crooning. The album was the band’s only platinum U.S. release and produced the hit single, “More Than This.”

Unlike most other pop groups in the 70s, Big Star made songs with sensible harmonies as well as catchy hooks. Band mates Chris Bell and Alex Chilton shared guitar and vocals for most of the record. While Big star never received critical acclaim, they unofficially started the genre “power pop.