Recovering from the deaths of two of their band members, Chrissie Hynde reinvented the Pretenders with “Learning to Crawl”. Her lyrics are more emotional here, but never depressing, as the Pretenders rock out in top form.

The punk/mod-revival band The Jam released their 3rd full-length release in 1978. “All Mod Cons” produced one of their biggest hits, “Down In The Tube At Midnight” and received both commercial success and critical acclaim.

This 2003 release was the first time in 10 years that Ben Harper did not credit his band, Innocent Criminals, even though the band did back him, aided by new addition Marc Ford, formerly of the Black Crowes. The songs reveal a wide range of influences as Harper deftly mixes gospel, soul, rock, and reggae.

Rickie Lee Jones’ eponymous debut marked the assent of a mature artist and songwriter and won her the Grammy for best new artist of 1979. Jones’ songs are populated by street beatniks and her music spans cabaret to jazzy-pop. A stellar band assists her, including Randy Newman, Dr. John, and Michael McDonald.

Often referred to as Dylan’s divorce record, “Blood On the Tracks” marked Dylan’s return to Columbia Records after a 2 album stint with Asylum. It also took Dylan back to the top of the charts and won him the critical and commercial success that had eluded him for several years.

This 1965 release established Otis Redding as a major star, as he brought raw passion to the songs of Sam Cooke, B.B. King, and The Rolling Stones. It also contains the original version of Redding’s self-penned classic “Respect.”

Iggy Pop released two albums in 1977 during a very prolific time spent in Berlin with David Bowie. Bowie produced and played on both albums, as well as co-wrote some songs with Iggy Pop. “Lust for Life” is considered to be the best of Pop’s career, and contains some of his best known songs.

Almost two years in the making, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot had Wilco jumping record labels, losing band members and significantly changing their sound. The result was worth it for the band, resulting in one of the most beloved albums of 2002.

Tom Waits was in the process of creating his distinctive stage persona at the time of his second studio release. “The Heart of Saturday Night” finds Waits trading in his earlier folk-rock arrangements for a 1950’s West Coast style of jazz and Waits' newly evolving gruff vocal presentation.

Jeff Buckley’s only complete studio album featured a strong Led Zeppelin influence and, although critically acclaimed, was not initially a commercial success. Over the years it has gained legendary status thanks to Buckley’s stunning version of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah” and for his soaring vocals and passionate delivery.