The BEST episodes of Classic Albums season 1

Every episode of Classic Albums season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Classic Albums season 1!

Classic Albums celebrates the making of the greatest albums in music. Each film features interviews with band members and producers discussing the creation of the recordings.

Last Updated: 10/8/2024Network: Sky ArtsStatus: Continuing
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Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
star
7.51
67 votes

#1 - 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.

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The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland
star
7.50
6 votes

#2 - 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.

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The Band: The Band
star
7.25
4 votes

#3 - 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.

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Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life
star
6.31
35 votes

#4 - 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.

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Paul Simon: Graceland
star
5.33
9 votes

#5 - 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.

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Grateful Dead: American Beauty
star
5.21
34 votes

#6 - 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.

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