Behind The Albums

U2’s ‘October’: ‘We Don’t Sound Like Any Other Group,’ Says Bono

The band’s second album included anthems such as ‘Gloria’ and ‘Fire,’ as their reputation grew ever more powerful.

‘Rattle And Hum’: U2 Reverberate From Studio To Silver Screen

‘Rattle and Hum’ gave the band the opportunity to create something different again from ‘The Joshua Tree,’ a record of what they had just achieved and a signpost to where they were heading next.

REM Automatic For The People album cover 820

‘Automatic For The People’: How R.E.M. Created A Soul-Searching Classic

Artistically, ‘Automatic For The People’ arguably remains R.E.M’s high-water mark. It continues to attract plaudits from far and wide.

‘Walls And Bridges’: How John Lennon’s ‘Lost Weekend’ Birthed A Classic

Released on 4 October 1974, John Lennon’s ‘Walls and Bridges’ was based on the walls around him and the bridges burned that were being rebuilt.

‘The Unforgettable Fire’: U2’s Blazing Rock Statement

In May 1984, U2 convened at Slane Castle in Dublin, where the gothic ballroom was chosen as the location for early sessions on what became ‘The Unforgettable Fire.’

‘Monster’: How R.E.M. Unleashed Their Inner Rock’n’Roll Beast

With their ‘Monster’ album, R.E.M. got back to making what guitarist Peter Buck described as a "real noisy rock’n’roll record”.

‘Extra Texture’: The Many Layers Of George Harrison’s 1975 Classic

Among the most underrated albums in his discography, 'Extra Texture' is George Harrison's ‘soul record.’

‘New Adventures In Hi-Fi’: How R.E.M. Expanded In All Directions

Arguably less immediate and less accessible than previous R.E.M. landmark albums, ‘New Adventures In Hi-Fi’ was a sprawling, “White Album”-esque affair.

‘Imagine’: John Lennon’s Brilliant And Acerbic Statement

'Imagine' is John Lennon’s second solo album release. It's full of brilliant songs, great hooks, and John’s ever-present acerbic wit.

‘Document’: Capturing R.E.M. At A Pivotal Point In Their Career

‘Document’ gave R.E.M. the chance to further broaden their palette, fashioning songs from riffs written on instruments such as mandolins and accordions.

How George Harrison Pulled Off ‘The Concert For Bangladesh’

George Harrison, along with his mentor Ravi Shankar and a host of stars, pulled off something in 1971 that had never been achieved before.

‘Lifes Rich Pageant’: How R.E.M. Banked A Classic

‘Lifes Rich Pagent’ was a watershed album for R.E.M. on which Michael Stipe gained in confidence as a frontman and began to clearly enunciate his lyrics.