The 17 albums that ended impressive streaks in rock music
Rock music has seen its fair share of golden streaks when artists seem invincible, and every album they release surpasses the last one. Iconic bands like The Beatles, Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Steely Dan have all had their moments of brilliance that felt like lightning striking repeatedly. However, even the most legendary artists can stumble and lose their magic. Albums can sometimes be the tipping point, breaking the spell of an astonishing run and reminding everyone that greatness isn’t guaranteed.
Few bands can match the flawless streak of The Beatles from Rubber Soul through Abbey Road. However, the release of Let It Be after their breakup marked a turning point. While tracks like ‘Across the Universe’ and the title song were noteworthy, the album reflected bitter arguments and creative exhaustion. Phil Spector’s orchestration only added to the confusion, overshadowing the raw energy of the original sessions. Instead of a glorious finale, Let It Be felt like a tired epilogue to a revolutionary decade.
Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait came after a set of legendary albums in the 1960s. Albums like Bringing It All Back Home and Blonde on Blonde solidified Dylan’s status, but Self Portrait left critics scratching their heads. Filled with covers, unfinished ideas, and odd takes, it veered far from the expectations of his fans and even prompted the infamous line, ‘What is this s***?’ from Greil Marcus. Whether intentional or a misfire, it marked a shift from Dylan’s golden run.
The Rolling Stones had a similar experience with Goats Head Soup. After churning out masterpieces like Beggars Banquet and Sticky Fingers, the follow-up felt dull and uninspired. While ‘Angie’ stood out as a classic ballad, the album lacked the swagger and danger that defined their earlier work. The subdued and overproduced nature of the record signified a cooling off period after a remarkable streak of success.
Even prog rock gods Yes stumbled with Tormato following a series of grand and ambitious albums. The poor production and scattered effort left fans feeling underwhelmed compared to the immersive experiences of their former works. Similarly, Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants marked an experimental departure from his funk and soul roots, leaving fans bewildered and signaling the end of his glorious streak.
Altogether, these albums represent the end of astonishing runs in rock history, reminding us that even the greatest artists can stumble. Whether due to exhaustion, ego, changing times, or sheer bad luck, the albums that break these golden streaks serve as a critical reminder that brilliance is not a constant.