11 Albums that Ended Rock’s Longest Streaks of Success (and 6 Still Debated)

Rock music has seen some incredible winning streaks through the years. Artists who seem to effortlessly release hit after hit, album after album, creating a legacy of greatness. From The Beatles to Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Radiohead, there have been times when brilliance felt like second nature, striking repeatedly like lightning. However, even the greatest musicians can stumble. It could be due to fatigue, ego, changing times, or simply bad luck.

The stumble often comes in the form of one album – the record that breaks the spell. These albums may not be terrible, but they serve as a stark reminder that greatness isn’t a certainty. Here are 15 albums that marked the end of some astonishing winning streaks – the moment when critics began to raise eyebrows, fans shook their heads, and the magic seemed to fade.

Elton John’s “A Single Man” in 1978 marked the end of a dazzling run of albums in the early to mid-’70s, showcasing a shift in his lyrical style without longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. Similarly, Bob Dylan’s “Self Portrait” in 1970 left audiences baffled with its covers, unfinished sketches, and odd choices. Yes’s “Tormato” in 1978 and Genesis’s “…And Then There Were Three…” in the same year saw these prog rock giants stumble after years of grandeur and complexity in their music.

Joni Mitchell’s “Dog Eat Dog” in 1985 introduced glossy ’80s production and heavy synthesizers, moving away from the artist’s earlier intimate style. Neil Young’s “Hawks & Doves” in 1980 felt like a step back from his daring ’70s material, lacking the emotional intensity of his previous works. The Who’s “It’s Hard” in 1982 marked a decline in the band’s energy and creativity following the death of drummer Keith Moon.

R.E.M.’s “Around the Sun” in 2004 was criticized for its overproduction and lack of energy, a departure from the band’s previous vitality and inventiveness. Prince’s “Graffiti Bridge” in 1990, tied to a flop of a movie, failed to meet the high standards set by his earlier work. The Moody Blues’ “Octave” in 1978 saw the band moving in a direction that didn’t quite resonate with fans and critics alike.

These albums serve as reminders that even the most iconic artists are not immune to missteps. They show that greatness is not a given, and that staying at the top of one’s game requires constant evolution and adaptation. While these records may have ended some remarkable winning streaks, they also highlight the creative risks that come with being a trailblazer in the world of rock music.