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Our top 25 best classic rock comeback albums list looks at a group of bands and artists who released albums after being away for a long time. However, this comeback list does not just include artists who have not released albums for a long time. Quite frankly, it includes albums from artists who did not release good albums for a long period of time or at least released albums that signified a return to form. Of course, that’s all subjective, but we stand by our own picks. First and foremost, the comeback albums must be GOOD to make the list. It’s not about an artist or band who has been away for thirty years and then released a new album that wasn’t up to the quality of their previous releases. It’s about artists coming back with GREAT albums. Some of these will be obvious, and others may be surprising. But that’s what makes for an exciting read. We hope you enjoy our 25 Best Classic Rock Comeback albums list.
The comeback category in rock music started with the Elvis Presley Comeback Special album in 1968. Since then, record companies have loved to promote album covers when it’s an artist’s first album in x amount of years. How many times have you seen “xxx first new studio album in 13 years” on an album cover? Well, that’s all disappearing since most artists have stopped releasing new albums. Which, in reality, may fuel more comeback albums than we have ever seen if people start repurchasing physical products. Nonetheless, here are our 25 best classic or just best rock comeback albums ever released.
# 25 – A Different Kind of Truth – Van Halen
We wanted to open this list with a really good one. Van Halen’s A Different Kind of Truth was the first Van Halen album released in fourteen years since the release of Van Halen III in 1998, which many people feel was the worst Van Halen album ever issued. Furthermore, A Different Kind of Truth was the first Van Halen album to feature David Lee Roth on lead vocals in twenty-eight years since the release of 1984 in 1984.
Read More: Top 10 Van Halen Songs
# 24 – Long Road Out of Eden – The Eagles
The Eagles Long Road Out Of Eden album was released in 2007. It was the band’s first full length new studio album in twenty eight years since the release of The Long Run in 1979. That’s a long time.
Read More: The Eagles Best Song From Each Of Their Studio Albums
# 23 – Mystery Girl – Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison’s Mystery Girl was the legendary singer’s first studio album in ten years. Fueled by his renewed popularity as a member of the Traveling Wilburys, it featured an all-star cast of musicians and became one of the most successful albums of his career. Sadly, he passed away before it was released.
Read More: Top 10 Roy Orbison Songs
# 22 – Ordinary Man – Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne’s great Ordinary Man album was released in 2020. His previous album was released 10 years earlier, in 2010, entitled Scream. Ten years man, it’s as simple as that.
# 21 – Celebration Day – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin returning for one night is better than most bands returning forever. If they had continued to carry on, this would be number one on the list, but since their comeback only lasted less than three hours, we had to place this one appropriately. Still, it was nice to have a new Led Zeppelin album in the 2000s that was recorded in the 2000s, even though it contained no new material.
Read More: Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs
# 20 – Angel of Retribution – Judas Priest
Angel of Retribution was a colossal comeback album for Judas Priest because it was the first Judas Priest album in fifteen years to feature the return of their original legendary lead singer, Rob Halford. Angel of Retribution was released in 2005. Rob Halford’s last appearance on a Judas Priest album was on Painkiller in 1990.
# 19 – Supernatural – Santana
Santana’s Supernatural album hit number one in 1999. It featured six successful singles and became Santana’s most successful album ever. It was Santana’s first album in seven years.
# 18 – Black Gives Way To Blue – Alice In Chains
One listen to this fabulous album and you will understand why we included it on the list. The Black Gives Way To Blue Alice In Chains album was the band’s first album in fourteen years and the first Alice In Chains album released without their former vocalist Layne Staley who had passed away in 2002.
# 17 – Tug Of War – Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney had released so many solo albums with and without Wings leading up to the Great Tug Of War. Tug Of War was considered a comeback album because it contained such brilliant songs that many people felt it was his best album since the breakup of The Beatles. We agree.
# 16 – That’s The Way It Always Should Be – Booker T. & The M.G.s
Booker T. & The MG’s were one of the most important bands of the 1960s. They played on countless recordings as the back up band for so many STAX recording artists. They released a series of very successful solo albums in the 60s headed by their big hit “Green Onions.” That’s The Way It Always Should Be was their first new studio album released in seventeen years since their 1977 album Universal Language.
# 15 – Private Dancer – Tina Turner
Tina Turners Private Dancer album was a huge hit in 1984. Tuna Turner’s last big hit was in the early 1970s with her husband Ike who was discovered to be abusive. Private Dancer was a successful celebration of independence both artistically and personally for Tina Turner.
# 14 – Permanent Vacation – Aerosmith
After becoming one of the greatest rock bands of the 1970s, the band went through hell in the early 1980s. It had gotten so bad for the band, they were playing some nightclubs. However, the band signed with Geffen Records and brought some songwriters aboard like the great Jim Vallance and bam! Aerosmith was back.
# 13 – Bat Out Of Hell II – Meat Loaf
This one was a real shocker after delivering one of the greatest albums of the 1970s with the original Bat Out Of Hell album, and then releasing a series of mediocre recordings in the 1980’s Meat Loaf teamed up once again with Jim Steinman to release one heck of a blockbuster album in 1993. The Bat Out of Hell II album was released sixteen years after the original.
# 12 – American Recordings– Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s 1994 album was a comeback album in terms of importance. We laugh when people comment that Cash is not rock and roll. The ignorance of that comment just defines a complete misunderstanding of what rock and roll really means. Some people just look at the pictures, the titles or the headlines. Others read, listen, feel, live, learn, hurt, and celebrate. And if you don’t get that, well, you just don’t get it.
# 11 -Time Out of Mind – Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan returned to the studio in 1997 and released his most poignant album in years. Not since 1974’s Blood on The Tracks had Bob Dylan released an album so highly praised by fans and critics.
# 10 – 68 Comeback Special – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s 69 Comeback album was based on the televised special which featured Elvis’s ‘first live performances in seven years. Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special was more than just an album—it was a monumental moment that redefined his career. Released as the soundtrack to his iconic television special aired on December 3, 1968, this album captured the raw energy, charisma, and talent of a performer reclaiming his throne as the King of Rock and Roll. Recorded at NBC Studios in Burbank, California, in June 1968, the album was produced by Steve Binder and Bones Howe. It featured a mix of live performances, informal jam sessions, and powerful studio recordings, offering a dynamic blend of Presley’s greatest hits and fresh interpretations.
Musicians backing Elvis included his trusted guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana, alongside a stellar lineup of session players like Hal Blaine on drums, Tommy Tedesco on guitar, and Larry Knechtel on keyboards. The backing vocals by The Blossoms, featuring Darlene Love, added soulful depth to the performances. Tracks like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog” brim with electrifying energy, while the emotional delivery of “If I Can Dream” closed the album and the television special with a message of hope and conviction.
Critics and fans alike praised ’68 Comeback Special as a landmark in Elvis’s career. It reignited his relevance in the music world and demonstrated his unmatched ability to connect with audiences. The album reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to its enduring appeal. Its success not only revitalized Presley’s career but also paved the way for his celebrated Las Vegas performances and his subsequent string of hit albums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Trouble/Guitar Man” – 3:26
- “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” – 1:52
- “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” – 2:50
- “Heartbreak Hotel” – 1:45
- “Hound Dog” – 1:35
- “All Shook Up” – 1:00
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – 2:18
- “Jailhouse Rock” – 1:25
- “Love Me Tender” – 3:45
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” – 2:45
- “Blue Christmas” – 2:20
- “Trying to Get to You” – 2:40
- “One Night” – 2:35
- “Memories” – 3:07
- “If I Can Dream” – 3:10
# 9 – Seven Turns – The Allman Brothers
Nothing can revitalize a band like new blood. The addition of Warren Haynes and Alan Woody from Dickey Betts’ solo band sparked the return of the Allman Brothers Band in 1990 with their best album since Enlightened Rogues in 1979.
The Allman Brothers Band made a triumphant return to form with Seven Turns, their first studio album in nearly a decade. Released in 1990, this album marked a rejuvenation of the band’s signature blend of Southern rock, blues, and jazz influences. Recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and Universal Recording in Orlando, Florida, the album was produced by the band alongside Tom Dowd, a longtime collaborator whose guidance had been instrumental in shaping their classic sound. With its focus on heartfelt songwriting and tight, soulful performances, Seven Turns was a clear statement that the Allman Brothers were back and better than ever.
The lineup for this album included Gregg Allman on vocals and keyboards, Dickey Betts on guitar and vocals, Jaimoe and Butch Trucks on drums, Warren Haynes on guitar and vocals (in his debut with the band), Allen Woody on bass, and Marc Quiñones adding percussion. The addition of Haynes and Woody injected fresh energy into the group, blending seamlessly with the seasoned veterans. Tracks like “Good Clean Fun” showcase Betts’s melodic guitar work, while “True Gravity” reveals the band’s knack for intricate instrumental interplay. Gregg Allman’s evocative vocals are front and center on “It Ain’t Over Yet,” adding emotional depth to the album.
Critically, Seven Turns was lauded as a return to form, with many reviewers praising the balance between the band’s storied past and their reinvigorated present. Commercially, the album performed well, reaching No. 53 on the Billboard 200 chart and producing a hit single with the title track, “Seven Turns,” which reached No. 12 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The album’s mix of reflective ballads and high-energy jams reminded fans and critics alike of why the Allman Brothers Band had become legends in the first place.
CD Track Listings:
- “Good Clean Fun” – 5:10
- “Let Me Ride” – 4:38
- “Low Down Dirty Mean” – 5:30
- “Shine It On” – 4:49
- “Loaded Dice” – 3:29
- “Seven Turns” – 5:03
- “Gambler’s Roll” – 6:45
- “True Gravity” – 7:58
- “It Ain’t Over Yet” – 4:55
# 8 – The Rising – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
While Bruce Springsteen had released multiple studio albums with different configurations of musicians in the 1980s and 1990s, his album The Rising was the first full E Street Band album in eighteen years since the release of Born in the U.S.A. in 1984. Released in 2002, The Rising was meant to help heal the wounds of 9/11. It was done with class, dignity and respect and stands as one of the most important artistic responses to the tragedy of 9/11.
This deeply moving album was recorded between January and March 2002 at Southern Tracks Recording Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, and produced by Brendan O’Brien, whose touch brought a contemporary energy to the classic Springsteen sound. Born out of the collective grief and resilience following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, The Rising is both a reflection on tragedy and a testament to the enduring power of hope and community.
The album features the full E Street Band, including Clarence Clemons on saxophone, Roy Bittan on keyboards, Max Weinberg on drums, Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren on guitars, and Garry Tallent on bass. Patti Scialfa contributes harmony vocals, adding an intimate texture to tracks like “Lonesome Day” and “Into the Fire.” The album’s lush arrangements, bolstered by strings and occasional gospel influences, amplify its emotional resonance.
Upon its release, The Rising received critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earning three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album. Tracks such as “My City of Ruins,” originally written as a prayer for Asbury Park, took on new significance in the wake of 9/11, while songs like “You’re Missing” captured the quiet devastation of loss. The title track, “The Rising,” became an anthem of perseverance, its soaring chorus embodying collective resolve.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lonesome Day” – 4:08
- “Into the Fire” – 5:04
- “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day” – 4:19
- “Nothing Man” – 4:23
- “Countin’ on a Miracle” – 4:44
- “Empty Sky” – 3:35
- “Worlds Apart” – 6:07
- “Let’s Be Friends (Skin to Skin)” – 4:21
- “Further On (Up the Road)” – 3:50
- “The Fuse” – 5:37
- “Mary’s Place” – 6:03
- “You’re Missing” – 5:11
- “The Rising” – 4:50
- “Paradise” – 5:39
- “My City of Ruins” – 5:00
# 7 – Songs From The West Coast – Elton John
Elton John fans had been praying for an Elton John album like this since 1976’s Blue Moves. With Songs From The West Coast, Elton John returned to his roots, delivering an album that echoed the piano-driven, heartfelt songwriting of his early 1970s classics. Released in 2001, this album marked a distinct shift away from the more polished pop sound of his 1980s and 1990s work, opting instead for a more organic and introspective approach. The record was produced by Patrick Leonard and recorded at Cello Studios in Los Angeles and the Townhouse Studios in London, blending a sense of nostalgia with contemporary flair.
Reuniting with longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, Elton crafted songs that reflect on themes of love, loss, and reflection. Tracks like “I Want Love,” a poignant exploration of longing and vulnerability, and “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore,” a somber look at aging and legacy, showcase some of the most emotionally raw performances of his career. “Original Sin” adds to the album’s depth with its lush orchestration and haunting melody. Critics praised the record for its sincerity and hailed it as a return to form, with Elton himself noting that this was the kind of music he truly wanted to make.
Songs From The West Coast achieved commercial success, charting in the top 10 in several countries, including the UK and the US. It reminded fans and critics alike of the unmatched chemistry between Elton and Bernie. The production, stripped of unnecessary embellishments, allowed Elton’s emotive piano playing and timeless melodies to shine.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Emperor’s New Clothes” – 4:28
- “Dark Diamond” – 4:26
- “Look Ma, No Hands” – 4:22
- “American Triangle” – 4:49
- “Original Sin” – 4:49
- “Birds” – 3:51
- “I Want Love” – 4:35
- “The Wasteland” – 4:20
- “Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes” – 4:52
- “Love Her Like Me” – 3:58
- “Mansfield” – 4:56
- “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore” – 4:39
# 6 – Centerfield – John Fogerty
One of our all-time favorite comeback albums on this list is John Fogerty’s Centerfield album. Filled with great rock and roll songs, it was so good to hear that legendary voice on the radio again like we had heard all the time in the 1960s and early 70s.
After nearly a decade-long hiatus from recording solo music, John Fogerty made a triumphant return with Centerfield in 1985, cementing his status as a quintessential American songwriter. This album was not just a comeback; it was a declaration that Fogerty’s creative fire was still burning brightly. Recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, Centerfield was entirely written, produced, and performed by Fogerty himself, a testament to his remarkable talent and determination.
The album’s centerpiece, “Centerfield,” is an enduring anthem celebrating America’s pastime, baseball, with its iconic handclap rhythm and hopeful lyrics. Meanwhile, tracks like “The Old Man Down the Road” brought Fogerty back to the top of the charts, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. This single’s success showcased Fogerty’s ability to blend swamp rock with a contemporary sound. Centerfield was also home to “Rock and Roll Girls,” another hit single that further demonstrated his knack for crafting radio-friendly rock tunes. The album’s themes of nostalgia, resilience, and Americana struck a chord with fans and critics alike.
Centerfield marked a significant commercial achievement for Fogerty, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making it his first solo album to achieve such success. The album was later certified double platinum by the RIAA, a fitting recognition for its widespread appeal. Critics lauded the record for its polished production and timeless songwriting, praising Fogerty’s ability to bridge the gap between his Creedence Clearwater Revival roots and his solo artistry.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Old Man Down the Road” – 3:34
- “Rock and Roll Girls” – 3:25
- “Big Train (From Memphis)” – 2:58
- “I Saw It on TV” – 4:19
- “Mr. Greed” – 4:09
- “Searchlight” – 4:29
- “Centerfield” – 3:50
- “I Can’t Help Myself” – 3:14
- “Vanz Kant Danz” – 5:29
# 5 – 13 – Black Sabbath
It was very surprising that Black Sabbath’s 13 album was not bigger than it was. This was a great Black Sabbath album and the first Black Sabbath studio album to feature Ozzy Osbourne on the lead mic since 1978’s Never Say Die. When 13 arrived in 2013, it marked the long-awaited reunion of Black Sabbath’s classic lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler—after decades apart. It was their first studio album together since 1978’s Never Say Die! and carried the weight of sky-high expectations. Recorded between August 2012 and January 2013 at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California, and Tone Hall in England, the album was produced by Rick Rubin. Rubin, known for his minimalist and raw production style, pushed the band to reconnect with the spirit of their early sound, resulting in an album that simultaneously felt nostalgic and vital.
Drummer Brad Wilk, of Rage Against the Machine, stepped in for original drummer Bill Ward, who did not participate due to contractual disagreements. Despite the lineup change, the chemistry between Osbourne, Iommi, and Butler was palpable, and the album brims with the dark, sludgy riffs and apocalyptic themes that defined Black Sabbath’s pioneering heavy metal sound. Tracks like “God Is Dead?” and “End of the Beginning” showcase Iommi’s riff mastery and Butler’s intricate bass work, while Osbourne’s haunting vocals add an eerie dimension to the compositions.
13 debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in the United States and topped charts in several other countries, including the UK, marking a triumphant return for the band. Critics praised its authentic connection to the band’s early material, with some hailing it as a worthy sequel to their first four legendary albums. The album’s success was further solidified when it earned the band their first-ever Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance with the song “God Is Dead?”
CD Track Listings:
- “End of the Beginning” – 8:05
- “God Is Dead?” – 8:52
- “Loner” – 5:06
- “Zeitgeist” – 4:37
- “Age of Reason” – 7:01
- “Live Forever” – 4:49
- “Damaged Soul” – 7:43
- “Dear Father” – 7:20
# 4 – Perfect Stranger – Deep Purple
Deep Purple changed lineups more times than the Kardashians changed boyfriends. In 1984, Deep Purple thrilled fans worldwide by reuniting its “Mark II” lineup for the first time in over a decade. The result of this long-awaited reunion was the powerful Perfect Strangers, an album that showcased the band’s unmistakable sound while embracing the polished production style of the 1980s. Recorded at Horizons Studios in Stowe, Vermont, between April and August 1984, the album marked a significant moment in rock history as Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice came together to reclaim their place at the forefront of hard rock. Produced by Roger Glover and the band, Perfect Strangers proved to be both a commercial and critical success.
The album features Deep Purple at their dynamic best, blending Blackmore’s iconic guitar riffs with Lord’s majestic keyboards and Gillan’s commanding vocals. The title track, “Perfect Strangers,” became an instant classic with its dark, brooding atmosphere and anthemic melody, while “Knocking at Your Back Door” showcased the band’s ability to balance technical precision with hard-driving rock. From the soaring power of “Under the Gun” to the bluesy swagger of “Nobody’s Home,” the album delivered everything fans could want from a Deep Purple comeback.
Perfect Strangers charted impressively worldwide, reaching number five in the UK and number 17 on the US Billboard 200, earning Platinum certification in the United States. It was hailed by critics as a return to form, with many noting how seamlessly the band had recaptured their chemistry and energy. The album remains a testament to Deep Purple’s enduring legacy, blending their hallmark sound with a contemporary edge that resonated with audiences both old and new.
CD Track Listings:
- “Knocking at Your Back Door” – 7:09
- “Under the Gun” – 4:40
- “Nobody’s Home” – 4:01
- “Mean Streak” – 4:22
- “Perfect Strangers” – 5:23
- “A Gypsy’s Kiss” – 5:14
- “Wasted Sunsets” – 3:58
- “Hungry Daze” – 4:44
# 3 – Two Against Nature – Steely Dan
Most Steely Dan fans never expected to see a new Steely Dan album. The band’s reputation for perfection in the studio seemed that it might be a huge block for the two brilliant artists to return to the studio to release a new album. Well, as Sean Connery once said, Never Say Never! After a twenty-year hiatus from studio albums, Steely Dan returned in 2000 with Two Against Nature, a polished, intricately crafted work that reaffirmed their legendary status in the world of sophisticated rock and jazz fusion. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen took their time crafting the album, recording it between 1997 and 1999 at several studios in New York City, including River Sound and Steely Dan’s own Hyperbolic Sound. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Becker and Fagen produced the album themselves, ensuring every nuance reflected their artistic vision.
The album features an impressive roster of seasoned session musicians, adding layers of complexity and texture to its lush arrangements. Musicians like Jon Herington on guitar, Keith Carlock on drums, and Michael Leonhart on trumpet contributed to Two Against Nature‘s sophisticated sound. Becker’s bass work and Fagen’s distinctive keyboards and vocals anchor the songs, showcasing their unmistakable style. Tracks such as “Cousin Dupree,” with its sly narrative and jazzy groove, and “What a Shame About Me,” a bittersweet tale of regret, display Steely Dan’s knack for combining wit, narrative depth, and impeccable musicianship.
Critically acclaimed upon release, Two Against Nature won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It charted well, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 and appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners. The album’s fusion of jazz harmonics, rock sensibilities, and introspective lyrics captured the same innovative spirit that marked Steely Dan’s earlier work. The success of the album also reignited interest in their back catalog, solidifying their place as one of the most unique and enduring acts in popular music.
CD Track Listings:
- “Gaslighting Abbie” – 5:53
- “What a Shame About Me” – 5:17
- “Two Against Nature” – 6:17
- “Janie Runaway” – 4:09
- “Almost Gothic” – 4:09
- “Jack of Speed” – 6:17
- “Cousin Dupree” – 5:28
- “Negative Girl” – 5:35
- “West of Hollywood” – 8:21
# 2 – Back In Black – AC/DC
AC/DC’s Back In Black is an outlier on this best classic rock comeback albums list. The band had not been away at all; they just happened to lose their lead singer, Bon Scott, the previous year, whose death had been labeled as “death by misadventure” by the coroner’s office. The fact that after losing their lead singer, who had an incredible presence, yet still wanted to continue while discovering a new singer in Brian Johnston was a bit heroic. The fact that they would then release the biggest album of their career in Back In Black is what convinced us to lay them in the number two spot on this list.
Recorded from April to May 1980 at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, Back in Black was produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who had previously worked with the band on Highway to Hell.
Musically, the album captured the raw power and hard-hitting energy that AC/DC was known for, while showcasing anthemic tracks that would become classics. Guitarist Angus Young’s electrifying riffs, complemented by Malcolm Young’s impeccable rhythm guitar, drive the album’s signature sound. Bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd anchor the rhythm section, delivering the band’s trademark groove. The album’s themes range from the celebratory tone of “You Shook Me All Night Long” to the ominous and unforgettable title track, “Back in Black.”
Back in Black received critical acclaim upon release and became a worldwide success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. It has sold over 50 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Singles like “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Back in Black” remain staples of rock radio and have cemented the album’s legacy. Its minimalist black cover, a tribute to Bon Scott, reflects the album’s dual purpose: a celebration of life and a statement of resilience.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hells Bells” – 5:12
- “Shoot to Thrill” – 5:17
- “What Do You Do for Money Honey” – 3:33
- “Given the Dog a Bone” – 3:30
- “Let Me Put My Love into You” – 4:16
- “Back in Black” – 4:15
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” – 3:30
- “Have a Drink on Me” – 3:58
- “Shake a Leg” – 4:06
- “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” – 4:15
# 1 – Double Fantasy – John Lennon /
John Lennon had not released an album in five years. That’s a very long time for an ex-Beatle who had spent most of his career releasing two albums a year with multiple singles in between. When the album was released in 1980 it was met with both praise and criticism. Sadly John Lennon was murdered just after it was released. Maybe the saddest day in rock and roll history. It still hurts.
The album was recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City from August 7 to September 22, 1980. Produced by Lennon, Ono, and Jack Douglas, the sessions involved a team of seasoned musicians, including Earl Slick and Hugh McCracken on guitars, Tony Levin on bass, Andy Newmark on drums, and George Small on keyboards. Lennon’s voice on tracks like “(Just Like) Starting Over” and “Woman” showcases his ability to weave personal emotion into universal themes, while Yoko Ono’s avant-garde contributions add an experimental edge, creating a unique interplay between the two artists.
Critics initially gave Double Fantasy mixed reviews, but the album quickly gained critical acclaim and commercial success following Lennon’s death. It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the US and UK, and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981. “(Just Like) Starting Over,” the album’s lead single, became one of Lennon’s most iconic tracks, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and capturing the optimism and nostalgia of his artistic return.
Tracklisting:
- “(Just Like) Starting Over” – 3:56
- “Kiss Kiss Kiss” (Yoko Ono) – 2:41
- “Cleanup Time” – 2:58
- “Give Me Something” (Yoko Ono) – 1:35
- “I’m Losing You” – 3:57
- “I’m Moving On” (Yoko Ono) – 2:20
- “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” – 4:02
- “Watching the Wheels” – 3:31
- “Yes, I’m Your Angel” (Yoko Ono) – 3:08
- “Woman” – 3:32
- “Beautiful Boys” (Yoko Ono) – 2:55
- “Dear Yoko” – 2:34
- “Every Man Has a Woman Who Loves Him” (Yoko Ono) – 4:02
- “Hard Times Are Over” (Yoko Ono) – 3:20
25 Best Classic Rock Comeback Albums article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
