12 albums by big-name artists that critics unfairly panned

Music critics are known to change their minds. They might praise a band or artist one day, elevating them to great heights, but the next, they could just as easily criticize the same act and their work-especially an album or albums.

Okay, sometimes bands or artists simply hit a rough patch in their careers. They might be going through a period with no inspiration, or they could be dealing with personal issues. There might even be conflict within the band itself, and so forth.

In other words, a particular album they made might not be as good as their previous, stronger releases. Or, perhaps, critics sometimes feel inclined to be critical of artists they previously praised.

These albums deserved much better from the critics

So, I’ve been thinking… what happens when music critics get it wrong? It’s especially interesting when you look back at an artist’s whole career – up to a certain point, or even after it’s over – and an album they initially dismissed actually turns out to be really good? Does it make people rethink things? It’s cool when an album finally gets the attention it deserves, even if it took a while for both critics and listeners to realize it was worth a listen. It makes you wonder if initial reactions are always accurate, doesn’t it? It’s a thought!

So, it’s time to take another look, and critics may need to rewrite their reviews, carefully reconsidering what they said before. The 12 albums listed below could have been wrongly criticized initially.

David Bowie – David Bowie (1967)

Bowie’s debut album wasn’t well-received by critics or the public. Reviewers found it stood out too much from his later work. However, it makes you wonder – when *did* Bowie ever repeat himself? It’s true that listeners might have been growing weary of the psychedelic pop sound that heavily influences this album, but it’s difficult to argue that it wasn’t well-made psychedelic pop.

Beatles – Let It Be (1970)

Initially, Phil Spector produced the tracks for this album, which created tension within the band. The original recordings were ultimately rejected in favor of a simpler sound, leaving some critics disappointed. However, it’s hard to ignore an album featuring classics like “Let It Be,” “Across the Universe,” “Get Back,” and “The Long and Winding Road?”

Wings – Wild Life (1971)

The initial Wings album wasn’t initially well-received, because critics were anticipating music similar to The Beatles. However, McCartney intentionally pursued a simpler, rawer sound, showcasing strong songwriting while deliberately avoiding repetition. He clearly didn’t want to rehash his previous work, opting for something different. It was a conscious choice to move away from the polished Beatles style, even if it wasn’t immediately appreciated. The album’s appeal lies in its honesty and refusal to conform to expectations.

Rolling Stones – Goats Head Soup (1973)

This album unfortunately came out immediately following three incredibly successful and highly-regarded rock albums (Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St.). Initially, critics weren’t very impressed, but fans responded more positively, and history proved them right. Despite being a bit more somber and darker in tone, this version of the Stones still delivered some fantastic songs.

Lou Reed – Berlin (1973)

Initially, this album was criticized for being too depressing and gloomy. However, it featured some of Lou Reed’s strongest work, and fans quickly recognized its quality, regardless of the early reviews. Nowadays, critics now agree and consider it to be among Reed’s very best albums.

Led Zeppelin – Presence (1976)

Okay, this album might not be as varied in style as many of Led Zeppelin’s earlier works, but it really returns the band to its roots. It emphasizes the powerful riffs and straightforward rock sound they excelled at in their early days. While some critics found it lacking inspiration, the album actually features a number of energetic and forceful performances that are reminiscent of Zeppelin’s first few albums. It’s a return to what they did best, and they still delivered intense performances.

Joni Mitchell – Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter (1977)

Joni Mitchell’s Blue album, released in 1971, was a hit with both critics and fans. The legendary singer-songwriter gradually began to change her musical style, moving beyond simple acoustic guitar and piano ballads to explore jazz and more experimental sounds. With this album, some critics began to be less enthusiastic, and that negativity reached its peak with this very forward-thinking work, which many of them criticized harshly. Today, however, it’s recognized as daring and innovative, and continues to be so.

Bob Dylan – Street-Legal (1978)

This album became one of Dylan’s most debated works, as reviewers pointed out issues with the sound quality and some arrangements that could have been improved. However, the songs themselves are generally excellent, both in terms of music and lyrics. Later, improved versions of the album revealed its true potential. While it may not rank among Dylan’s very best, it’s definitely a worthwhile listen and deserves recognition.

Big Star – Third/Sister Lovers (1978)

When this album was made, both Alex Chilton and the band Big Star were going through difficult times, and it was released very quickly. Even now, people aren’t certain about the intended tracklist. While it’s possibly one of the most heartbreaking albums ever created, that’s precisely why it continues to resonate and sound so good today.

The Who – It’s Hard (1982)

By this point, the members of The Who were experiencing internal conflicts, and you can hear it in some of the music on this album. Although the band’s original high energy had diminished a bit, Pete Townshend still wrote some fantastic songs, with “Eminence Front” becoming a popular and well-deserved concert favorite.

Prince – The Black Album (1994, recorded 1987)

From the very beginning, this album sparked a lot of debate. The initial version was actually cancelled just before its release date. When it finally came out, reviewers felt it was overly gloomy and focused too much on funk. But fans didn’t care – and that’s what mattered!

Lana Del Rey – Lust for Life (2017)

Following their initial praise of Del Rey, some critics then seemed to feel compelled to offer some negative feedback, pointing out perceived inconsistencies in the album’s mood and the number of featured artists. However, Del Rey still maintains her distinctive style and sounds generally hopeful on this record.

2025-10-03 13:01