Classic Albums

Classic Albums

ENDED10 Seasons51 Episodes7.7
NetworkVH1
First AiredApr 14, 1997
Last AiredOct 8, 2021
Runtime50 min
Created ByNick De Grunwald

A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.

Seasons & Episodes10 seasons · 51 episodes

0% complete
Primal Scream: Screamadelica
E1Primal Scream: Screamadelica
May 6, 201150m
Primal Scream's seminal album Screamadelica was released in 1991, and synthesized the band's rock 'n' roll roots with the dance culture of that time; for many, the album's sound and imagery came to be regarded as quintessential symbols of the acid house era, perfectly catching the spirit and mood of the early 90s. Using rare archive footage and special performances, this film tells the story of Screamadelica and its hit singles and dance anthems Loaded, Movin' On Up, Come Together and Don't Fight It, Feel It. From the formation of the band in Glasgow to winning the first-ever Mercury prize, the band members explain the record's inception with insights from main producer Andrew Weatherall, Creation Records founder Alan McGee and many others involved with or inspired by this joyful record. Screamadelica both defines a generation and transcends its time, and is a true Classic Album.
Peter Gabriel: So
E2Peter Gabriel: So
Mar 23, 201250m
So stands as one of the greatest records of the 1980s, helping define its time to become a true classic album. The film features interviews with Gabriel himself, co-producer Daniel Lanois, bass players Tony Levin and Larry Klein, performer Laurie Anderson, drummer Manu Katché and Rolling Stone editor David Fricke amongst others.
The Who: Tommy
E3The Who: Tommy
Nov 9, 201350m
1968 was a time of soul-searching for the Who - with three badly performing singles behind them, they needed a big new idea to put them back at the top and, crucially, to hold them together as a band. Inspired by Indian spiritual master Meher Baba, Pete Townshend created the character of Tommy, the 'deaf, dumb and blind boy'. Broke and fragmenting when they started recording, the album went on to sell over 20 million copies. In this film, the Who speak for the first time about the making of the iconic album and how its success changed their lives.
Carly Simon: No Secrets
E4Carly Simon: No Secrets
May 5, 201750m
Carly Simon reveals the challenges behind No Secrets - the classic album that made her a global star and included the enigmatic song You're So Vain.
Don McLean: American Pie
E5Don McLean: American Pie
Dec 8, 201750m
Series focusing on the albums that have influenced the course of music. This edition looks at Don McLean's album American Pie, crowned by its titular overture and the song Vincent.
Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
E6Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
Sep 14, 201850m
The true story of how Amy Winehouse’s best known and most celebrated body of work came into being. Featuring previously unseen footage of Amy, new interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, and the musicians who worked with Amy on the album, offering fresh insights into Amy’s remarkable gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer.
The Crickets: The Chirping Crickets
E7The Crickets: The Chirping Crickets
Jul 12, 201950m
The story of the first album by The Crickets, crowned by four of their best-loved songs: That’ll Be the Day, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby and Oh, Boy!
Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair
E8Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair
Feb 14, 202050m
Documentary that explores Songs from the Big Chair, Tears for Fears second, seminal album, which saw the band's music transform from synth-pop into arena-ready anthems.
E9
E9The Who Sell Out
Apr 23, 2021
E10
E10Soul II Soul: Club Classics Vol. 1
Apr 30, 2021
E11
E11Suede: Coming Up
May 7, 2021
E12
E12Gil Scott-Heron: Pieces Of A Man
Sep 24, 2021
The Doors: Morrison Hotel
E13The Doors: Morrison Hotel
Oct 1, 202150m
A look at the American rockers' fifth studio album. It saw them return to their blues-rock style and earned them their highest charting album in the UK.
Freak Out!
E14Freak Out!
Oct 8, 202150m
The Mothers of Invention's 1966 cult classic debut "Freak Out!" is analyzed, with insights from Frank Zappa's band members, family and fans.

About Classic Albums

Classic Albums is a documentary series on VH1. The show first aired on Apr 14, 1997 and currently has 10 seasons and 51 episodes. Classic Albums has ended after 10 seasons. It has a rating of 7.7/10 based on 8 votes. Created by Nick De Grunwald.

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