Forty-four may seem a bit late age to make your first solo album, but I guess being part of Dylan’s backing band for most of your career would tend to keep you busy. Still well worth the wait.
Album: Robbie Robertson
Artist: Robbie Robertson
Released: 26th October 1988
Weeks in UK Album Chart: 14
Highest Chart Position: No.23
Another ‘difficult third album’ – this one resulting in a triumphal blend of bluegrass meeting heavy rock – Steve Earle’s own description. You never come back from Copperhead Road is more than just a lyric!
Album: Copperhead Road
Artist: Steve Earle
Released: 17th October 1988
Weeks in UK Album Chart: 8
Highest Chart Position: No.42
Completely different when it arrived to what else was around, it still sounds as good all these years later.
Album: Parallel Lines
Artist: Blondie
Released: 23rd September 1978
Weeks in UK Album Chart: 115
Number of Weeks at No.1: 4
You will probably ask why would an album that never charted be a classic? Well, just take a listen, then your question will change to how could one of the very best-ever Motown albums never chart?
Album: Sophisticated Soul
Artist: The Marvelettes
Released: 26th August 1968
Weeks in UK Album Chart: 0
Highest position in US R&B Chart: 41
One of those surprise albums that you buy for one or two tracks, then discover the whole thing is just a delight.
Album: Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars
Artist: Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians
Released: 9th August 1988
Weeks in UK Album Chart: 17
Highest Chart Position: No.25