# Worst album by a major artist at or near their prime **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 30, 2006, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849 "2006-08-30T22:57:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![kelly5078](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6f9a4e/32.png) [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/61 "2006-09-01T18:56:55Z")
I was 17 and a huge Beatles fan when “Sgt. Pepper’s” came out, and I was also underwhelmed. After “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver,” it was a huge letdown. On the other hand, I certainly wouldn’t classify it as a bad album. They didn’t put out one of those until “Let It Be,” in which they even managed to screw up the beautiful title cut. By that point, though, they were past their prime, seeing as how they were more concerned with wives and wanting to strangle each other than with music. It’s a wonder, though, given all the pressure they were under, that they managed to hold it together as long as they did. This is kind of rambling, isn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/62 "2006-09-01T19:32:08Z")
[QUOTE=kelly5078] I was 17 and a huge Beatles fan when “Sgt. Pepper’s” came out, and I was also underwhelmed. After “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver,” it was a huge letdown. On the other hand, I certainly wouldn’t classify it as a bad album. They didn’t put out one of those until “Let It Be,” in which they even managed to screw up the beautiful title cut. By that point, though, they were past their prime, seeing as how they were more concerned with wives and wanting to strangle each other than with music. It’s a wonder, though, given all the pressure they were under, that they managed to hold it together as long as they did. This is kind of rambling, isn’t it? [/QUOTE] “Abbey Road,” a masterpiece, was actually the last album they recorded, though “Let It Be” was released later. The delay was more a function of the muddled mess the tapes were, not of the material. The sessions were a bit dysfunctional, but any album with the following material, representative of a group past its prime? I don’t think so. Not your favorite? Fine. 1. Two of Us 2. Dig a Pony 3. Across the Universe 4. I Me Mine 5. Dig It 6. Let It Be 7. Maggie Mae 8. I’ve Got a Feeling 9. One After 909 10. The Long and Winding Road 11. For You Blue 12. Get Back As for MMT… 1. Magical Mystery Tour 2. Fool on the Hill 3. Flying 4. Blue Jay Way 5. Your Mother Should Know 6. I Am the Walrus 7. Hello Goodbye 8. Strawberry Fields Forever 9. Penny Lane 10. Baby You’re a Rich Man 11. All You Need Is Love …yes, perhaps it’s not as cohesive–meaning more of a compilation–than other Beatles’ works, but puh-leez! Any other group puts out an album with songs of the quality and popularity of MMT, Fool on the Hill, I Am the Walrus, Hello Goodbye, Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, and All You Need Is Love–all on the same album–and that group is hailed as producing a masterpiece. The Beatles are victims of their own brilliance, if MMT can remotely be viewed as a dud. Not one’s favorite? Okay. A bad album? Come on. ---
**Author:** ![fishbicycle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aeb1de/32.png) [@fishbicycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fishbicycle)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/63 "2006-09-01T20:04:51Z")
Creedence Clearwater Revival had been riding the wave since 1969, but by 1972, the other guys were getting tired of being in the shadows of the brilliance of John Fogerty. So he relented, and let the others write and sing the bulk of _Mardi Gras_. With the exception of John’s great rocker “Sweet Hitchhiker” and the moody “Someday Never Comes”, every other song on this album sucks harder than the vacuum of outer space. And then the group broke up. ---
**Author:** ![kelly5078](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6f9a4e/32.png) [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/64 "2006-09-01T20:05:14Z")
I am fully aware of the recording and release chronology of The Beatles releases. I did not mention “Abbey Road” or “Magical Mystery Tour,” so I don’t know where the hell that’s coming from. My opinion of “Let It Be” stands. Thank you for allowing me an opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/65 "2006-09-01T20:14:20Z")
[QUOTE=kelly5078] I am fully aware of the recording and release chronology of The Beatles releases. I did not mention “Abbey Road” or “Magical Mystery Tour,” so I don’t know where the hell that’s coming from. My opinion of “Let It Be” stands. Thank you for allowing me an opinion. [/QUOTE] You identified the Beatles as past their prime when they had yet to record a generally acknowledged masterpiece, “Abbey Road,” even if we grant that “Let It Be” was a dud (I don’t, actually). See the point yet? Does your full awareness of the chronology recognize the non sequitur in play here, or do you think “Abbey Road” was lousy also? BTW, I will magnanimously permit you to hold your opinion. But when offering it on a message board, expect responses. Sheesh. ---
**Author:** ![kelly5078](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6f9a4e/32.png) [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/66 "2006-09-01T20:48:44Z")
**Stratocaster** : Oh, I see. I conflated an answer to the OP with a personal opinion, and came up with a jumble. I will try to clarify. I believe “Let It Be” to be the worst album The Beatles did at or near their prime. That’s simple enough. However, I erred in saying they were past their prime. I don’t think they were ever past their prime. They tended to be a bit, er, distracted after Sgt. Pepper, but any band that can put out “I Am the Walrus,” “Revolution,” “Let It Be (the single),” and “Here Comes the Sun” is not exactly running on empty. So, my bad. Overall, yes, I think “Abbey Road” is more overrated than “Sgt. Pepper’s.” I’m usually not all that touchy, but when the Beatles come up things tend to get a little overheated around here. I am now in the uncomfortable position of being a Beatle’s fan who may be about to be piled on for not being pro-Beatle enough. **Don’t do it, folks!** I’m not worth it. Stick to the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/67 "2006-09-01T21:16:24Z")
[QUOTE=kelly5078] I don’t think they were ever past their prime. [/QUOTE] Agreed. But I always feel a bit protective of the boys, as if they need it. After years of listening (and listening and listening), I’m still astounded by their body of work. And I’m not sure I’d disagree with you re: “Let It Be.” I’d merely add that their “worst” is still a great album, again a testament to their greatness (which is probably farther than you’d take it for this particular album). Anyway, from a fellow Beatles fan, thanks for the clarification. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2006, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/68 "2006-09-02T09:44:33Z")
[QUOTE=buns3000] Nirvana - “In Utero” [/QUOTE] I thought In Utero was a good album, I listened to it a lot. My nomination is Metallica’s _St. Anger_. I’m still bummed over that one. ---
**Author:** ![cactus\_waltz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@cactus\_waltz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cactus_waltz)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2006, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849/69 "2006-09-02T11:38:18Z")
[QUOTE=Smitty] I have a friend whose cousin has done some production work with Prince. According to him, Prince does this on purpose. Prince could make 5 more albums just like _Purple Rain_ if he wanted, but Prince feels like once he covers a certain style, it’s time to move on and do something else. I do agree with your assessment of _LoveSexy_, though. [/QUOTE] It’s the understanding I’ve got also. Prince makes music for himself first and foremost. He knows how to play the audience and could be a constant critics’ darling if that was his game. I guess he’s content with releasing a handful of great singles per decade and then zone out into his glorious galaxy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-album-by-a-major-artist-at-or-near-their-prime/370849.md?page=3)