Many music fans love to try and find the ideal and complete album. A classic record that is perfect and doesn't have any songs you would want to skip or that clash with the overall sound and theme. There are certainly a good number of those perfect releases around.
I’m often taken by the thought of whether that was in the artist's mind when recording. Or if they flirted with the idea of adding something unusual as a song. Making the album different by having an oddball song, a quirky tune, or just one that didn't quite fit in with the flow and style of the others.
Now, it’s hard to get your head around why creating the perfect album and track list wouldn't be your goal. Some artists did like to experiment and stretch boundaries; others maybe needed to balance contributions from various members, and perhaps some just didn't care that much or had other constraints.
Seven close to, but not quite, perfect classic rock albums
Whatever those reasons, there are plenty of albums that came oh so close to that perfect status. I’ve listed seven examples below of some amazing classic rock albums from huge artists where one track is a standout from the rest, but not in the right way.
One single song doesn't make the album bad, but how much better could they have been if that one track was swapped out? See what you reckon to the list of records and songs below. It's how I see and hear the albums, and no doubt many will disagree with some of the choices.
Fleetwood Mac: Rumours - “Oh Daddy”
Let’s start with a song that I reckon does detract from the overall album. Written by Christine McVie it focuses on relationships and breakups, perhaps a specialist subject for the band. This one was about Mick Fleetwood’s second breakup with his wife Jenny. The topic naturally makes it melancholy.
The song is slower-paced than the rest of the album and close to lethargic as it plods along. The lyrics and the tune split critics, too, either too simplistic or poignant and beautiful.
I’m sure some will love the song and see it as a perfect fit for the album. For me, it’s an awkward moment that has me reaching for the skip button. One of the advantages of a playlist or streaming service over CDs and vinyl. The Rumours album is terrific, but I wish they'd chosen a different track to this one for it.