The Plastic blog
December 16th
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published


Neil Diamond • You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Released 16 December 1978 · 48th anniversary
The title track became an unexpected radio phenomenon after a clever disc jockey spliced together solo versions from two different stars into a hit duet. This record captures a moment where the lines between pop, country, and soft rock felt completely fluid.
Smooth production and lush arrangements define the late seventies sound found here, leaning heavily into the polished storytelling that became a hallmark of the era. It is a quintessential easy-listening staple that balances upbeat anthems like 'Forever in Blue Jeans' with the sentimental ballads that defined the singer's late-seventies peak.

Stephen Schwartz • Wicked (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Released 16 December 2003 · 23rd anniversary
Stephen Schwartz crafted a score that became a cultural phenomenon by reimagining the origins of iconic literary characters. The vocal performances are legendary, capturing the high-stakes drama and emotional weight of the stage production.
Orchestral arrangements and soaring melodies define the sound, making it a definitive example of modern musical theater. It remains a staple for anyone interested in the intersection of narrative songwriting and grand, theatrical performance.

Denroy Morgan • I'll Do Anything For You
Released 16 December 1981 · 45th anniversary
The title track became an enduring dancefloor staple that transcended its reggae roots to find a permanent home in New York City's club scene. It remains a masterclass in infectious, synth-heavy groove that feels just as essential today as it did in the early eighties.
Recorded during a pivotal era for reggae-disco fusion, the production leans into the polished, electronic textures that defined the transition into the new wave age. This release captures the experimental spirit of the time, blending traditional Jamaican rhythms with the sleek, upbeat energy of the post-disco movement.

Bill Evans • Alone (Again)
Released 16 December 1975 · 51st anniversary
Solitude brings out a rare, vulnerable side of the pianist, stripping away the ensemble to focus entirely on his delicate touch and harmonic ingenuity. Each track feels like an intimate conversation held in a quiet room.
Released during a period of introspection for the artist, the recording highlights the modal jazz style that defined his later career. It is a masterclass in economy, proving that a single piano can convey more emotion than a full orchestra.

France Gall • France Gall
Released 16 December 1975 · 51st anniversary
Michel Berger stepped in to produce this record, marking a pivotal creative turning point that redefined the singer's trajectory. It features the iconic track "La Déclaration d'amour," which became a definitive staple of the French pop landscape.
Sophisticated piano arrangements and a polished, intimate production style define the sound of this 1976 release. The album captures a transition toward a more mature, singer-songwriter aesthetic that perfectly complements the era's refined pop sensibilities.

The Masked Marauders • The Masked Marauders
Released 16 December 1969 · 57th anniversary
Rolling Stone magazine famously pulled off the ultimate rock and roll prank with this record, claiming it featured a secret supergroup of legends like Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and John Lennon. The entire project was a satirical hoax designed to poke fun at the music industry's obsession with star-studded collaborations.
Musically, the album leans into a loose, psychedelic garage-rock vibe that captures the chaotic spirit of the late sixties. It functions as a bizarre time capsule of the era's counterculture, blending parodied blues-rock with a healthy dose of irreverent humor.
Also on this day

Miles Davis • Quiet Nights
Released 16 December 1963 · 63rd anniversary

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass • Christmas Album
Released 16 December 1968 · 58th anniversary
Hard Meat • Hard Meat
Released 16 December 1970 · 56th anniversary

Watazumido • The Mysterious Sounds Of The Japanese Bamboo Flute
Released 16 December 1971 · 55th anniversary

Bobby Womack • Across 110th Street
Released 16 December 1972 · 54th anniversary

Walter Wegmüller • Tarot
Released 16 December 1973 · 53rd anniversary

Adriano Celentano • 12 Supersuccessi
Released 16 December 1973 · 53rd anniversary

Sui Generis • Pequeñas Anécdotas Sobre Las Instituciones
Released 16 December 1974 · 52nd anniversary

Gordon Giltrap • Perilous Journey
Released 16 December 1977 · 49th anniversary

Junko Ohashi, Junko Ohashi, Junko Ohashi & Minoya Central Station • Flush
Released 16 December 1978 · 48th anniversary

Yukari Ito • ミスティー・アワー = Misty Hour
Released 16 December 1982 · 44th anniversary

Bobb Trimble • Harvest Of Dreams
Released 16 December 1982 · 44th anniversary

Barry Manilow • Here Comes The Night
Released 16 December 1982 · 44th anniversary

Casiopea • 4 X 4 (Four By Four)
Released 16 December 1982 · 44th anniversary

Naomi Akimoto • The 20th Anniversary
Released 16 December 1982 · 44th anniversary

The Beatles • BBC Rock Hour #BC 551
Released 16 December 1984 · 42nd anniversary

Johann Sebastian Bach, Collegium Aureum • Vier Ouvertüren (Suiten) Volume 2
Released 16 December 1984 · 42nd anniversary

Diane Schuur • Deedles
Released 16 December 1984 · 42nd anniversary

Dazz Band • Jukebox
Released 16 December 1984 · 42nd anniversary

Haruomi Hosono • S-F-X
Released 16 December 1984 · 42nd anniversary
How to track album anniversaries in your collection
Give the records on your shelf another spin. Plastic helps you organize your vinyl and CDs, sync your collection with Discogs, and discover album anniversaries and the stories behind them. Explore new releases and rediscover something you already own.