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


Xxxtentacion • ?
Released 16 March 2018 · 9th anniversary
Raw vulnerability defines this record, as it blends aggressive trap beats with stripped-back acoustic melodies to explore deep emotional turmoil. The tracklist functions like a diary, shifting abruptly from high-energy outbursts to quiet, introspective moments of heartbreak.
Production here reflects the late 2010s SoundCloud era, where genre boundaries were blurred by artists experimenting with lo-fi aesthetics and alternative rock influences. It captures a specific, chaotic energy that defined the internet-driven hip-hop scene of that time.

Beck • Guero
Released 16 March 2005 · 22nd anniversary
Beck returned to the dusty, sample-heavy aesthetic of Odelay with this record, blending gritty hip-hop beats with distorted garage rock. It captures a restless energy, feeling like a frantic collage of street sounds and lo-fi experimentation that somehow finds a perfect, infectious groove.
The production reunites the artist with the Dust Brothers, grounding the tracks in a classic mid-2000s alternative sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It serves as a high-water mark for his ability to synthesize disparate genres into a cohesive, radio-friendly experience.

The Decemberists • The Hazards Of Love
Released 16 March 2009 · 18th anniversary
This is a sprawling, ambitious rock opera that tells a tragic, gothic fairy tale from start to finish. It functions like a musical theater production, complete with recurring motifs and characters that weave through the entire tracklist.
Folk instrumentation meets prog-rock sensibilities here, creating a sound that is both rustic and grand. It remains a standout in the band's catalog for its sheer narrative commitment and intricate, acoustic-heavy arrangements.

Anthrax • Among The Living
Released 16 March 1987 · 40th anniversary
Speed and technical precision define this landmark thrash metal release, which helped cement the genre's place in the mainstream. The riffs are relentless, showcasing a level of energy that few bands have managed to replicate since.
Heavy metal production in this era focused on capturing the raw, live intensity of the band members playing together in a room. It serves as a definitive document of the mid-eighties thrash scene and its aggressive, high-octane spirit.

James Taylor • Mud Slide Slim And The Blue Horizon
Released 16 March 1971 · 56th anniversary
Carole King’s iconic contribution, "You've Got a Friend," anchors this record, cementing a creative partnership that defined the early seventies singer-songwriter movement. The album captures a deeply personal period for the artist, blending introspective storytelling with a gentle, melodic touch that feels like a conversation with an old friend.
Warm acoustic textures and clean, organic production define the sound, reflecting the laid-back Laurel Canyon aesthetic of the era. It remains a quintessential listen for anyone seeking the comfort of classic folk-pop arrangements and sincere, unhurried songwriting.

Sufjan Stevens • Seven Swans
Released 16 March 2004 · 23rd anniversary
Biblical imagery and hushed, intimate songwriting collide here to create a record that feels like a private prayer. It captures a fragile moment of transition, balancing sparse acoustic arrangements with lyrics that grapple deeply with faith and family.
Recorded during a period of intense creative output, the album leans into a stripped-back folk aesthetic that highlights the raw vulnerability of the vocals. The production remains intentionally quiet, allowing the banjo-driven melodies and delicate piano lines to resonate with a haunting, timeless quality.
Also on this day

Tina Brooks • Minor Move
Released 16 March 1958 · 69th anniversary

Al Hirt • Sugar Lips
Released 16 March 1964 · 63rd anniversary

Otis Redding • King & Queen
Released 16 March 1967 · 60th anniversary
Howlin' Wolf • Message To The Young
Released 16 March 1971 · 56th anniversary

T. Rex • Tanx
Released 16 March 1973 · 54th anniversary
Trettioåriga Kriget • Trettioåriga Kriget
Released 16 March 1974 · 53rd anniversary
Dolly Parton • The Bargain Store
Released 16 March 1975 · 52nd anniversary

Millie Jackson • Free And In Love
Released 16 March 1976 · 51st anniversary

Charles Aznavour • Les Grands Succes
Released 16 March 1976 · 51st anniversary

Marvin Gaye • I Want You
Released 16 March 1976 · 51st anniversary

The Dead Boys • We Have Come For Your Children
Released 16 March 1978 · 49th anniversary

REO Speedwagon • You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish
Released 16 March 1978 · 49th anniversary
Billy Paul • First Class
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary
Supertramp • Breakfast In America (Remastered 2026)
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary

The Fall • Live At The Witch Trials
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary

The Royal Rasses • Humanity
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary

Roxy Music • Manifesto
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary

Al Hudson & The Partners • Happy Feet
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary
Poussez! • Poussez!
Released 16 March 1979 · 48th anniversary

Solution (4) • ...It's Only Just Begun...
Released 16 March 1980 · 47th 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.