The Plastic blog
November 21st
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published


Queen • A Night At The Opera
Released 21 November 1975 · 51st anniversary
Bohemian Rhapsody famously pushed the limits of analog recording technology, requiring the band to record their vocal harmonies so many times that the master tape became nearly transparent. It remains a masterclass in studio excess, blending operatic drama with hard rock intensity in a way that had never been attempted before.
Released in 1975, this record reflects the peak of mid-seventies studio ambition where production budgets were vast and experimentation was encouraged. The sound is thick, layered, and meticulously crafted, capturing a band at the height of their creative confidence.

Kendrick Lamar • GNX
Released 21 November 2024 · 2nd anniversary
Surprise drops have become a signature move, but this project feels different—it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the West Coast through a lens that feels both nostalgic and urgent. The tracklist weaves together sharp lyrical introspection with a gritty energy that commands your full attention from the first beat.
Production here leans heavily into deep funk grooves and soulful textures, grounding the hardcore hip-hop elements in something distinctly organic. It captures a modern California sound that respects the history of the scene while pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B and conscious rap.

Killswitch Engage • As Daylight Dies
Released 21 November 2006 · 20th anniversary
Metalcore reached a massive audience with this release, which perfectly fused aggressive, down-tuned riffs with soaring, melodic choruses. It remains a definitive example of the genre's ability to balance brutality with accessibility.
The production is dense and heavy, characterized by sharp, precise drumming and a wall of distorted guitars. It feels like a high-octane release of tension, capturing the energy of the mid-2000s heavy music scene.

Earth, Wind & Fire • All 'N All
Released 21 November 1977 · 49th anniversary
Cosmic themes and intricate arrangements make this one of the most ambitious funk records of the late 70s. The seamless transitions between high-energy dance tracks and dreamy interludes create a cohesive, immersive listening experience.
Earth, Wind & Fire were at the peak of their creative powers here, utilizing a massive ensemble to build a lush, layered sound. It is a definitive soul album that balances technical virtuosity with pure, infectious joy.

Erykah Badu • Mama's Gun
Released 21 November 2000 · 26th anniversary
Raw vulnerability defines this record, as it marks a departure from the polished sound of her debut toward something far more experimental and introspective. The songwriting process was deeply personal, capturing a period of intense creative transition and emotional healing.
Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, the project benefits from a warm, organic production style that blends live instrumentation with gritty, soulful textures. It stands as a definitive pillar of the neo-soul movement, showcasing a collaborative spirit that brought together legendary musicians to craft a timeless, earthy soundscape.

Philip Bailey • Chinese Wall
Released 21 November 1984 · 42nd anniversary
Collaborating with Phil Collins on the hit single 'Easy Lover' gave this project a massive boost, blending soulful vocals with the sharp, gated-reverb drum sound of the mid-eighties. The album moves effortlessly between funk-inflected pop and more introspective, synth-heavy ballads.
Production values are top-tier for 1984, featuring the kind of clean, layered engineering that defined the decade's biggest pop records. It captures a moment when R&B and rock were constantly bleeding into one another on the airwaves.
Also on this day

Wild Bill Davis Trio • Evening Concerto
Released 21 November 1953 · 73rd anniversary

Dick Schory's Percussion And Brass Ensemble • Music For Bang, Baaroom And Harp
Released 21 November 1958 · 68th anniversary
The Hassles • The Hassles
Released 21 November 1967 · 59th anniversary

The Moody Blues • To Our Childrens Childrens Children
Released 21 November 1969 · 57th anniversary
The Moody Blues • To Our Children's Children's Children
Released 21 November 1969 · 57th anniversary
Gasolin' • Gasolin'
Released 21 November 1971 · 55th anniversary

Joni Mitchell • For The Roses
Released 21 November 1972 · 54th anniversary

Gene Harris • Astralsignal
Released 21 November 1974 · 52nd anniversary
Queen • A Night at the Opera (Deluxe Edition)
Released 21 November 1975 · 51st anniversary

Kimiko Kasai • We Can Fall In Love
Released 21 November 1976 · 50th anniversary
Roberto Carlos • Roberto Carlos
Released 21 November 1977 · 49th anniversary

Cat Stevens • Back To Earth
Released 21 November 1978 · 48th anniversary

Anri (2) • Apricot Jam
Released 21 November 1978 · 48th anniversary

Kumiko Sawada • Love Me Or Leave Me
Released 21 November 1979 · 47th anniversary

Lee Wiley • Lee Wiley Sings Vincent Youmans & Irving Berlin
Released 21 November 1979 · 47th anniversary

Mayumi Itsuwa • 岐路 (みち) = Michi
Released 21 November 1979 · 47th anniversary

Franz Schubert, Wiener Philharmoniker, Carlos Kleiber • Symphonien No.8 "Unvollendete" & No.3
Released 21 November 1979 · 47th anniversary

Miles Davis • Circle In The Round
Released 21 November 1979 · 47th anniversary

Yasuko Love-Bird • Journey = ジャーニー
Released 21 November 1980 · 46th anniversary

Casiopea • Make Up City
Released 21 November 1980 · 46th 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.