Rolling Stone's 500 "Greatest Albums" Part 4 Quiz

Answer: 400

The rapper known as Juvenile was born Terius Gray in New Orleans in 1975. His first recording was released in 1994 and he gained a solid reputation in NOLA. In 1998, "400 Degreez" brought more widespread exposure and fame and sales were good. It reached number nine on the Billboard 200.

Away from a highly varied personal life that saw some legal troubles, Juvenile kept on recording and "Reality Check" topped the Billboard 200 in 2006.

Answer: Clandestino

When Manu Chao released "Clandestino" in 1998, people started making comparisons to Bob Marley. This was his first solo project after leaving the French band Mano Negra. The band was huge in Europe and South America, where they smashed up a television studio during one interview. They even disbanded before their best selling album "Casa Babylon" hit the record stores.

Chao sent three years from 1992 driving around South America and picking up gigs in bars. He also spent this time writing songs and these were the basis for "Clandestino". Released in 1998, it took the album a year before hitting the French top 10, and stayed in the charts for four years. It was a hit throughout Europe (except the UK) and in South America. Sales eventually toped five million. José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao Ortega was born n Paris in 1961 and became, a multi-lingual singer. Three more studio albums and one live long player followed "Clandestino".

Answer: Girls

In 1978, the title track "Some Girls" brought a lot of flack to the Rolling Stones because of a lyric line that angered black civil rights groups in the USA. Despite (because of?) the controversy, the album topped the Billboard 200, was also a number one in Canada, and reached number two in the UK. It also earned a Grammy nomination.

The album was also noted for its early cover artwork. That featured images of celebrities, some of whom had not given permission. The artwork was changed after threats of legal action. The single "Miss You" topped the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number three in the UK

Answer: BLACK

Released in 2009 "BLACKsummers'night" [SIC] was the fourth album from Brooklyn-born Gerald Maxwell Rivera. It went straight in at the top of the Billboard 200 and was nominated for two Grammys.

Described by some critics as smooth retro 70s soul, this was intended to be the second part of a themed trilogy.

Answer: Today

Released in 1965, this was the with eighth album from The Beach Boys and reached number two on the Billboard 200. In some ways it was a transitional LP, moving the combo away from the earlier surf-loving-good-boys songs to stronger and, some said, more mature themes.

It also marked a point where Brian Wilson decided to stop touring to concentrate on writing and production. (He had other issues also, including a nervous breakdown and a dalliance with mind-altering drugs). Glen Campbell joined temporarily for live shows, with Bruce Johnson coming in on a more permanent basis. From the album, "Help Me, Rhonda" was re-recorded and reached number one on the Hot 100.

Answer: Classic

Sunday Adeniyi, to give his name at birth, was born in Nigeria in 1946. He was one of those behind juju music, a mix of traditional Yoruba vocals and percussion with rock and roll. Signing to Island Records brought him recognition outside Africa, although the relationship was short-lived.

"The Best of the Classic Years" was released in 2003 and was a compilation of some of his best pre-Island songs.

Answer: 3

Released in 1973, "3+3" was the 11th album from the Cincinnati siblings O'Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley and Ronald Isley. Originally a youthful combo, they had been a foursome with their brother, Vernon, who died in a car crash at the age of 13.

In the late 50s they began to be noted on the New York City scene and signed to RCA Records. In 1973 "3+3" was a number eight on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. The three original Isleys had been joined at that stage by brothers Ernie and Marvin and cousin Chris Jasper. In 2001 the Isleys became the first band to score Hot 100 top 50 hits in six consecutive decades. One year earlier they had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Answer: Confession

In 1968, "Eli & the 13th Confession" was the second album from New York City singer songwriter Laura Nyro. Born in 1947, her first album was released in 1968 and eight more studio albums followed before her death in 1997. Another was released posthumously.

Nyro was a self-taught pianist and released her first album "More Than A New Discovery" at the age of 18. Her style was a mix of genres. Her songs were turned into hits by others, including The 5th Dimension with "Wedding Bell Blues"; Blood, Sweat & Tears with "And When I Die"; Three Dog Night with "Ellie"s Coming"; and Barbra Streisand with "Stoney End". Alice Cooper called her "the female Burt Bacharach" and named her as one of his favourite songwriters of all time.

Answer: Sin

In 1969 "The Gilded Palace of Sin" was the debut album from the decidedly non-brotherly Flying Burrito Brothers. At that time, Gram Parsons and Chris Allman were at the core of the band. Although not a commercial success, the album is said to have influenced The Eagles.

The critics, though, did like the album, and the band. Bob Dylan, meanwhile, is said to have named "The Gilded Palace of Sin" as one of his favourite county-rock albums. It was also said to have helped usher in a new legion of alternate country artists.

Answer: Emma

Hailing out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Bon Ivor was built around Justin Vernon and quickly established a reputation on the indie folk circuit. "For Emma, Forever Ago" was their debut album and reached number 64 on the Billboard 200. The second eponymous album and their third "22, A Million" reached number two.

While never making much of an impression on the singles charts, years of solid recording and touring followed, with two Grammy wins and six nominations along the way (pre-2021 awards ceremony).