Usher - Confessions (#432)

This week we’re diving into Beck’s 1996 classic, Odelay. An incredibly creative and genuinely enjoyable record that feels like a collection of musical ideas that probably shouldn’t work together, but somehow fit perfectly. Beck brings an unconventional approach to songwriting, blending sounds, styles, and influences into something that’s entirely his own. There’s a real sense of personality and playfulness throughout, and the album rewards you for simply letting it take you wherever it wants to go. It’s an easy record to appreciate, but an even better one to just enjoy.

In Episode 426 of the Backwards Beats Podcast, hosts Carl and Dan dive deep into Paul Simon's self-titled 1972 solo masterpiece, ranked at #425 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. Following the breakup of Simon & Garfunkel, Simon embarked on a globe-trotting sonic journey—recording across Kingston, Paris, and South America—to forge a bold, independent artistic identity. Carl and Dan break down the album's multi-genre tapestries, sophisticated fingerstyle guitar work, eccentric percussive experiments, and enduring songwriting genius. Plus, the hosts share their latest listening habits in their weekly "What's In Your Ears" segment before teasing next week's episode. Music References Art Garfunkel Tom and Jerry Jerry Landis Tico and the Triumphs J.S. Bach Chopin Everly Brothers Gwen Stefani Jason Maraz Dave Matthews Eddie, Brickell Jimmy Cliff James Taylor Kat Stevens Bob Dylan Gary Davis bad bunny Harry Nielsen earth wind and fire Led Zeppelin Blue by Joni Mitchell Joni Mitchell food fighter's dreams by Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac The Flag by Barenaked Ladies Barenaked Ladies Charlie McCoy Johnny Cash Chet Akkins Alan Jennings Roy Orbison Django Reinhardt Stephanie Grapelli Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now by Van Halen Van Halen Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now by Peggy Lee Peggy Lee Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now by Leon Redbone Leon Redbone Hal Blaine Louis Belson Gene Crupa howling wolf Lucinda Williams back pocket by Vulfpec 1612 by Vulfpec Funky Duck by Vulfpec Vulfpec Lake Street Drive Theo Katzman Lewis Cato Corey Henry Michael League Joey Dossick Bull of Heaven midnight vultures by Beck Beck Join us next week for Odelay by Beck.

  In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl continue their reverse journey through Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by diving into Lucinda Williams’ seminal 1988 self-titled third album. Before Car Wheels on a Gravel Road made her a household name and an Americana icon, this 1988 release laid down the exact blueprint for the modern alt-country and roots-rock movements. Released on the legendary UK post-punk label Rough Trade Records after being rejected by major L.A. and Nashville labels, Lucinda Williams showcases raw Southern gothic storytelling, Telecaster-driven blues-rock guitar work by Gurf Morlix, and unforgettable songwriting. We trace Lucinda’s bohemian upbringing as the daughter of poet Miller Williams, her early years grinding on the Texas and Los Angeles club circuits, and how her unvarnished depiction of female autonomy and desire bridged the gap between traditional country icons like Loretta Lynn and 1990s roots-pop superstars like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tom Petty, and Sheryl Crow. Join us for an in-depth track-by-track review, production breakdown, and honest critique of this roots-rock masterpiece. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The origin story of Lucinda Williams, her southern upbringing, and literary influences. The 1980s music industry landscape and why major labels rejected her uncategorizable sound. How British post-punk label Rough Trade Records gave Lucinda complete artistic freedom. Recording sessions at Mad Dog Studios in Venice, California, with co-producer and guitarist Gurf Morlix and engineer Dusty Wakeman. Deep dives into iconic tracks: "Passionate Kisses," "Changed the Locks," "The Night's Too Long," "Crescent City," and "Side of the Road." How covers by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tom Petty, and Patty Loveless turned Lucinda into a "songwriter's songwriter."   Join us next week when we cover Paul Simon by Paul Simon.

Put on your room-temperature sweatpants and get ready to ease into a smooth, soulful masterpiece. This week on the Backwards Beats Podcast, hosts Carl and Dan take a deep dive into Episode 93 to discuss the Reverend Al Green’s seminal 1973 album, Call Me. Coming in at No. 427 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list (a massive tumble from its previous No. 60 spot in 2003), this 9-song, 35-minute record is a clinic in musical restraint, lush arrangements, and vocal genius. From exploring the history of Royal Recording Studios in Memphis to breaking down Willie Mitchell's production wizardry, Carl and Dan dissect the album track-by-track. They analyze the legendary Hi Rhythm section (including the Hodges brothers), debate the role of country music covers in soul, and try to understand how Al Green makes complex modal interchanges feel as effortless as finger painting. Plus, stay tuned for their recurring "In Your Ears" segment, and find out if Call Me gets a definitive "Hit It" or "Skip It." Music References Four Tops Bonnie Raitt Linda Ronstadt Big Star Sparks Clandestino by Mano Chao Mano Chao BLACKsummers'night by Maxwell Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) by Maxwell Pretty Wings by Maxwell Maxwell Tribute by Jack Black Jack Black Al Green & The Soul Mates Jackie Wilson Ray Charles Call Me by Juvenile Juvenile Chicago Billie Eilish Lizzy McAlpine Dodie Prince Creep by Radiohead Radiohead Trombone Shorty Bobby McFerrin Innervisions by Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder Respect by Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield Dusty Springfield Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett Wilson Pickett I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams Hank Williams Hank Williams Jr. The Everly Brothers Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley Elvis Presley The Star-Spangled Banner by Whitney Houston Whitney Houston John Mayer Elmo Johnny Cash Jerry Lee Lewis Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police The Police Ten Summoner's Tales by Sting Seven Days by Sting Sting Erykah Badu Civil War / We Have a Choice by Karma Gods Karma Gods River of Dreams by Billy Joel Glass Houses by Billy Joel The Stranger by Billy Joel All About Soul by Billy Joel And So It Goes by Billy Joel The Downeaster 'Alexa' by Billy Joel Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel 2000 Years by Billy Joel You May Be Right by Billy Joel Billy Joel Here I Am (Come and Take Me) by UB40 Red Red Wine by UB40 Can't Help Falling in Love by UB40 UB40 Leon Bridges Phoebe Bridgers Bob Marley Willie Nelson Lyle Lovett Lil Dicky Bring It On by Juicy J Juicy J Leonard Cohen Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) by Eagles Eagles Thriller by Michael Jackson Michael Jackson Queen Elliott Smith Steve Miller Band Booker T. & the M.G.'s Jimmy Smith Carl Denson Maceo Parker Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere by Nate Smith Nate Smith Across 110th Street by Bobby Womack Bobby Womack No Jacket Required by Phil Collins Phil Collins Genesis Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Join us next week when we cover Lucinda Williams by Lucinda Williams

In Episode 92 of Backwards Beats, hosts Dan and Carl review Hüsker Dü's 1985 landmark release, New Day Rising, ranked at #428 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The hosts explore the Minneapolis punk scene of the 1980s, the band's transition from intense hardcore to melodic post-punk, and the creative tension between dual songwriters Bob Mould and Grant Hart. Given a divisive, trebly low-fi production style, will our hosts ultimately give the album its due for its undeniable influence on 90s alternative rock—inspiring bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and the Pixies. Music References Dinosaur Jr. Basket Case by Green Day Good Riddance by Green Day Green Day Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks Garth Brooks American Pie by Don McLean Don McLean Buddy Rich Doc Severinsen Ed Shaughnessy Louie Bellson In the Summertime by Ray Dorset / Mungo Jerry Ray Dorset / Mungo Jerry Blue Öyster Cult Motörhead Mötley Crüe Psycho Killer by Talking Heads Talking Heads Suicide Commandos The Replacements Minutemen Document by R.E.M. Reconstruction of the Fables by R.E.M. Shiny Happy People by R.E.M. What's the Frequency, Kenneth? by R.E.M. R.E.M. Eight Miles High by The Byrds The Byrds Prince The Beatles Ram by Paul McCartney Paul McCartney Nirvana Pixies Pearl Jam Jimmy Eat World Foo Fighters The Offspring All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey Dreamlover by Mariah Carey Mariah Carey That's the Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson If by Janet Jackson All for You by Janet Jackson Janet Jackson Charli XCX Ben Harper Jack Johnson Ben Folds Lenny Kravitz Dead End by Dead Kennedys Buzzbomb by Dead Kennedys Dead Kennedys Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young Neil Young Ball and Chain by Social Distortion Social Distortion The B-52's Severe Tire Damage by They Might Be Giants They Might Be Giants Rush Muse Wilco It's All Been Done by Barenaked Ladies One Week by Barenaked Ladies The Old Apartment by Barenaked Ladies Shoe Box by Barenaked Ladies Brian Wilson by Barenaked Ladies Barenaked Ladies Celebration Summer Fugazi Kenji Haino With or Without You by U2 U2 Taylor Swift Rumours by Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac Tom Petty Ramones Elvis Costello The Who Run Runaway by Slade Slade Quiet Riot TV Party by Black Flag Gimme Gimme Gimme by Black Flag Thirsty and Miserable by Black Flag Black Flag Joy Division 59 Times the Pain Butthole Surfers My Morning Jacket Only the Good Die Young by Billy Joel Angry Young Man by Billy Joel Billy Joel Goldfinger CAN Weird Al Yankovic 3AM by Matchbox Twenty Matchbox Twenty Cloud Nothings War Pigs by Cake Never There by Cake Short Skirt/Long Jacket by Cake Sheep Go to Heaven by Cake Mexico by Cake Cake War Pigs by Faith No More Faith No More Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Bread Join us next week when we dig into Call Me by Al Green.

Welcome to Episode 429 of the Backwards Beats Podcast! This week, hosts Carl and Dan break down album #429 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list: the 1967 Motown masterpiece Reach Out by Four Tops (no "The," as they meticulously clarify!).  Released in the summer of 1967, this 12-song pop treasure represents the absolute zenith of the group's legendary partnership with songwriting and production royalty Holland-Dozier-Holland (HDH). Backed by the unmatched studio mastery of the Funk Brothers featuring bass deity James Jamerson, and the sublime backing vocals of the Andantes, Reach Out is an essential pillar of soul and pop history. Carl and Dan unpack the album’s dramatic vocal dynamics, its daring genre-blending covers, and why these 32 minutes of music continue to define the Motown sound. Music References GWAR magic carpet ride by Steppenwolf Steppenwolf Rolling Stones like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan Bob Dylan Florida Georgia line Darious Rutger Wonderwall by Oasis don't look back in anger by Oasis Oasis Ames brothers Levi Stubbs Everly Brothers Big Bopper Richie Valens lovin spoonful Steve Winwood signed sealed deliver by Stevie Wonder Ebony and Ivory by Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder Funk Brothers James Jamerson how sweet it is to be loved by you by Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye The Supremes The Andantes Martha Reeves Temptations Jimmy Ruffin my guy by Mary Wills Mary Wills Dana Ross I'll keep holding on by Marvelettes Marvelettes how sweet it is to be loved by you by James Taylor James Taylor Walk away Renee by Left Bank Left Bank Kanye West Outkast red hot chili peppers Bobby Daron If I were a carpenter by Tim Hardin Tim Hardin three dog night I'm a believer by the monkeys the monkeys All Star by Smashmouth I'm a believer by Smashmouth Smashmouth Ludicrist Antoine Stanley Vulfpec theo catsman joe dart Cory Wong Joey Dossick Lewis Cato Blondie Pat Benitar Fleetwood Mac The Beatles Queen ACDC Hozier Haley Williams Maclamore FINNEAS RHYNO by Travis Scott Travis Scott Daft Punk Keith Richards Morgan Wallen Future Metro Booman Rupert Holmes Smoky Robinson mos def the way you make me feel by Michael Jackson Michael Jackson Bjork it's so quiet by Betty Hutton Betty Hutton Join us next week when we explore new day rising by Husker du.

Grab a Moscow Mule, slap on some sunscreen, and join Carl and Dan as they take on a massive homework assignment for episode 90 of the Backwards Beats Podcast! This week, the guys dive deep into Bad Bunny's global blockbuster, Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You)—an ambitious 23-track, 80-minute journey that holds the #430 spot on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. To tackle an album of this scale, Carl and Dan change up the format: they challenge themselves to curate the "Perfect 10-Song Album" using the tracks in front of them. Discover the 7 tracks they had in absolute lockstep, learn about the historical roots of Latin genres like Merengue and Dembow, and hear a breakdown of the production secrets that helped this record shatter global streaming records. Music References all eyes on me by 2Pac Howlin Wolf Thug World Order by Bone Thugs and Harmony Bone Thugs and Harmony Rihanna Daddy Yankee Selena Natalie inbruglia M.P. My Pocket by Joey Boy Joey Boy Maclamore Ed Sheeran Chris Brown Usher Taylor Swift scorpion by Drake Drake Tom Sawyer by Rush Rush continuum by John Mayer John Mayer Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughn Stevie Ray Vaughn rivers by sublime sublime Bob Marley Clandistino by Manu Chao Manu Chao Reach Out by Four Tops Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen Queen Join us next week when we go back to 1976 with Four Tops.

Welcome back to another episode of the Backwards Beats Podcast! This week, hosts Carl and Dan double up their recording schedule to bring you a deep dive into the groundbreaking 1984 album How Will the Wolf Survive? by Los Lobos. Currently holding the #431 spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, this 11-track, 33-minute masterpiece is a densely packed piece of art that blends traditional Mexican-American folk styles with rock, country, blues, doo-wop, and punk. Carl and Dan explore the band's rich East L.A. roots, discuss the pristine, live-in-the-room production helmed by legendary producer T-Bone Burnett, and break down the album track-by-track. They analyze everything from the sweet vocals and "deceptive resolution" music theory behind "Matter of Time," to the blistering Zydeco energy of "The Breakdown" (featuring legendary percussionist Alex Acuña) and the jangly, janglebox-style title track. Finally, stay tuned for the "What's in Your Ears" segment, where Dan obsesses over Steely Dan and Carl revisits a classic 90s sample-based electronic album from Moby! Key Points Behind the Band & Album: Formed in East Los Angeles in 1973 as a group of friends playing Mexican folk music at parties, restaurants, and weddings, Los Lobos consists of David Hidalgo (vocals, guitars, accordion, violins, lap steel), Louie Perez (drums, guitar, vocals), Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitar, bajo sexto), and Conrad Lozano (bass). How Will the Wolf Survive? was their first major label full-length release, co-produced by T-Bone Burnett and Steve Berlin. The 1984 Field: The album peaked at #47 on the US Billboard 200 and spent 34 weeks on the charts. Rolling Stone named it one of the best albums of 1984, competing in an legendary year alongside Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A., Prince's Purple Rain, Madonna's Like a Virgin, and Van Halen's 1984. Music References Randy Travis 1984 by Van Halen Van Halen Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen Purple Rain by Prince When Doves Cry by Prince Let's Go Crazy by Prince Prince Like a Virgin by Madonna Madonna The Smiths Heartbeat City by The Cars Hello Again by The Cars The Cars George Thorogood & The Destroyers ZZ Top Slip Slidin' Away by Paul Simon Paul Simon Little River Band Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt Bonnie Raitt Social Distortion A Love Supreme by John Coltrane John Coltrane 311 Frankie Valli Scott Bradlee The Four Tops Steep Leazer Heavy Weather by Weather Report Weather Report Paul McCartney Joni Mitchell Ella Fitzgerald Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Chick Corea Whitney Houston Plácido Domingo Wayne Shorter Joe Zawinul Herbie Hancock Carlos Santana Dave Matthews Band Cindy Blackman Santana Ray Charles The Wood Brothers Little Bob and the Lollipops Steve Winwood Diogenism Jerry Garcia Shout by The Isley Brothers The Isley Brothers Brian Setzer Yakety Sax by Boots Randolph Boots Randolph (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding by Elvis Costello Elvis Costello Bob Dylan Kid Charlemagne by Steely Dan Rikki Don't Lose That Number by Steely Dan My Old School by Steely Dan Steely Dan Play by Moby Moby The Chemical Brothers Gwen Stefani Bad Bunny The Ronettes The Rolling Stones Join us next week for Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny.

Did Usher actually get a mistress pregnant, or was the biggest drama of 2004 just brilliant marketing? This week on Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into album #432 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Usher’s 2004 megahit, Confessions. We break down the high-stakes story behind the record: from Arista delaying the album because they thought it lacked hits, to Lil Jon illegally leaking "Yeah!" to radio DJs over the holidays and accidentally launching the "Crunk&B" movement. Plus, we uncover which legendary producer actually lived out the infamous infidelity storyline, assess the genius of Jermaine Dupri’s production, and ask the tough question: Is Confessions a top-tier front-to-back album, or a brilliant collection of singles holding up 60 minutes of filler? In this episode: The true story behind the "Confessions Part II" pregnancy plot line. How a delayed release turned into a 1.09-million-first-week powerhouse. The genius (and chaos) of Lil Jon, Just Blaze, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Final verdict: Does it deserve its spot in the 500 Greatest Albums canon? Subscribe to Backwards Beats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Leave us a review and let us know your favorite track off Confessions!