Best Late Rock Star Releases

Not everyone rock star can keep the fire burning until the end of time. It's only natural that performers age, and you wouldn't expect them to release the same classics that they did in their prime, when they enjoyed chart topping positions... However, at times the world is faced with pleasant exceptions. While most of their contemporaries have focused on recycling old hits or moving away from music altogether, our current heroes have demonstrated that as they've aged, they've become the only better - just like wine!

These records may not have been big hits. But that's not so important. What's important is that their creators have proven their awesomeness and ability to stay afloat even decades after the peak of their fame! This is the top of rock legends' swanky late releases.which were released by our favourite idols at an advanced age.

Def Leppard - "X"

Most of even the great Hair Metal bands had no chance of staying at the top of the charts after 1992. In just a few months, it was the Nirvana eraand all the Sunset Strip bands are a thing of the past... But did they fight for the right to exist like they did. Def Leppard? Yes, but with varying degrees of success. While their colleagues continued to "drown" for good old rock'n'roll, or on the contrary - released rather cheap commercial experiments in order to "get into the trends", Def Leppard managed to find the perfect balance and attract new fans. It's about their album "X" 2002.

Despite the fact that some devoted fans did not understand this release (for the album deviated far from traditional rock and roll), "The Leppards." have shown that their ability to work in the sound of modern pop music is actually surprisingly good! The main trump card of this album is producing: the band still brings those classic layered harmonies they inherited from Queen, and uses them effectively in ballads such as "Long, Long Way to Go". Compared to other bands who just want to sell out and make songs that are more in tune with the times, this record seems to have been made with love.

Paul McCartney - "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard"

By 2005, the Paula McCartney there was no reason to record new albums anymore. He'd already become a superstar several times over, and even if his 90s work had become "dad rock" to some people, he still had plenty of Beatles-era songs to keep his legacy and big name safe. But a chance encounter with a Radiohead producer sparked a recording session "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard." - of the great record of the noughties!

There are a few moments on this album that deviate from Paul's usual style, sticking mostly to piano for most of the track list and creating different soundscapes that are more in line with the indie scene. Yet the Paul McCartney everyone knew is still out there. It's just that this record feels like out of the other worldFar from the solo or Beatles days, but definitely charming.....

Pearl Jam - "Lightning Bolt"

At the time of issue "Lightning Bolt." the grunge era is long behind us. Nevertheless, it was this 2013 record that showed how great and ingenious they are Pearl Jam in your direction! Well, it's not the only one.

Inspired by The Who and new wave, Pearl Jam presented fans with gorgeous tracks in a variety of styles and harmonies. To expect such a result from a band whose name seemed to be left in the 90s would be fantastic. And yet... The old guys have made it clear that they still not everything has been said..

Rush - "Vapor Trails"

A great record from 2002, which many devoted fans Rush appreciated.

Everything seemed to be headed for a Rush break-up, and the tour Test For Echo in the late '90s was to be their last. While the band itself was still on good terms, Neil Peart He was increasingly lost in his personal life, having lost his daughter after a tragic car accident and his wife, who died of cancer shortly afterwards... Yet he found the strength to record an excellent album with his mates "Vapor Trails." (as well as a few more subsequent releases) before passing away in 2020.

David Bowie - "Blackstar"

For most of the 2000s, it wouldn't have surprised anyone if the David Bowie decided to just quietly retire from music. He had already done everything he could: he became a legend and a world-class superstar! But as it turns out, his 2016 record. "Blackstar." was a kind of wiring we didn't even know we had.....

Written around the time Bowie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, the songs with the "Blackstar." represent some of his parting words to his fans, released just days before his passing in 2016. A nostalgic album that demonstrates that Bowie was still pushing boundaries, drawing inspiration from jazz and soul and bringing together some of New York's greatest session musicians to provide the backdrop for his musical last will...