Best (charted and popular) late in career release from a band

BurgundyClone

Well-Known Member
Apr 15, 2007
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East of Omaha
Most bands put out their best stuff in their earlier years and then really struggle to make anything popular or relevant in later years. Heard Thunderstruck today and while not my favorite band by any means, knew that it came out around 1990 which was relatively late in their cycle (formed in 1973) -so that was one that popped in my head and made me think of it.

I'm struggling to think of others -my favorites like Green Day and Billy Joel really tail off IMO or stopped writing completely. BonJovi keeps putting stuff out but, yeesh.

I do really still like Weezer's new stuff, and I guess they're nearly 30 years in -and some of it is still charting.
 
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Meatloaf: I’d do anything for love (1993)
Billy Joel: River of Dreams (1993)
Aerosmith: multiple hits in the 90s - 2000s
 
The two albums RHCP just released almost simultaneously are very good.

The first time I heard “Tippa My Tongue” I figured it was some late 80s or early 90s song from them I missed.

REM’s very late or maybe even last album “accelerate” is easily in their top half and way better than the decade of albums that preceded it. Out with their best vibe.
 
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While I don't care for The Beach Boys and their late hit, "Kokomo", I think that could easily fit in this thread.

Wasn't "In the Ghetto" also a late hit for Elvis?
Kokomo was my first thought given this thread....
 
Cher released "Believe" in 1998 at the age of 52. It went on to hit #1 in 21 countries including the Billboard Hot 100. This was 33 years after her first #1 song, "I Got You Babe" (Sonny & Cher).


Another interesting note: this song is credited for popularizing the use of Auto-Tune, which was called the "Cher effect" for a time.
 
It’s hard to get great stats for hard rock music but these are top of mind based on popularity on SiriusXM Octane.

Korn continues to put out big time records after 30 years.

Godsmack put out a stellar album this year after 30 years - Lighting Up The Sky. It’s supposed to be their last, unfortunately.

Papa Roach has had several big hits off their latest album - Ego Trip.
 
Not that I'm a huge Dolly Parton fan, but the snippets I've heard from her latest "Rockstar" album make me wish she had left well enough alone.
 
The Rolling Stones' album this year charted pretty well and they've been around since the beginning of time, it's not amazing but it has it's moments for sure.
Totally agree. Songwriting is kind of even (like every Stones album IMO), but Mick's singing and the album production are their best.
 

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