Musicians radically changing their musical style: Which ones did U like? and the worst?

What are the "transitional" (from one genre to another) albums U loved? Those U hated?

Many singers/musicians have tried to showcase maturity/evolution/originality (and feed their bank account) by changing their musical counts. For better or worse...

180-degrees musical changes I have enjoyed:

- "Young Americans" and "Low" (David Bowie): He went from glam rock to a poppish-Philly sound, and I actually enjoy this album a lot. 2 albums later he went Krautrock with "Low" which is another masterpiece

- "Kid A" (Radiohead) : I got into them quite recently, but until I listened to that album I just thought they were just-another-Britpop-band... Love the glitch-twisted electronic sounds in it

- "Dirty Mind" (Prince) : Went from the disco-funk sounds of "Prince" to an even funkier yet rockier sound here. Still one of my Top 5 album from him

- "Heartbreak & 808s" (Kanye West) : Okay, this 'change' doesnt get much love probably because of the Auto tune thing and the 'average' singing. Still I think it was quite risqué for the rather 'conservative' hip-hop world. And it nice trippy, aerial feel to it.

Those I hated:

-"Seven & The Ragged Tiger" (Duran Duran): Not a real 'radical' change, but I hate this album, compared to the two first albums. The over produced sounds, the outdated drum machines...

-"Misundaztood" (Pink) : No matter what you say, I still think coulda done better as a R&b artist (artistically wise)

-"Scream" (Chris Cornell) : The Hell was he thinking hooking up with Timbaland?

-American Life (Madonna) : Mrs Ciccone was trying to get that Underground electro vibe and put out a "political" album. Fail.

What are your choices?

Stevie Wonder and his embrace for technology at a time when musicians were skeptical of it jumps to mind.

of Montreal transforming from twee acoustic and/or orchestral innocent pop to electro/funk/dance music

Elton John:

- as a kid, I bought all his albums from the Columbia House record club. I stole $ 20 out of my mother's pocketbook to buy Elton John fan magazines and mirrored sunglasses.

- Took a pass on that schmaltzy Disney drivel.

-Excited to hear Elton's collab with Leon Russell.

I guess be patient and things will turn around eventually.

Peace

Joe

"Maybe Your Baby" by Stevie Wonder and, to a lesser extent, "I Believe When I Fall In Love (It Will Be Forever)"... quite the rockers. Those two tracks alone gave Talking Book more of a rock feel.

[Edited 9/22/10 16:52pm]

Harlepolis said:

Stevie Wonder and his embrace for technology at a time when musicians were skeptical of it jumps to mind.

damnit you read my mind...

"I just called to say I love you"

EmbattledWarrior said:

Harlepolis said:

Stevie Wonder and his embrace for technology at a time when musicians were skeptical of it jumps to mind.

damnit you read my mind...

"I just called to say I love you"

I'm trying to decide whether your post is sincere or the tongue-was-firmly-planted-on-cheek.

One for thing for sure though, Steve should release the original from the mid-70s.,,,in fact, open the doors for the whole vault, it wouldn't hurt his legacy.